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Californian gold rush. A great many Australians sailed for California.
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The early rush to the NSW fields led to a serious decline in the population in Victoria
The early rush to the NSW fields led to a serious decline in the population in Victoria, so a reward was offered for the discovery of gold in that region. Several claimants came forward, and by the end of 1851 the incredibly rich Ballarat and Bendigo fields were in production. Licence fees of 30/- a month were imposed. -
Prospectors started arriving from overseas
Approximately 100 000 arrived in 1852. Ships' crews deserted. Women were left while their husbands went in search of gold. Australia's population went from 404 276 to 1 097 305 between 1850 and 1860. Small gold deposits were discovered in New Zealand. -
The licence fee in NSW was reduced to 10/- a month after near riots at Turon.
1853 The licence fee in NSW was reduced to 10/- a month after near riots at Turon. Victoria followed suit a few months later. -
the Eureka Stockade began
Discontent with the licensing system and lack of political rights came to a head in the Eureka Stockade. An inquiry followed. -
In Victoria, the licence was replaced with the `Miner's Right'
In Victoria, the licence was replaced with the `Miner's Right', costing 1/- per annum and carrying the right to vote. An export duty of 2s 6d per ounce was placed on gold instead. -
NSW adopted similar changes in licensing and voting to Victoria.
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Gold discovered in British Columbia (25 000 prospectors).
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A small deposit of gold was discovered north of Fitzroy River in north Queensland.
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An influx of Chinese miners meant that by 1860 one fifth of all adult men in Victoria were Chinese.