-
First Gold Nugget
The first gold nugget in Australia was discovered by James McBrien at Fish River. -
Mt Alexander
The Mount Alexander goldfields were discovered, and for 50 years were the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields. -
Period: to
Ballarat Gold Rush
-
Ballarat Mapped
William Swan Urquhart mapped Ballarat and the surrounding areas. -
James Scobie Murdered
James Scobie, a Scottish miner, was murdered by Bentley, the owner of the Eureka Hotel. -
Eureka Hotel Burnt
After James Scobie's death, the diggers rioted and burnt down the Eureka Hotel. Bentley and his wife Catherine escaped. -
Bakery Hill Meeting
At Bakery Hill, the miners burnt their licences and swore their loyalty to the Southern Cross. They made a flag, now called the Eureka flag, and raised it. This flag still stands in the middle of a roundabout, and is now a symbol of democracy and protest. The miners elected Peter Lalor as their leader. -
Eureka Stockade
The Eureka Stockade started in the morning, when the miners were sleeping peacefully in their tents. The soldiers snuck up on them and attacked. It lasted 20 minutes and 34 people were killed (30 miners and 4 soldiers). 128 miners were caught, but Peter Lalor escaped. The miners were tried later, but were found not guilty. -
Miners' Right applied
-
Sydney Mint Established
The Sydney Mint was Australia's first mint. -
Welcome Stranger Nugget
The Welcome Stranger Nugget was found by John Deason in Moliagul, near Ballarat. He searched around the roots of a tree and found the 69kg nugget only 3cm underground. The Welcome Stranger Nugget would be worth $3-4 million in today's money. -
Gold Found in SA
In Birdwood, the first South Australian gold was found. -
Perth Mint Established
