Discovering gold in Australia

Introduction

The discovery of gold revolutionised life in Australia.

Australia has long been recognised as one of the world's richest sources of gold. In fact, in the 1850s at the peak of the goldrush period, Australia was producing nearly half of the world's gold. Today, with the introduction of new and more sophisticated methods of mining and extraction, Australia produces more gold than ever before. Australia is now the world's third-largest producer of gold supplies.

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First impressions

Early explorers to Australia were convinced that there was no gold at all. Seventeenth century English explorer William Dampier described Australia as dry, rocky and barren, concluding that there was nothing of any interest or value to be found on the new continent.

This was the impression shared by many early arrivals to the goldfields. Many wrote home to their families of their disappointment with the diggings. The land was harsh, dry and inhospitable. There were no green pastures or flowing rivers to be found near the goldfields.

The absence of trees struck many new arrivals. The goldfields were merely hot, flat, sandy plains with sparse clumps of greenish-grey grass and rows of tents. Mineshafts of varying sizes had been dug. These were usually square, except for those dug by Chinese miners, which were usually round.

The unrelenting heat, dust and flies made life miserable for those on the diggings. Most were sustained only by the dream of striking it rich. The conditions were unhealthy for most, with dirt and disease common among the goldfield communities.

Mateship

The Australian tradition of mateship has its roots in the gold rush period. As individual claims were so small, groups of miners frequently banded together to dig for gold, helping each other out by sharing tools and tents, setting up small communities.

United by a common purpose, miners often put aside many of their differences to work together and hopefully strike it rich. From their close working relationships began the culture of concern for each other as well as the sharing of victories, discoveries, losses and hardships.

This attitude soon became a feature of the Australian character. In the first and second world wars, mateship became a way of life. The Australian soldiers were much admired by overseas colleagues for their close bonds with and support of each other when in need. See image 2

Immigration

The discovery of gold started waves of immigration as people from all parts of the globe made the long, and sometimes dangerous, trek to Australia and the goldfields. In the case of the Chinese miners, the majority were transported to Robe, a small fishing port in South Australia and then had to trek to the goldfields of Ballarat on foot - a trip of over 1000 kilometres!

Despite the many difficulties they faced, the Chinese soon began to establish themselves in Australia. While many were successful in their quest for gold, others sought to establish themselves as entrepreneurs (an innovator, someone who recognises opportunities). Within a few years they opened a range of small businesses and occupations, including barber's shops, fortune tellers, shoe menders, herbalists and restaurants.

The Chinese presence in Australia has grown steadily over the years to become an integral part of the Australian culture. Now Melbourne and Sydney are known for their Chinese New Year festivals that attract many thousands of visitors to the cities each year. See image 3