En route to the diggings

A group of hopeful diggers set out for Ballarat, leaving Melbourne behind in the distance.  Some are lucky enough to afford the coach, and have their luggage carried by cart, while others must go on foot.  Individual coaches were rare enough to be known by name, like ships: this one is the 'Eclipse'.  It is a 'four in hand', meaning it is drawn by four horses.

William Strutt, artist, pencil and watercolour 1851. From the album 'Victoria the Golden'

Courtesy of the Victorian Parliamentary Library