Impact on society
A wave of change, fuelled by gold and a massive increase in wealth, transformed Victoria almost overnight.
From the behaviour of diggers who suddenly found themselves as rich as English lords to the massive population increase and the beginnings of a multicultural society; the colony of Victoria had become a magnet for the world’s fortune seekers.
In 1854, Victorian gold miners united to protect their rights. The resulting battle was the Eureka Stockade: Australia's most famous rebellion.
In the 19th century, much of Victoria's wealth came from gold mining, but it came at a cost to our environment.