Watch this space for details about the 
2009 event.


 

 


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Welcome to the Australian Gold Rush Living History Event

History Up Close in Conjuction with The Blue and the grey 

Thank you to all who participated in the 2008 Gold Rush. 
We are sorry to miss those who couldn't make it due to other commitments.
There was an impressive effort  from those who did arrive at our Gold field
which really added to the feel of the event and a lot of fun was had by all.
Check out the Gallery for photos!
We have had plenty of positive feedback and a lot of encouragement 
to hold another one next year... will we see you there?

2009 Date to be advised 

Gold has been discovered in Gippsland and the rush is on to garner the earth's rich load of precious metal. 
By horse, cart or on foot they come. The lure of the golden cornucopia draws one and all in the hopes of making a fortune, liberating the labourer from toil or just lining the pockets of the less industrious. They say it lays bare on the soil, resting between the blades of grass, that the naked toes of walking babes even find the golden nodules plainly resting on the surface.  
Is there more to be made from the diggers than the digging? Could this be a new Utopia in the great wilds of the newly separated Victoria or could this indiscriminate wealth be the very colour of evil that topples the righteous and natural order of the classes? 
Do you dare to make the long trip to the 1850s to try your luck? 

Event Scenario

Date: 1852 - 1857
Gold has been discovered in Gippsland. Following the Californian Gold Rush of the late 1840's, people flock to the Australian gold fields from as far  away as England, Europe, China and America. 
Every day there are new arrivals and already there is a small 'canvas city' with diggers, merchants, police, soldiers and a smattering of the less palatable types.
Gambling and sly grog is a problem barely controlled by the police who also vigorously pursue those without a miner's licence.

How Does This Work?
On arrival depending on your impression and some luck you will receive currency to be used within the camp. You will also receive a licence to be carried on you at all times, failure could lead to imprisonment, that means you, the sun, some iron and a friendly tree trunk to keep you company.

The site will be seeded with alluvial "gold". Should you strike it rich you can use this as currency or convert it directly to currency at the Government camp.

Those wishing to sell items or services are free to do so provided it does not breach the laws of the land. Some police will be more approachable than others, bribery and kick-backs could help you or see you chained to a log. Tents found selling grog are liable to be burned.

Pitching your tent near the Government camp is a good idea if you like proper conduct and manners. The less "desirable" but more exciting elements of this new canvas village will be found further from the Government camp. The camp will cater to your almost every need provided you look around and have money. Should you "die" we have that covered too so please bring some nice clothes and a set of clean "un-mentionables".

During the course of your stay should you wish to engage in activities other than prospecting we fully expect that you may discover several games of chance, cricket, axe throwing, polite company, "medicine" (comes from the back of a tent) and possibly even have an encounter with a bush ranger.

In short, bring your 1850's attire, a pan, a tent, some fresh water and your sense of adventure. The 1850's and gold awaits you.

 Possible Impressions on the Goldfield
  • Miners (Diggers)
  • Merchants
  • Chinese diggers 
  • Police and Gold Escort
  • Native Police 
    (Aboriginal troopers)
  • 40th Regiment
  • Bush Rangers
  • Gentile (wealthy miners)
  • Entertainers
  • Photographer
  • Journalist
  • Mortician
  • Physician (Doctor)
  • Sly-Grogger