Gold rush
4 min · 12 practice questions
A gold rush began in 1851 when gold was discovered in the colonies of New South Wales and Victoria. People came from all around the world to try to make their fortunes, and Chinese arrivals were the first large group of migrants to Australia not from Europe. Australia's population more than doubled in the 10 years after the rush began.
What Our Common Bond says
- A gold rush began in 1851 after gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria.
- People from all around the world came to the goldfields to try to make their fortunes.
- Chinese people arriving during the gold rush were the first large group of migrants to Australia not from Europe.
- Australia's population more than doubled in the 10 years after 1851.
Common mistakes
- Dating the gold rush to 1788 or 1901 — it began in 1851.
- Thinking the goldfields drew only British settlers — people came from many countries.
- Saying the population merely grew a little; it more than doubled within a decade.
Test yourself
One question at a time: pick an answer, then check it. Everything here comes from Our Common Bond, Part 1, page 10 (official booklet ↗).
Question 1 of 12
Checked against Our Common Bond (0.3.1). Last reviewed September 2026. How questions are checked