Historical context

In the 1850s, the discovery of gold inspired many Chinese people to travel long distances to Australia and try their luck in the goldfields. Many crossed dangerous seas, risking their lives to one day make their fortune. The voyage from China to Australia was uncomfortable and unsafe, and all passengers were required to bring their own clothing, utensils and bedding for the trip. Along with the harsh storms, passengers had to deal with poor hygiene, little ventilation or light, cramped conditions and even disease.

Many Chinese people came from impoverished areas in southern China, pushed by environmental, economic and political difficulties and pulled by the lure of gold. They travelled a long way from their villages to seek gold and create a better life for the families they left behind back home.

Historical context

Many of the Chinese gold seekers were dropped in Robe (South Australia) and forced to walk to the goldfields in Ballarat (Victoria). When Chinese people first arrived in Robe, the population of 200 doubled overnight and before long, the Chinese population climbed to 3,000. The small town with only a handful of hotels, banks, shops, churches and houses, grew enormously.

Chinese travellers landed on Guichen Bay (Robe) and camped on the beachfront until they found work and somewhere to live. Before heading to the goldfields of Victoria, Chinese people hired European guides to show them the way. They would walk around 30km (or 60 Li in Chinese miles) a day and on their journey would dig wells for freshwater and purchase sheep to eat.

The Chinese travellers passed through many towns, leaving messages for other travellers along the way. Some of the guides were dishonest and unreliable, and after one or two days of travel, they would desert the Chinese travellers, leaving them stranded. Travellers marked the way by inscribing Chinese characters in the bark of trees, leaving a trail for others to follow. To this day there exist many relics of those long forgotten Chinese travellers and their journeys, such as holy dollars and ginger jars brought all the way from China.

Historical context

Chinese people were a long way from home and most came without their families, as it was their main aim to make enough money to support their loved ones back in China. The distance from their families led to sadness and depression and gave rise to European suspicion of the mostly-male community. The only option was to work even harder or pass the free hours gazing out to sea, perhaps with a soothing pipe or two. Men everywhere countered boredom with gambling and the Chinese were no exception, taking great delight in an enthusiastic game of Mah-jong.

When Chinese gold seekers arrived in Australian goldfields, they joined what was known as the Chinese district. The camps were originally composed mostly of canvas structures, but as time wore on some buildings became more permanent. Local newspapers commented on the features of the Chinese workers, from their clothes, languages and distinctive habits. Many admired their methods of hard work, tirelessness and productivity.

Historical context

Chinese people were generally acknowledged as being peaceful, honest, industrious and kind. But their different language, appearance and manners made them an easy target for attacks. Abused and misunderstood, the Chinese only banded together more closely. The European diggers were in close competition with the Chinese and took revenge in the 1860-61 Lambing Flat Riots in New South Wales. They burned tents and destroyed provisions, and many of the Chinese miners had been driven off. On 30 June 1861, men began to gather with bludgeons and pick handles, crying out “No Chinese!” as they marched on Lambing Flat. The handful of police quickly abandoned any attempt to control the throng as it swelled to more than 2,000. Forewarned, the Chinese diggers headed for the goldfields and their empty camp was torn apart. Some Europeans on horseback managed to round up a thousand or more Chinese and the mob went to work with appalling hatred. Showing no resistance, the Chinese were mercilessly beaten and whipped, and all their possessions piled into huge bonfires. Similar acts of hatred and violence occurred in other parts of New South Wales and Victoria. The Chinese miners had paid the price for their industry, but as the gold in New South Wales and Victoria petered out, and new deposits were found in Queensland, a similar story unfolded.

Historical context

Within the Chinese goldfield community, many expanded their contribution with new stores, restaurants, teahouses, tailors, herbalists, acupuncturists, interpreters, scribes and specialised artisans. There were Chinese theatres and, in some locations, a Chinese-operated coach service that ran between goldfields towns. Many women also became independent entrepreneurs during the gold rush, panning for gold as well as establishing successful businesses. Many were economic pioneers who broke the mould of what was considered possible for women.

As gold and other minerals were discovered in Queensland, Northern Territory and north-east Tasmania, more Chinese gold seekers travelled to Australia. Along with the miners came Chinese entrepreneurs who helped provide goods and services for the emerging population. Chinatowns sprang up across Australia in the major areas where they lived and worked in. The Chinatowns didn’t just offer accommodation for the communities, many businesses opened up there, including eateries, groceries, markets, laundries and groceries. The Chinese people became the main suppliers of services and products like tea, furniture, silk, and food for the colonies. In the years to come, from the gold rush to today, the contribution of Chinese people to Australia’s social and economic development has been enormous and their impact on the Australian cultural landscape is phenomenal.