Heritage VIC

A Golden Heritage

(last modified 1/06/2009 4:20 PM)
A Golden Heritage

Gold brought the world to Victoria. It bought new people, new skills, and new ideas. It transformed Melbourne into a metropolis, and changed a quiet pastoral settlement into a dynamic colony. Victoria was the scene of extraordinary growth and wealth - unparalleled then or since.

Impressive buildings grew throughout the whole of Victoria, in towns large and small. Majestic courthouses, opposing mechanics institutes and opulent post offices. Many of these buildings can be seen today and some seem strangely ornate in the small rural towns.

Victoria's magnificent built heritage is a record of these extraordinary events which began with the discovery of gold in 1851.

The discovery of gold

From tents to towns

Lifelines, services and supplies

Liberty and democracy

Law, order and health

Colonial Education

The quest for a civilised society

The Old Treasury Building

The University of Melbourne

Regional Victoria

The Bendigo Post Office

Rosalind Park, Bendigo

Corio Villa and Geelong

The Eureka Pistol

Golden Heritage Register

A golden palace

Garfield Waterwheel

Goldrush voyages & maritime archaeology

Paddle Steamer Gem and Murray River trade

Mining technologies

Educational resources

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