Eureka Stockade Gardens more information
"We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties"
A 'fair go'
The Eureka Stockade Gardens mark the site set aside in the late 1800s to acknowledge the Eureka Rebellion of 1854, an event that gave rise to Australia's unique tradition of a 'fair go'.
Events like the Eureka Stockade have shaped Australia's political and social development. The small band of 120 miners, made up of more than 16 nationalities gathered in a wooden stockade, were attacked at dawn by around 400 soldiers and police officers. By the end of the conflict 33 miners and five soldiers were dead.
Ingredients for a rebellion
The rebellion was fuelled by discontent with the mining licence, which the diggers claimed was taxation without representation and a tax upon labour. More generally, the uprising was sparked by a desire for fair treatment for all. The rebellion led to a fairer goldfields system with the licence replaced by the cheaper Miners Right, giving miners the right to vote. Many see this act as the first steps on the path to Australia's democracy.
In addition to helping build an egalitarian and diverse nation made up of people from different backgrounds, the legacy of the gold rush has been far reaching and continues to be felt today.
Heritage values
Relevant links
Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window