Gold was discovered in Australia in 1851 and, as in the USA and elsewhere, this led to feverish activity on the part of hopeful miners from many parts of the world.
Sovereign Hill Gold mining township, near Ballarat, Victoria, Australia (around 100 km from Melbourne) chronicles the period 1851 to 1861 in its extensive display of gold fields life including an authentic period settlement, a working gold mine and an extensive diggings area.You can find more information on this must see tourist and historic interest venue here.