How We Grew - the 1850s

Although Australia's economic situation had eased considerably by the 1850s, Edward Hargraves discovery of gold in 1851 bought dramatic and unprecedented change in Australia, and further hampered the growth of Lake Macquarie for another decade.

While the gold rushes caused a huge influx of people from overseas, and lead to the establishment of a large number of substantial townships, these were all inland, and drew people away from the coastal settlements like Lake Macquarie. This exodus caused a dramatic downturn and sometimes halted whole industries as domestic labour forces migrated to the gold fields.

During this time period, the Dora Creek area had greatest concentration of population around the Lake. This was due to the flourishing timber industry and the need to transport timber through Dora Creek, across the Lake and down to Sydney.

The 1850s also saw the arrival of Chinese settlers in Lake Macquarie. They had initially come for the gold rushes but found more lucrative business in establishing market gardens and a fishing industry around the lake.

Reference

Clouten, Keith 1967, Reid's mistake : the story of Lake Macquarie from its discovery until 1890, Lake Macquarie Shire Council, [Speers Point, N.S.W.]

Nilson, Laurie & Leis, Susan & Noble, Rodney & Lake Macquarie (N.S.W.). Council 1985, Lake Macquarie : past and present, Lake Macquarie City Council, [Boolaroo, N.S.W.]

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