The Insanely Rich BENDIGO GOLD DIGGINGS

#gold #goldrush #mining

Today I thought I'd make a quick video about the very interesting beginnings of the world renowned Bendigo goldfield.

The Bendigo Diggings began in 1851, born out of the famed Mount Alexander diggings - though at an unfortunate time of year when water was scarce and the ground dry and hard. Despite this early difficulty, many continued to work these diggings steadily and profitably throughout the summer months. Soon enough the rains saw Bendigo leap into madness, with thousands rushing to its rich, newly discovered gullies.

The alluvial areas on this beautiful old geological map show Bendigo's rich creeks and gullies, where all the excitement began.

In March of 1852, it was reported that there were a very unusual amount of departures from the incredibly rich Forest Creek diggings over at Mount Alexander. Most were headed for the Bendigo Creek, where reports were so incredible that many were gladly leaving both their holes and washdirt behind at Forest Creek.

Golden Gully was soon opened up completely, with no room for new chums anywhere along the line of the best claims.

In April 1852, the Bendigo diggings were described in the Argus as being one of the most delightful spots the writer had ever come across, but it lacked the absolute necessity of water. By the end of April, the Argus stated that nearly all the ranges about Bendigo had proved to be highly rich, and numerous surface diggings had been discovered within a mile or two of the creek, none of which would be available until the creek started running.

But even without water, Bendigo miners were soon resorting to a sort of dry digging to ensure they made their tucker.

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Historical images - State Library Victoria, National Library Australia

Mining Models - Carl Nordstrom, 1850s, Museums Victoria

[matt]

My great great grandfather was born at Hustlers Reef. Great video.

[demolitiondavedrillandblast]

having done a few civil drill and blast jobs in the gold fields area, it astounds me that none of the local earth moving workers that I have teamed with are the slightest bit interested in going through or processing the spoil. Thanks for making that video.

[WsaNonya]

Spent 4 weeks in Perth and Kal back in 2017. Loved it, plan on going back to maybe spend time on East Coast. Love your vids, thanks so much.

[norsehall]

G'day, you have just visited my local area of habitation, Bendigo or Sandhurst as it was know for a long time, has a very long and vast history and like me it takes years to explore it all, thanks for this video and a always anticipating the next, cheers, Neil 🤠.

[nolesy]

Imagine first people just jumping in a creek like.. oh here's a gold shiny object, ill keep it for the kids

[darrenmarney]

The Bendigo area is totally interesting 👌 I've only done one exploration due to restricted time & some of the quartz that i found has good potential 👍