Chinese Migrants and the Goldfields
The majority of the Chinese immigrants that came to Australia during the Gold Rush worked in the goldfields, with a total of 24 732 in Victoria during 1861.
When the goldfields were not producing enough gold, Chinese workers opened up shops like grocery stores in rural and urban locations, while others turned to agricultural work. Surprisingly the Chinese who owned shops for extra money did not sell Chinese food, but European food.
Anti-Chinese opinions on the Australian goldfields was pervasive and strong, especially on fields where financial returns on investment were low and life was tough.
Anti-Chinese opinions on the Australian goldfields was pervasive and strong, especially on fields where financial returns on investment were low and life was tough.