During the Victorian gold rush, a period in the history of Victoria, Australia approximately between 1851 and the late 1860s, Victoria dominates the world's gold output.

Ballarat for a while ranks number one in terms of gold production.Gold discoveries in Beechworth, Ballarat, and Bendigo spark gold rushes similar to those of California in 1849.

At its peak, some two tons of gold per week flow into the Treasury Building in Melbourne.The gold era sees the evolution of Victoria from a sheep grazing economy based around squatters, into an emerging industrial base and small (yeoman) farming community.

The social impact of gold is such that Victoria's population booms and the lack of available land for small farming generates massive social tensions.

These ongoing tensions around land and selection (small farming) culminate in the Kelly Outbreak of 1878.

That gold creates the growth and power of Melbourne over its rivals is evident in the rail networks radiating from Melbourne to its regional towns and ports.

Politically, Victoria's gold miners introduce male franchise and secret ballots, based on Chartist principles.

As gold dwindles, pressures for land reform, protectionism, and political reform grow and generate social struggles.

A Land Convention in Melbourne during 1857 demands land reform.

Melbourne, or "Smellbourne" (due to the stench of the tanneries along the river) becomes one of the great cities of the British Empire and the world.

Following the huge gold rushes are the Chinese in 1854.

Their presence on the goldfields of Bendigo, Beechworth and the Bright district results in riots, entry taxes, killings, and segregation in the short term and become the foundations of the White Australia policy.

In short, the gold rush is a revolutionary event that reshapes Victoria, its society, and its politics.