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Eureka Stockade

1854: Rebellion of goldminers at Eureka Stockade, Ballarat, Victoria

Swearing Allegiance to the Southern Cross, 1854, Charles A Doudiet, watercolour. Art Gallery of Ballarat

On 30 November 1854 miners at Ballarat in Victoria swore allegiance to the Southern Cross flag at Bakery Hill and built a stockade at the nearby Eureka diggings. They were disgruntled with the way the colonial government was administering the goldfields.

Early on the morning of Sunday 3 December 1854, when the stockade was only lightly guarded, government troops attacked. At least 22 miners and five soldiers were killed.

The rebellion of miners at Eureka Stockade is a key event in the development of Australia’s political systems and attitudes towards democracy and equality.

Eureka leader Peter Lalor, December 1854:

It is my duty now to swear you in, and to take with you the oath to be faithful to the Southern Cross. Now hear me with attention. The man who, after this solemn oath does not stand by our standard, is a coward at heart … We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties.

The rebellion at Eureka Stockade in live-sketch animation, as told by historian David Hunt. Note: Five soldiers died at the stockade.

Discovery of gold in Australia

In early 1851 the New South Wales government announced that gold had been discovered near Bathurst by Edward Hargreaves, John Lister and William, James and Henry Tom. In June 1851 the Victorian government also reported discoveries of gold.

In the 19th century gold was a catalyst for great change in Australia. The belief that you could dig your own fortune attracted people from across the country and around the world.

In the years between 1851 and 1860, Victoria’s population increased from 76,000 to 540,000.

This massive influx of people was a serious challenge for the government. There were limited finances to provide services to citizens and the colonial budget was in deficit.

Introduction of gold licence

To raise funds, but also to discourage the flood of people moving to the diggings, New South Wales Governor Charles Fitzroy and Lieutenant-Governor Charles La Trobe of Victoria, imposed a 30-shilling a month licence fee on miners.

This was a substantial sum for most miners. When the easily obtainable surface gold began to run out in 1852, the licence fee became a point of contention.

In 1852, the 35,000 miners on the Victorian goldfields were producing about 5 ounces of gold per head. By 1854 the population had almost tripled while production had dropped to 1.5 ounces per head.

Peter Lalor , Ludwig Becker. National Library of Australia obj-137404456

Conflict on the goldfields

From 1853 miners began to gather at ‘monster’ meetings to voice their concerns about the licencing system. They alleged the police were extorting money, accepting bribes and imprisoning people without due process. Delegations presented their concerns to Governor La Trobe, but he was unreceptive to the requests.

Many of the miners were politically engaged – some had participated in the Chartist movement for political reform in Britain during the 1830s and 1840s. Others had been involved in the anti-authoritarian revolutions that spread across Europe in 1848.

The situation on the goldfields was tense as police regularly ran ‘licence hunts’ to track down miners who hadn’t paid their fees.

Murder at the Eureka Hotel

On 6 October 1854, Scottish miner James Scobie was killed in an altercation at the Eureka Hotel in Ballarat. The proprietor, James Bentley, was accused of killing Scobie.

A court of inquiry was held and Bentley was quickly exonerated. The miners sensed a miscarriage of justice, in part because one of the court members, John D’Ewes, was a police magistrate known to have taken bribes from Bentley.

On 17 October 1854 about 5,000 people gathered to discuss the case. They decided to appeal against the decision. After the dispersal of the crowd, a small group decided to set fire to the Eureka Hotel. They were arrested by police and the situation became more tense.

Eureka and the Southern Cross flag

Over the next weeks the miners met and elected delegates. On 27 November 1854 the delegates approached the new Victorian Governor, Charles Hotham.

The delegation demanded the release of the men who burned down Bentley’s Eureka Hotel. Governor Hotham took offence to having demands made of him and dismissed the grievances. He sent 150 British soldiers of the 40th Regiment of Foot to Ballarat to reinforce the police and soldiers already stationed there.

Sensing a change in the government’s approach, the miners held another meeting on 29 November 1854 at Bakery Hill. There, the newly created Eureka flag was unfurled. The use of the flag, featuring a depiction of the Southern Cross on a navy background, has become a symbol of the labour movement in Australia.

The police were unsettled by the hostility building among the miners and decided to implement a licence hunt the next day. On the morning of 30 November 1854, as police moved through the camp, the miners decided they’d had enough.

The miners gathered and marched to Bakery Hill. There, Irish miner Peter Lalor became the leader of the protest. Lalor led the miners to the Eureka diggings, where the men and women joined him in an oath: ‘We swear by the Southern Cross, to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties’.

The miners gathered timber from nearby mineshafts and built a protective stockade.

Eureka Stockade Riot, 1854, JB Henderson, watercolour. State Library of NSW a928052

Conflict at Eureka

Over the next two days, men and women remained in and around the stockade, many performing military drills in preparation for possible conflict. This was too much for the Commissioner of the Ballarat goldfields, Robert Rede. He called for the police and army to destroy the stockade at first light on Sunday 3 December 1854.

That morning almost 300 mounted and foot troopers, and police attacked the stockade. The assault was over in 15 minutes, with at least 22 miners – including one woman – and five soldiers losing their lives.

Eureka arrests and trials

Police arrested and detained 113 of the miners involved in the Eureka Stockade. Eventually 13 were taken to Melbourne to stand trial. Governor Hotham called for a Goldfields Commission of Enquiry on 7 December 1854.

The citizens of Victoria were opposed to the government's actions at Ballarat and one by one the 13 leaders of the rebellion were tried by jury and released.

Goldfields Commission of Enquiry

In March 1855 the Commission of Enquiry released its recommendations. The licence fee was removed, replaced by an export duty and a nominal £1 per year miner’s right. Half the police on the goldfields were fired and one warden replaced the multitude of gold commissioners (who had issued the licences), many of whom were corrupt.

Twelve new members were added to the Victorian Legislative Council, four appointed by the Queen and eight elected by people who held a miner’s right. One of these elected members was Peter Lalor.

Legacy of the Eureka Stockade

The Eureka Stockade was a short-lived rebellion that continues to influence Australian politics to this day. In the words of Doc Evatt, former Leader of the Australian Labor Party and High Court judge, ‘Australian democracy was born at Eureka.’

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In our collection

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The Eureka Flag, Eureka Centre Ballarat

Gold miners and mining research guide, State Library of Victoria

Peter Lalor, Australian Dictionary of Biography

Raffaello Carboni, The Eureka Stockade , Miegunyah Press, Carlton, Victoria, 2004.

Manning Clark, A History of Australia , vol. 4, Melbourne University Publishing, 1995.

Geoffrey Serle, The Rush to be Rich , Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria, 1971.

Clare Wright, The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka , Text Publishing, 2013.

Frauenfelder, P. ed., Eureka Stockade: As reported in the pages of the Argus newspaper , Education Centre, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, 1998

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This website contains names, images and voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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• (0.15 km) Eureka Stockade Holiday Park
• (0.24 km) Eureka Lodge Motel
• (0.27 km) Minard Accommodation - Eureka Gardens
• (0.35 km) Miner's Retreat Motel
• (1.28 km) Sovereign Park Motor Inn
• (0.01 km) Lilly's At Eureka
• (0.26 km) Indian Grill @ Ballarat
• (0.87 km) Carboni's Italian Kitchen
• (1.28 km) The Red Lion
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Eureka Stockade Gardens

National Heritage List inscription date 8 December 2004

We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties. Eureka Oath 1854

Click an image for a larger view.

• More images from the Australian Heritage Photographic Library

The Eureka Stockade Gardens commemorate the Eureka rebellion—one of Australia's defining political and social moments and an event that gave rise to Australia's unique tradition of a 'fair go'.

Ingredients for a rebellion

At daybreak on 3 December 1854 a government force of British soldiers and Victorian police attacked a group of aggrieved gold miners at Ballarat, Victoria.Goldmining at the Eureka Lead, in Ballarat, commenced in 1852.  By 1854 fortunes on the Eureka Lead were at a low ebb. Diggers had to dig deeper and spend more to find gold, but still they were limited to claims that were too small to be viable and  were required to take out an expensive monthly gold licence, payable in advance whether they found gold or not. Those without a licence were remorselessly 'hunted' by gold commissioners and police, many of whom were tinged with petty tyranny and corruption.

The Eureka rebellion was fuelled by discontent with the mining licence, which the gold miners—or ‘diggers’ as they were known— claimed was taxation without representation and a tax upon labour. Miners were also unhappy with what they regarded as an unjust and corrupt colonial government.

Discontent brewed amongst the diggers and protest meetings were held. They chose an Irish digger, Peter Lalor, as their leader and several hundred diggers took up arms, vowing beneath the Southern Cross flag to fight together for their rights and liberty. A rough stockade built of mining timbers was constructed on a hillside at Eureka Lead. Within it diggers drilled and gathered weapons for the purpose of repelling the next licence-hunt. Emissaries were sent to nearby goldfields, to call more diggers to the fight.

On 3 December 1854 a government force of British soldiers and Victorian police stormed the stockade and a battle lasting less than an hour ensued. By the end of the conflict 33 miners and five soldiers were dead.

The rebellion led to a fairer goldfields system with the licence replaced by the cheaper Miners Right, giving miners the right to vote. Many see this act as the first steps on the path to Australia's democracy.

During the battle Peter Lalor was wounded and lost an arm.  He subsequently entered the Victorian Parliament where he made a major contribution and subsequently served as Speaker almost until his death.  His life reflected the Eureka story – of brave opposition to an oppressive government administration, and success in accessing the power of government for the good of his fellows.

The legacy of Eureka

The Eureka Rebellion as an historical event is well known among Australians.  The principles that the miners at Eureka stood for – equality, fair treatment by government, and the right of those governed to take part in the democratic process – have become sacred to Australians. The Eureka spirit is often invoked as a by-word for democracy, and the Eureka or Southern Cross flag is an enduring symbol of Australian democracy and social empowerment. Eureka is ingrained in Australian culture through its representation in prose, poetry, art, theatre and film.

The rebellion also witnessed the now famous Eureka Oath spoken by rebel leader Peter Lalor in his speech to miners in the Eureka Stockade, under what was the very first appearance of the Southern Cross flag: `We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties’

Few events in our history can match the Eureka Rebellion for the political and social changes it wrought and for its embodiment of core Australian characteristics of a ‘fair go’ for all and ‘mateship’.

While there is little or no above-ground evidence of the event that took place at Ballarat, and while the exact location is not agreed upon, the Eureka Stockade Gardens are of outstanding heritage value to the nation for their association with this uncommon and highly significant event in the nation’s past. The place also has potential to yield archaeological evidence of the 1854 rebellion.

The inclusion of Eureka Stockade Gardens in the National Heritage List ensures that a unique and important moment on Australia’s path to a liberal democracy is remembered and understood by future generations of Australians.

Further information

• Location and boundary map (PDF - 169 KB)
• Gazettal notice (PDF - 341 KB)
• Australian Heritage Database record
• Eureka Centre Ballarat
• eGold: Electronic Encyclopedia of Gold in Australia
• Australia’s Heritage: National Treasures, Eureka Flag (video )

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The Kid Bucket List

Travelling with Kids – Adventure isn't just about the plane trips!

Visiting the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat

If you have a passion for uncovering the remarkable tales that have shaped Australia’s identity, then a visit to the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat is an absolute must. You and the kids can explore the very grounds where miners once stood in defiance, fighting for their rights and shaping the course of Australian democracy.

But where was the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat? What will we find there today? Can we see the Eureka flag?  We uncover the rich heritage, compelling stories, and enduring spirit of rebellion as we explore the site and show you how you can visit too! 

Get ready to experience history come alive in Ballarat, where the echoes of the Eureka Stockade rebellion still resonate today.

Eureka Stockade Ballarat with Kids

Table of Contents

What was the Eureka Stockade?

The Eureka Stockade or Eureka Rebellion, was a significant event in Australian history that occurred on December 3, 1854. It was a rebellion by gold miners against the oppressive policies and fees imposed by the colonial government in Ballarat, Victoria. The miners, largely composed of European immigrants and Australian-born citizens, established a stockade to defend their rights and demand reforms.

The catalyst for the rebellion was the imposition of a monthly license fee on miners, regardless of their success in finding gold. This fee was seen as unfair and burdensome, leading to widespread discontent. The miners formed the Ballarat Reform League, which advocated for political representation and the abolition of the license fee. However, negotiations with the colonial authorities failed, and tensions escalated.

On the fateful day of the rebellion, government troops and police attempted to enforce license checks at the Eureka diggings. The miners, numbering around 1,500, fortified their position at the stockade and engaged in a confrontation with the authorities. 

The battle lasted for less than an hour, but it resulted in the deaths of around 30 miners and at least six soldiers. The uprising was eventually quelled, and many rebels were arrested, but the events of the Eureka Stockade became a symbol of resistance against injustice and played a significant role in shaping Australia’s democratic principles and the eventual end of the license fee system.

The Eureka Stockade Flag

The original Eureka Stockade flag holds immense historical significance and has become an enduring symbol of Australian democracy. The Eureka flag was made by a group of gold miners, including women from the Ballarat diggings, as a representation of their cause and unity during the Eureka Rebellion in 1854. It featured a blue field with a white Southern Cross constellation, composed of five eight-pointed stars.

During the rebellion, the flag was proudly flown above the stockade as a rallying symbol of resistance against oppressive government policies. It served as a visible declaration of the miners’ demands for political representation, fair treatment, and an end to the unjust license fee system.

Today, the original Eureka Stockade flag is preserved and displayed at the Eureka Centre Ballarat. However, the flag itself was torn into several pieces over the years and distributed among various collectors and institutions. 

In 2001, as part of a major restoration project, the Eureka Flag fragments were brought back together through an extensive process of research, analysis, and conservation. The reunited flag now serves as a powerful artifact, symbolising the struggle for democracy and the enduring legacy of the Eureka Stockade.

Visiting the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s history and the spirit of rebellion. You can find the original spot at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.

The site, marked by a memorial and a replica of the stockade, allows visitors to explore the grounds where this pivotal event took place. Walking through the remnants of the stockade and viewing historical artifacts at the nearby museum provides a tangible connection to the struggles and sacrifices of the miners who fought for their rights. 

Make sure you have some time up your sleeve to fit in the Eureka Centre Ballarat if you want a deep dive into the Eureka Stockade. 

The significance of the Eureka Stockade resonates strongly as visitors learn about the fight for democratic principles and social justice, making it a compelling destination for those interested in Australia’s rich past.

Location: Eureka Stockade Memorial Park

The Pikeman’s Dog Monument

The Pikeman’s Dog Monument is a remarkable tribute to loyalty and bravery. This unique statue commemorates an often-overlooked hero of the Eureka Stockade: a loyal and steadfast canine companion who played a vital role during the rebellion.

The Pikeman’s Dog belonged to the miners who fought at the Eureka Stockade. As tensions escalated and the battle raged on that fateful day, this faithful dog fearlessly stood by their side, providing solace and unwavering support in the face of danger. The dog’s unwavering loyalty and keen sense of protection offered comfort to the miners as they fought for their rights and freedom.

The monument depicts a bronze statue of the Pikeman’s Dog, captured in a moment of alertness and determination.  Visitors to the Pikeman’s Dog Monument can take a moment to reflect upon the dog’s unwavering dedication and the sacrifices made by the miners during the rebellion. It serves as a poignant reminder that heroes come in various forms, and even a faithful canine companion can leave an indelible mark on history.

Head to the Eureka Centre to learn more about the Pikeman’s Dog and to view the RSPCA`s Purple Cross which was awarded posthumously to the dog in 1997 to honour its exceptional behaviour in serving humans.

Explore the Eureka Centre Ballarat 

The Eureka Stockade Museum, officially called the Eureka Centre Ballarat , is dedicated to preserving and commemorating the events of the Eureka Stockade. 

Located near the original site, the museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors seeking to delve into this pivotal moment in Australian history. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and historical artifacts, the museum brings to life the stories of the miners and their fight for justice and democratic rights.

  Visitors can explore the diverse narratives surrounding the Eureka Stockade, gaining insights into the social, political, and cultural context of the time. With its informative and thought-provoking displays, the Eureka Stockade Museum provides an invaluable educational experience that sheds light on the enduring legacy of this influential event.

The Eureka Stockade Playground

Kids will absolutely delight in a play break at the Eureka Stockade Playground. The playground features interactive elements inspired by the Eureka Stockade, such as climbing structures resembling the stockade walls and play equipment shaped like gold nuggets. You can even spot red coats !

The Eureka Stockade Playground provides an opportunity for kids to engage with history in a hands-on way, fostering a sense of curiosity and connection to the past. 

AURA Sound and Light Show

If you find yourself still wanting to learn more about the Eureka Stockade and think an immersive experience would help, we recommend visiting Sovereign Hill for the AURA Sound and Light Show . 

The AURA Sound and Light Show at Sovereign Hill offers an experience that vividly connects visitors to the events of the Eureka Stockade. The show combines cutting-edge technology with storytelling to recreate the historical narrative in a mesmerising way. 

Through immersive visuals, sound effects, and narration, the AURA Show transports spectators back in time to witness the struggles, passions, and sacrifices of those involved in the Eureka Stockade.

The show highlights the significance of the Eureka Stockade as a pivotal moment in Australian history, emphasising the themes of democracy, social justice, and rebellion. It provides an opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the miners’ grievances and their fight for change. 

Adding this to your Sovereign Hill visit will provide your kids with a good understanding of the Australian Gold Rush period and our movement to becoming the democracy we are today. 

Take the Ballarat Eureka Stockade History Walk

Wanting more? Why not walk the Ballarat Eureka Stockade History Walk ?

Staring at the Eureka Centre you can meander along the Ballarat Discover Trail, visiting just under a dozen historic locations directly linked to the Eureka Stockade. 

Other Things to Do in Ballarat

Become a knight at Kryal Castle

Go gold panning at Sovereign Hill

Eat at the Turret Cafe in Ballarat

Feed some of your favourite Australian animals at the Ballarat Wildlife Park

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‘We swear by the Southern Cross’

1854: Rebellion of goldminers at Eureka Stockade, Ballarat, Victoria

Colonial Australia

Learning area

Use the following additional activities and discussion questions to encourage students (in small groups or as a whole class) to think more deeply about this defining moment.

Question for discussion

1. Do you agree with the National Museum of Australia that the Eureka Stockade is a defining moment in Australian history? Explain your answer.

Video activities

1. Take a look at the Defining Moments: Eureka Stockade live-sketch animation, as told by historian David Hunt.

Defining Moments: Eureka Stockade live-sketch animation

(a) Does the animation support what you’ve found out about the Eureka Stockade in this summary?

(b) Was there other information that you found interesting? If so, what was it?

(c) Towards the end of the animation David Hunt says, ‘Eureka was a key event in the development of an Australian identity’. What do you think he means by this? Do you agree with him?

Image activities

1. Look carefully at all the images for this defining moment. Tell this story in pictures by placing them in whatever order you think works best. Write a short caption under each image.

2. Which 3 images do you think are the most important for telling this story? Why?

3. If you could pick only one image to represent this story, which one would you choose? Why?

Finding out more

1. What else would you like to know about this defining moment? Write a list of questions and then share these with your classmates. As a group, create a final list of 3 questions and conduct some research to find the answers.

In a snapshot

On 30 November 1854 miners from Ballarat in Victoria swore an oath to the Southern Cross flag at Bakery Hill and built a stockade at the nearby Eureka diggings. They were unhappy with the way the colonial government had been running the goldfields. Early on 3 December 1854 government troops attacked the stockade, and at least 22 miners and five soldiers were killed. Despite the defeat of the miners at the stockade, the events at Eureka later led to changes in how people were governed as well as people’s attitudes towards democracy and ‘a fair go’.

Wood engraving titled Administering The Oath, Eureka Stockade, 1854

State Library of Victoria

Can you find out?

1. Why did the population of Victoria grow so rapidly between 1851 and 1860?

2. Why were miners increasingly upset and what inflamed the situation at Ballarat on 6 October 1854?

3. What was the Eureka Stockade and why was it so important?

Gold in Australia

The first big gold discoveries in Australia were in 1851 in New South Wales and Victoria. Australia’s population grew quickly as people arrived hoping to find gold and become rich. In Victoria for example the population increased from 76,000 to 540,000 in just 10 years between 1851 and 1860.

Eureka flag

Martyman, https://bit.ly/2T59Zqr, https://bit.ly/2waQMuI

Why was there conflict on the goldfields?

To try to limit the number of people on the goldfields, the governors of New South Wales and Victoria charged miners a licence fee of 30 shillings a month. This was a large amount for most miners and it made the licence a very unpopular tax.

From 1853 miners began to complain in large meetings but Victorian Governor Charles La Trobe ignored their concerns. The tension was increased by regular police ‘licence hunts’ to track down miners who hadn’t paid their fees. The miners claimed the police often accepted bribes and unfairly put people in prison.

On 6 October 1854 a miner was killed at the Eureka Hotel in Ballarat. The hotel owner was arrested for the crime but was not convicted by a court. Many still believed the hotel owner was responsible for the death and a small group of people set fire to his hotel.

The people who started the fire were arrested. Later an elected group of miners asked new Victorian Governor Charles Hotham to release the imprisoned men but Hotham refused. Instead the governor sent 150 British soldiers to Ballarat to strengthen the numbers of police and soldiers already stationed there. Many miners believed that the imprisoned men were being treated unfairly so they held another mass meeting at Bakery Hill where they revealed the newly created Eureka flag.

Research task 

Look closely at the Eureka flag. Can you find out why this design was chosen and what it stands for?

Eureka Stockade Riot,  JB Henderson, 1854, watercolour

Blue Eureka flag T-shirt

Swearing Allegiance to the Southern Cross , Charles A Doudiet, 1 December 1854, watercolour

White T-shirt depicting the Eureka flag, with ‘REPUBLIC OF AUSTRALIA’ printed below in red

Postcard showing the Eureka Stockade, Ballarat

Peter Lalor , by Ludwig Becker, 1856

 Title page of a book called  The Eureka Stockade

State Library of NSW a928052

National Museum of Australia

Art Gallery of Ballarat

National Library of Australia obj-134870236

What happened at the Eureka Stockade?

The day after the Eureka flag was revealed the police began a licence hunt. As the police moved through the miners’ tents the miners gathered and later marched to Bakery Hill. At this meeting Irishman Peter Lalor became the leader of the protest and led the miners to an area around Eureka where they created a stockade with timber from nearby mineshafts. There Lalor led the men and women in an oath.

Over the next two days the men and women stayed in and around the stockade and many miners got ready for possible conflict with the police.

On 3 December 1854 almost 300 soldiers and police attacked the stockade. The attack was over in 15 minutes. At least 22 miners – including one woman – and five soldiers died.

Research Peter Lalor and write a short report about his life. You might like to use the Australian Dictionary of Biography as one of your sources. 

Australian Dictionary of Biography

The rebellion at Eureka Stockade in live-sketch animation, as told by historian David Hunt. Note: Five soldiers died at the stockade.

‘It is my duty now to swear you in, and to take with you the oath to be faithful to the Southern Cross. Now hear me with attention. The man who, after this solemn oath does not stand by our standard, is a coward at heart … We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties.’

What were the consequences of the Eureka stockade?

Thirteen miners were taken to Melbourne to stand trial by jury  but eventually each was released. It was clear that the citizens of Victoria disagreed with the government’s actions in Ballarat. 

Governor Hotham called for a Goldfields Commission of Enquiry into the incident. The Commission’s findings favoured the miners. As a result the licence fee was removed and replaced by a £1 per year miner’s right. Also, half the police on the goldfields were sacked; so were the gold commissioners who had given out the licences, many of whom were corrupt.

Twelve new members were added to the upper house of the Victorian Parliament, the Legislative Council. Four were appointed by the Queen (Victoria) but, importantly, eight were elected by the miners who held a miner’s right. One of the new members was Peter Lalor who had survived the Eureka violence. The Eureka Stockade was a short-lived rebellion that continues to influence Australian politics. In the words of Doc Evatt, former Leader of the Australian Labor Party and High Court judge, ‘Australian democracy was born at Eureka.’

Read a longer version of this Defining Moment on the  National Museum of Australia’s website .

What did you learn?

3. What was the Eureka Stockade and why was it so important? 

Related resources

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Our Visit to Eureka Skydeck and The Edge

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship

The Skydeck is the Southern Hemisphere’s Highest Viewing Point Platform. Once in Melbourne, it’s hard to miss the building towering over the city at 297.3m / 975ft high. The Eureka Stockade rebellion influenced the building design during the Victorian Gold Rush era. The windows on the top 10 floors are coated in 24 karat gold, a red line symbolizes bloodshed, and the blue and white lines define the Stockade flag. Take a good look at the white horizontal lines across the building. What do they remind you of? If you guessed a ruler, you are correct.

We found the Eureka Tower easy to find. Once we exited the train at Flinders Street, we looked up and followed the walkways direct to the tower. It was a 5-minute walk with lots of places to stop and eat or grab a coffee if needed. The wait line will depend on what time you visit. If you book online, you can help speed up any wait time. We arrived at 9:00 am and walked right on in. The elevator takes less than 40 seconds to reach the 88 th floor.

Take your time taking in the grand landscapes through each of the windows encasing the 360-degree view of the city and surrounding areas. We were impressed with the sites we saw. To see the birds-eye view of some of these old city buildings enhanced their character and beauty.

Eureka Skydeck and The Edge

We had a nice clear day and were quickly able to see the city quite a distance outside the central city. Some of our favorites structures were three different Melbourne sports stadiums, the Flemington Racecourse (the location of the famous Melbourne Cup), a fantastic view of both the Government House and the Shrine of Remembrance, Mount Dandenong, Old Customs/Immigration House, Port of Melbourne, the riverside train tracks, the walking bridge, and Great Ocean Road.

Each window has a few viewfinders or binoculars to enhance your experience. Look through each one for comparative perspectives of several essential properties and landmarks. Stand up close to the glass and look down to the street below. Also, stand with your toes against the glass and floor seams and look down. The straight-down viewpoint was pretty surreal.

We recommend setting aside a minimum of 45 minutes to enjoy the Skydeck experience. It took us over an hour, not including our time in the Edge, and we felt we saw everything we expected and more. We utilized each viewfinder and binocular station and were impressed with the additional views each provided. We took our time and soaked in the city’s layout around the central business district. It ended up helping us navigate our walks inside the city.

What is the Edge?

We had heard it was a glass-bottomed viewing box at the top of the Eureka Tower. After we had looked it up online, we learned it was a glass cube extending 3 meters from the inside of the tower to the outside of the building. It sounded insane. The cube floor was built with 4.5cm thick glass floors, and we were told the cube should hold up to 10 tons. We hoped our ride weight would come close to the limits to test the weight limits.

No personal items are allowed in the Edge. Attended cubbies are provided to store personal items during your Edge time. The experience itself was both fun and funny, especially funny depending on the other people in your Edge group.

Our Experience with The Edge

Not to give away too much, but expect some dramatics as you enter the cube and await its slow movement outward to dangle you 285 meters above the ground below. Listen to the sounds the cube makes when moving and stopping. Feel the difference in the sturdiness (or maybe even the sway) of the Edge’s design. When ready, look around, move around the box and see everything you can from all angles. Look up, too. Be sure to bend down or kneel to look through the floor without the metal frames in your sight line. That was my favorite part of The Edge.

Your Edge attendant will take two photos of you before you exit. The photos are optional but are pretty fun to have since cameras are not allowed. The pictures are available to see and purchase at the picture desk next to the exit hallway. If you aren’t scared of heights and want a different point of view, you should sign up for The Edge.

We enjoyed both our Skydeck and The Edge experiences. I admit there were two times I gasped (or maybe even slightly screamed) while in The Edge. I won’t tell you when because it was all part of the fun. If you enjoy bird’s eye views of city landscapes and layouts, you will enjoy visiting Skydeck.

Tips for Your Visit

• If you have not booked ahead, check the weather. Try to plan your visit around a beautiful, bright sunny day.
• If the current forecast does not include any days, plan your visit for the evening hours. The city lights will be viewable through rain conditions and some fog.
• Check sunset times. Arrive before sunset and stay awhile to take in the day and night scenes. We were told the 20-30 minutes after sunset were incredibly fantastic for photos.
• Not into the sunset idea, no worries. We arrived at 9:00 am and were quite pleased with our adventure.
• Set aside time to watch the historical video just past the photo desk. Seating is available, and the information provided was interesting.
• If you are unsure about The Edge, wait to purchase your ticket until you see it in action. Head to the viewing terrace to watch how The Edge moves and how others react to their experience. Tickets can be purchased on the spot at the photo desk. If you have someone in your group sitting out of The Edge, make sure to have them stand on the terrace to get pictures of you inside the box.
• After watching The Edge, if you are still unsure, stand at any of the window floor seams and look straight down between your shoes. If you can handle the view, you can take The Edge.
• Prepare yourself for possible windy conditions on the open-air terrace. Secure your gear, hats, glasses, or other loose items before entering the outdoor deck.
• Utilize the binocular viewpoints set up along the windows. The views are accessible and clearly point out notable buildings and notable locations.
• Don’t forget to look up. Some of the window corners list sites of interest.
• During the week, local school outings to the Skydeck are a common occurrence. If you lack patience with kids, you may want to schedule your visit on the weekend, late afternoon, or evening on weekdays.

Travelasics

Skydeck, Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne 3006

Skydeck Website : https://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/

Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm daily, with the last entrance at 9:30 pm. Check the website for holiday schedules.

Price:  To see a price list, check here .

How to get there:

Public Transportation: From Flinders Street Train Station, it’s a simple five-minute walk. Head over the bridge to the other side of the Yarra River. Then head West along the river bank to Southgate Ave, and you should see Eureka on your right. Multiple trams also service the Southbank area, particularly along St Kilda Rd, a short walk away from Eureka (check out  Public Transport Victoria  for detailed route information).

Parking: Wilson Parking “Eureka Car Park” is your preferred option, located right beneath the Eureka Tower on the corner of City Road and Southgate Avenue (enter via Southgate Avenue).

Park at Wilson Eureka Parking and enjoy a discounted flat rate:

Monday – Friday (entry prior to 4:00pm): $13.00 Monday – Friday (entry after 4:00pm): $6.00 Weekends & Public Holidays: $9.00

Travelationship Rating:

4 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives.  All types of travelers will enjoy the views from the Skydeck windows. It’s a great place to get a feel for spectacular views of the city layout. We found the prices reasonable for the Skydeck and The Edge. The venue is family-friendly and great for all ages.

We wished their kiosk food and drink seating area was just a wee bit larger with more seating. We visited during a multiple school field trip day, so the seating was sometimes limited.

See More of Our Adventures in Australia.

See More Photos on  Flickr , and Please look for us on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram !

* Thank you to Eureka Skydeck and Progressive PR for our complimentary entry, including The Edge experience and photos. As always, our opinions are ours – honest, not biased, and as we experienced.

10 thoughts on “Our Visit to Eureka Skydeck and The Edge”

The views are fantastic. The Edge reminded me of a similar experience at the Macau Tower in Macau, where you have the option of Skywalking and bungee jumping too.

Did you do either?

What a view! I simply love to observe vibrant city life from the above. Especially The Edge sounds so tempting!

It was different from the other Sky views we have done around the world.

The Edge sounds like a great time. You really peaked our interest about what it’s like to experience the “ride” as if the view weren’t enough. Thanks.

Let us know if you go!

The Edge is impressive. Would love to stand in a glass cube and see the world below, scary as it seems. It’d be shivering!

Impressive place and view!!!

Great tips for making the most of your time. I think I’d opt for sunset and city lights.

Heights are always just creepy to me, even when in a safe building. I will say though, seeing a city from such a height gives a great frame of reference for touring.

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Eureka Stockade Gardens

The Eureka Stockade Gardens are  National Heritage Listed  for their association with the Eureka Stockade Rebellion of 3 December 1854.

The gardens are located next to the Eureka Centre, Home of the Eureka Flag and Eureka Aquatic Centre.

• Heritage listed, commemorative site Eureka rebellion
• Public toilets
• Picnic shelters, BBQs
• Eureka Centre

Eureka Stockade

• 1 Building the Stockade
• 3 Eureka Stockade Participants
• 4 Reinterments
• 5 Wounded and Since Recovered
• 6 Independent California Rangers
• 7 In the News
• 9 Other Sites
• 10 References

Building the Stockade

GERMAN BAND LED EUREKA MARCH.

‘Twas in the early part of 1854 that our band, after a prolonged tour, which carried from out homes in the Fatherland throughout the length and breadth of Great Britain, and from thence to Australia, entered into an engagement with Messrs Noble, Jones and Foley , circus proprietors, for a lengthy season in Ballarat. This article was written in the early 1890s by a member of a German band who settled in this country. These small German bands roamed the world and led the way to the present-day brass band. This historical item of Australiana was published in the Australian Bandsman. ‘Twas in the early part of 1854 that our band, after a prolonged tour, which carried from out homes in the Fatherland throughout the length and breadth of Great Britain, and from thence to Australia, entered into an engagement with Messrs Noble, Jones and Foley, circus proprietors, for a lengthy season in Ballarat. As everyone knows, Ballarat was at this time in the ferment of agitation of the “Gold licence ’ question which came to such a dramatic climax in the famous Eureka Stockade. We arrived at Ballarat to fulfil our engagement on a Sunday afternoon, and on reporting ourselves at the circus, were somewhat disconcerted by a serious warning from Mr Foley of the immediate necessity of obtaining licences to dig for gold. These were necessary even before residence on the goldfields was permitted by the police and cost £1 per month or £2in three months. Some few days before, the Hanoverian Band, a similar organisation, which was engaged in street playing, had been accosted by the troopers, who demanded their licences. Failing to produce them, they were hauled to the lock-up, tried and fined £5 each and had, in addition, to procure the necessary licences. We, of course, complied with this requirement at the earliest opportunity and so were unmolested by the police . Our band consisted of five pieces – An F flute, Eb clarinet, Bb cornet, Eb horn and Eb bass. Money was plentiful and we did very well. We never played for less than £1 for an hour and generally received more; but unfortunately it did not last long, for we were there only some four or five weeks when the storm burst. The discontent among the miners had been working up for a long time and towards the end daily became more acute.

Defiance and rebellion met the troopers everywhere in the course of their duty, and they, endeavouring to stamp out the trouble injudiciously goaded the men further on the road to violence. Meetings were held all over the place and finally, carried away by the spirit of the hour the miners kindled huge bonfires and openly gave expression to their feelings by burning their licences. But as I am not giving a full history of the riot, I will continue my tale to my immediate share in the events of that stirring period. Among the rough population of that wild district, there was a gang of men who excelled in lawlessness. Rightly or wrongly every special act of violence was attributed to the Tipperary Boys, as they were usually called. Coming straight from California , then under the reign of terror which existed on the wildest western goldfields, these men brought with them their rifles and pistols, and rumor said, scrupled not to use them when they deemed fit. Shortly after we had settled there, a number of the miners, who were found without licences, were tried and imprisoned in the lock-up – a building in the police camp. This sort of thing had often occurred before, but on this occasion the Tipperary Boys took the matter up and determined to attempt a rescue. They decided to arrange a procession to the police camp, demand the prisoners, and if they were not liberated to take them by force. A number of the ringleaders visited our lodgings (near the famous Charlie Napier saloon in Main road) and demanded that we should had the procession.

HEADED PROCESSION.

As they accompanied the demand – which we could see was not to be trifled with - a promise of £50, we consented, and played the crowd to the camp. Matters, however, did not go to the satisfaction of the Tipps, and ended up in a free fight, during which we prudently decamped. That £50 still lies to our credit with the Ballarat Miners for we have not yet seen the color of it. But this was not our only dealing with the gang. On the morning of the building of the famous stockade, we were again honoured by a visit from them. This time they wanted the loan of a cornet to be used as a bugle for the miners, and also a double-barrelled gun which they had found out we possessed. We deemed discretion the better part of valor, and lent the gun and one of our two cornets, the miners giving their guarantee for £5 for the cornet and £3 for the gun, if they were not returned. We never saw either cornet, gun or money after. But about an hour later they returned, and with levelled guns and pistols, ordered us out again with the promise of £50 which was paid like the previous sums. Naturally we complied and without delay go on the road. A stop was made as we reached the circus, which was pitched at the corner of Main road and what is now Barkly street, to enforce the services of two of the circus boys with bass drum and cymbals. Then away we went up the road playing our liveliest march. It was a strange sight- a constantly increasing body of men, clad in the greatest variety of garments, from the flannel and moleskins of the miners straight from the shaft toe the extravagant garments and colors of the the goldfields dandymen of all nations and colors – the most mixed assemblage of men that could be imagined. Some were defiantly swaggering, others evidently marching under compulsion; and all were escorted by the triumphant Tipperary Boys who dominated the situation with their weapons.

PLAYED TO LIVEN THE WORKERS

As the procession advanced up the road, and the music rang out, every shaft and every tent sent forth its occupant to see what was afoot, and no sooner did a head appear than a loaded weapon was presented at it, and a pre-emptory order issued for the newcomers to join the march at once. So one we marched, up Barkly street and into Victoria street, impressing every man we saw into the service, taking no denial and no delay until we arrived at the Eureka, where the miners had formed their camp. Here we were added to the hundreds already at work, and very soon every man was found a job in the building of the stockade, which was being constructed of the material nearest to hand. Slabs, logs, timber from the claims, boulders, everything and anything that they could lay their hands upon was used. The band was forced to keep playing all the day to liven up the men at work, until, at last the rude defence was completed, when Peter Lalor, taking no pity on us, asked Verne if the band was required any further. Verne replied: “Not at present; if I want then again I know where to find them.” We waited for no second bidding and very soon left the stockade behind us. There is no need for me to tell you of the night march of the soldiers against the flimsy barrier, of those deadly volleys at short range of its brave through vain defence by men armed with pikes and other makeshift weapons – that is all a matter of history now. Nor is there any need to tell how the miners, whilst defeated by force, won their fight in a more lasting way than force could ever have done, by arousing public sympathy and attention to the injustices they had suffered and were suffering, or of the happy outcome of it all in the later liberal mining legislation, and the value to Australia of the gold mines and miners of the present day forming as they do, the foundation of the prosperity of almost every colony. It is nearly 50 years now since I, as a youth, passed through those epoch- building times. But the incidents of those few weeks will ever remain fresh in my memory. [1]

The stockade at Eureka was built on 30 November 1854, and was destroyed during the Eureka Battle on 03 December 1854.

Eureka Stockade Participants

Thomas Alexander - William Atherden - Robert Battye - James Beveridge - Edmund Bloehm - Felix Boyle - James Brown (from Ireland) - James Brazel - Alfred Bryant - Patrick Callinan - Thomas Callinan - Donald Cameron - [Cannard] - Michael Canny - Patrick Canny - George Clifton - Thomas Commins - J.J. Corran - John Crowe - Robert Dawson - Martin Diamond - George Donaghy - Dennis Dynan - William Emmermann - William Farley - James Farrant - Fenton - Patrick Gittens - Samuel Green - John Hafele - John Hall - Walter Hall - Patrick Hanafin - Michael Hanley - George Hartley - Happy Jack - James Heffernan - Thomas Henfield - James Hodges - Charles Howes - James Hull - John Hynes - Robert Julien - Peter Lalor - Andrew Lister - George Littlehales - John Lynch - Patrick McCarthy - Edward McGlynn - Tobias McGrath - Kenneth McKenzie - William Melody - William Mitchell - James Moran - Thaddeus Moore - Michael Morrison - Charles Mullaly - Michael Mullins - James Murphy - James Nolan - John O'Donnell - Michael O'Neil - Thomas O'Neill - Thomas Parker - Samuel Perkins - Henry Powell - Edward Quin - William Quinlan - Carl Reinhardt - John Robertson - Michael Roney - Charles Ross - Horace Rowlands - Llewellyn Rowlands - Luke Sheehan - George Smith - Richard John Smith - Henry Sutherland - Francis Symons - Edward Thonen - Tom the Blacksmith - John Torpy - Michael Tuohy - Joseph Wall - James Warner - William Webb - William Williams - Charles Wilson - Henry Wise - William Wood

Reinterments

The Miner and Star newspaper also reported that bodies were exhumed and re-interred.

THE EUREKA VICTIMS:- A request has been made to the Trustees of the Cemetery to have the bodies of those of the Eureka victims who were interred apart from the spot where the monument now stands, exhumed and removed to that part of the Cemetery. The request has been favorably received, and we believe the bodies - which are those of Captain Ross, Thonen, the Lemonade Seller, James Brown and "Tom the Blacksmith" will be removed very shortly and placed beside their fallen victims over whose remains the Eureka Monument now stands. [4]

The following is a list of known deaths at the result of the [Eureka Stockade] battle.

THE EUREKA VICTIMS:-

On Tuesday morning, about 7 o'clock the bodies of Captain Ross, James Brown, Thonen the lemonade seller, and Tom the blacksmith who fell at the Eureka Stockade and had been buried apart from the others, were removed from the grave and placed in that containing the bodies of the others who lost their lives on the memorable 3rd of December. The removal took place in the presence of Mr Superintendent Foster, Mr Salmon, trustees of the cemetery and Mr Lessman. The coffins were in excellent preservation. We understand that no procession will take place on Thursday next, the anniversary of the Eureka affair, but the grave of the fallen will be decorated with chaplets and flowers. [5]

Wounded and Since Recovered

Peter Lalor - Patrick Hanafin - Michael Hanley - Michael O'Neil - Thomas Callinan - Patrick Callinan - Dennis Dynan - Thaddeus Moore - Michael O'Neill - Carl Reinhardt - Luke Sheehan - Francis Symmons - James Warner - Luke Sheehan - Michael Morrison - James Warner - William Williams

Independent California Rangers

Robert Burnete - Charles Ferguson - James McGill - William Melody - Thomas Nelson - Charles Ross - --- Smith

In the News

Ballarat Reform League

Biographies

Eureka Site

Eureka Timeline

Eyewitnesses

Independent Californian Rangers Revolver Brigade

Robert Rede

Other Sites

Eureka Runaways A ghost story from the goldfields of Ballarat by Storyteller Anne E. Stewart https://www.facebook.com/anne.e.stewart.73/posts/10205353491693776?notif_t=like_tagged

• ↑ Ballarat Courier, Wednesday, 29th April 1970. Page 32.Transcribed by Chrissy Stancliffe
• ↑ The Argus , 19 December 1854.
• ↑ Charleville Times , 31 December 1904
• ↑ The Miner and Star , 4 December 1857
• ↑ Ballarat Star, 2 December 1857
• ↑ Adelaide Advertiser , 3 December 1904.

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Visit Eureka Stockade Holiday Park

And stay at the historic site of the eureka stockade, check availability.

G'Day Parks

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You can easily walk to the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Mount Xavier Golf Course. Ballarat’s famous Sovereign Hill, the Gold Museum and Kryal Castle are just a few minutes’ drive.

Eureka Stockade Holiday Park – Ballarat Accommodation

Visit ballarat and stay at the historic site of the eureka stockade, the eureka stockade.

Stay in the heart of the historic Eureka Stockade precinct in beautiful Ballarat. Eureka Stockade Holiday Park is located directly alongside the Eureka Stockade monument and reserve which boasts an adventure playground for hours of outdoor fun for children.

Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool & Water Park

Also next door is the largest outdoor heated pool in Ballarat (open from November to April). All in-house guests enjoy free entry to the pools and water park.

Birthplace of Australian Democracy

We’re conveniently located to all Ballarat’s main attractions and only 4km to the Ballarat CBD. The ‘must see’ Eureka Centre’, formerly known as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E), is just metres away and home to the original Eureka Flag.

Minutes from Ballarat’s main attractions

You can easily walk to the Eureka Centre, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Mount Xavier Golf Course. Ballarat’s famous Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle are just a few minutes’ drive.

Luxury to budget accommodation and everything in between

Choose from a variety of cabins to suit your holiday style and budget from luxury three bedroom premium villas to low-cost cabins.

We also accommodate:

• fifth wheelers
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on spacious powered sites and ensuite sites.

Your hosts Peter & Hayley and their team look forward to welcoming you very soon.

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What better place to stay than right in the historic Eureka Stockade precinct when visiting Ballarat?

Eureka Stockade Holiday Park is located directly alongside the Eureka Stockade monument and reserve which boasts an adventure playground for the children to enjoy. Also, next door is the largest outdoor heated pool in Ballarat (open from November to April) and offers free entry to all guests of Eureka Stockade Holiday Park.

Eureka Stockade Holiday Park is conveniently located to all of Ballarat’s main attractions and only two kilometres to the Ballarat CBD. Just a few hundred metres walk is an IGA Supermarket, Chemist Warehouse and café for your convenience. The ‘must see’ Eureka Centre is just metres away and you can easily walk to the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Mount Xavier Golf Course. Ballarat’s famous Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle are just a few minutes’ drive.

Eureka Stockade Holiday Park welcomes all guests and offers a variety of cabins to suit your holiday style from luxury three bedroom premium villas to budget cabins, including the recent addition of a dog friendly cabin. They also accommodate motorhomes, fifth wheelers, large caravans and tents on spacious powered sites and ensuite sites. All sites are pet friendly. Your hosts Peter, Hayley and their team look forward to welcoming you.

Content: Eureka Stockade Holiday Park

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104 Stawell Street South, Eureka, VIC 3350 Get directions

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Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities.

These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.

We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years.

As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.