VICMining
Ararat
A gold strike by Chinese prospectors created a city.
1857Canton Lead discovery · gold-rush town
WHAT STARTED IT
Chinese prospectors travelling from South Australia to Victoria discovered the rich Canton Lead in 1857. Their route avoided Victoria’s landing tax on Chinese arrivals, and the discovery brought a rapid rush to Ararat.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Gold wealth funded substantial streets and public buildings. Rail arrived in 1875 and Ararat developed into a railway junction. Institutions and agricultural services helped sustain it beyond the first rush.
TURNING POINTS
1857Canton Lead discovered.
1858Municipal government established.
1875Railway reaches Ararat.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A regional service centre for farming and wine country, with gold-era architecture and the Gum San museum interpreting its Chinese beginnings.