---
node: au_eureka_stockade
type: event
slug: eureka_stockade
title: "Eureka Stockade"
lead: "In 1854 gold diggers at Ballarat in Victoria rose against mining licence fees and unfair government and fought the authorities, an event seen as a symbol of Australian democracy."
published: 2026-07-15
updated: 2026-07-15
---

## What happened

Angered by heavy licence fees and rough policing, diggers built a stockade under the leadership of Peter Lalor, raised the Southern Cross flag, and swore to resist.

## Background

Before dawn on 3 December 1854, soldiers and police stormed the stockade, and in a fight of about twenty minutes many died, mostly diggers. Those captured were tried for treason, but juries acquitted them all.

## Consequences

In its wake the licence fee was abolished and diggers were given the vote. Eureka is often invoked as a symbol of Australian democracy and its anti-authoritarian spirit.