⛏️ Year 5 Steps Back in Time: Gold Rush Immersion at Birrigai ⛏️

Last week, our Year 5 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Birrigai in the ACT, participating in an action-packed, authentic and hands-on program that transported them back to the 1860s, right into the heart of Australia’s gold rush era. Over three dynamic, fun-filled days, Year 5 didn’t just learn about history - they lived it.

Our Birrigai camp was a full-immersion experience, designed to help our students explore the adventure, excitement, challenges, and social change that shaped life on the goldfields. While dressed in period-style clothing, using artefacts and equipment, and taking on roles as miners, merchants, law enforcers, students, shopkeepers and inspectors, Year 5 quickly discovered that striking it rich on the gold fields wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

With activities set in the sunny bush surrounds of Birrigai, our young diggers staked their claim along the creek and purchased their official gold licenses, then got to work using authentic tools from the era - the dolly crusher, gold cradle, and panning dishes - to extract gold from ore samples. With dirt-stained hands, very keen eyes, and impressive teamwork, they learned first-hand the perseverance needed to find even the smallest speck of gold.

Beyond the search for their fortunes, students experienced a condensed but powerful journey through goldfields society. Through roleplay and structured activities, they re-enacted the dramatic events of the Eureka Stockade, understanding the roots of social justice and democratic change in Australia.

Our Year 5 students explored the often harsh living conditions of miners’ camps, the rise of trading and entrepreneurship on the goldfields, and the challenges of education in remote diggings...using slates and chalk instead of whiteboards and learning under the very strict and harsh eye of their 1862 teacher! Special attention was given to the experiences of women, children, and cultural groups such as the Chinese miners, offering students a broader view of the diversity and inequality present in this historical era.

The outstanding program of the Gold Rush simulation meant our students could deepen their historical understanding and reflect on the values of fairness, resilience, and community that continue to shape our society today.

Our Birrigai excursion brought laughter within active learning, powerful student collaboration, deepened connections, discovery and fun, all within a stunning, authentic and natural setting under beautiful winter sunshine. We extend a huge thank you to the passionate Birrigai education team for making this immersive learning experience one to remember!

5KT Camp Memories

Indie A - At camp, I loved doing the Gold Rush simulation with my friends. It was really fun to experience what it would be like in the time of the Gold Rush!

Mitchell B - I liked the food because it was delicious. I liked panning for gold because we got to dig in the ground and get dirty!

Sion D - My favourite part of Birrigai was the Gold Simulation on the last day. It felt like we were back in time on the goldfields as a miner. I worked in the assay office and enjoyed weighing everyone's gold that they found.

Matilda R - At camp, my favourite thing was the gold simulation, and the 1850’s classroom. We got to use an ink quill and dress up!

George S. D -My favourite part of Birrigai was the Gold Simulation on the final day. It was fun acting what it would be like during the 1800’s on the goldfields. 

Lucy B - My favourite things were the 1850’s classroom, and the Gold Simulation on the last day. The 1850’s classroom was fun because it was really tough, and we got to use the ink quill!

5J Camp Memories

Elijah M - I loved mining in the gold rush times and panning for gold. And being in the classroom from the 1800’s! I liked how scary the teacher was, and the old fashioned names.

Beau O - I loved when we did the role play for the gold rush. I also loved making damper on the fires that I made with Will B, Ollie, Angus and Malkiel.

Malkiel G - I liked eating cereal, and all the breakfast foods, and burgers. I liked sleeping and having rest after our long walks!!

Annalise J.P - I loved the food, specifically the last day burger! I loved the last day where we were miners in the gold field. I was a trooper, it was so fun!

Stella F - My favourite thing about camp was the ‘olden days’ classroom. It was just very plain and old! The teacher was SCARY!

Neha M - On camp, we made damper. I really liked that! I also liked the movie that we watched. Everything was really fun!

Mrs Sophie Kenny, Mrs Laura Tyler and Mr Jackson Keen

Year 5 team