The discovery of gold in Victoria in mid 1851 led to the Victorian gold rush, and Melbourne, which served as the major port and provided most services for the region, experienced rapid growth. Within months, the city's population had increased by nearly three-quarters, from 25,000 to 40,000 inhabitants. Thereafter, growth was exponential and by 1865, Melbourne had overtaken Sydney as Australia's most populous city. Additionally, Melbourne along with the Victorian regional cities of Ballarat and Geelong became the wealthiest cities in the world during the Gold Rush era. COUNT 4
QSN1 Melbourne experienced rapid growth after 1851 due to the discovery of what? ANS1 gold QSN2 Melbourne and which other regional cities became the wealthiest cities in the world during the Gold Rush era? ANS2 Ballarat and Geelong QSN3 How much did Melbourne's population increase within months of the gold rush? ANS3 three-quarters, from 25,000 to 40,000 inhabitants QSN4 By what year had Melbourne overtaken Sydney as Australia's most populous city? ANS4 1865