Ellen Clacy's account of her visit to the Gold Diggings of Australia in 1852-53 is a fascinating and insightful look into the lives of the miners and settlers during the gold rush. Clacy's writing is engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in the diggings.

Through Clacy's eyes, we see the excitement and ambition of those seeking their fortunes in the goldfields, as well as the struggles and challenges they faced on a daily basis. Her observations about the conditions in the diggings, the relationships between the miners and the local Indigenous people, and the impact of the gold rush on the landscape and environment are thought-provoking and offer valuable insights into this important period of Australian history.

Overall, A Lady's Visit to the Gold Diggings of Australia is a captivating and informative read that will appeal to anyone interested in the history of Australia and the human experience during the gold rush era. Clacy's personal anecdotes and detailed descriptions make this memoir a compelling and valuable contribution to the historical record.

Book Description:

“If you have visions of a middle-aged parasol-bearing lady smiling sweetly from her carriage as she tours Bendigo think again. In 1852, 20 year old clergyman’s daughter Ellen and her brother boarded ship for Melbourne then set off to walk to Bendigo. Dressed in her blue serge skirt which doubled as nightwear, she camped under a tent made of blankets, had mutton, damper and tea most meals and on arrival lent her hand to gold washing. And seemed to enjoy it !
And amongst other things she tells of colonial life , transportation, emigration and other gold-fields.
But you will need to listen to hear more about bush-rangers and orphans as well as what she did with her parasol.”