1851 saw the discovery of Gold in Victoria, this attracted a large scale Chinese immigration to Victoria. Most located to the gold fields of Bendigo and Ballarat in search of their fortune but many settled in Little Bourke Street providing goods and services to people on route to the gold fields.
Once the gold rush had slowed in the early 1870’s many Chinese moved back to Melbourne and moved into the Little Bourke Street Community, finding work and establishing eating houses and other businesses to cater for the growing population of what was the booming “Marvelous Melbourne”.
The boom times were shore lived and in the 1880s the depression set in. Unfortunately for the Chinese, European settlers resented them and accused them of providing cheap labor and a threat to their well being. Later white Australia Policy laws in 1901 further pushed Melbourne’s China town into uncertain times and the population dropped to its lowest level.
But by 1947 after Government policy change China town revived, and has not looked back. Today China town is a fascinating experience with some of the country’s top restaurants in the area. Asian themed streetscapes, historic buildings and the hustle and bustle of Asia all make this precinct one of Melbourne’s favorites.
The precinct now extends deeper into lanes streets off the original Little Bourke Street strip. Throughout the year there are many festivals including the Chinese New Year Celebrations and the Asian Food Festival.
Melbourne’s China Town is a must for any visitor to the city. Make sure you come hungry as there is a wealth of magnificent Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese just to name a few dishes to try.
Be sure to visit the China Town Museum where you can learn about the rich heritage of Melbourne’s China town. It is situated on Cohen Place just off Little Bourke Street between Russell and Exhibition Streets and open most days.