All times in UTC ·
Dashed edge = started before, or continues beyond, this day
Events on Wednesday 12 February 1851 1
1851Australian gold rush beginsEdward Hargraves announces a payable gold find near BathurstOn 12 February 1851, prospector Edward Hargraves announced his discovery of payable gold near Bathurst, New South Wales. The find triggered a gold rush that transformed Australia's population and economy.