Heinrich Carl Wilhelm Buls: A successful gold miner of early north Queensland

The gold rushes of the 1850s brought prosperity to Australia's eastern colonies. They attracted men from their homes and families to wander and seek fortunes. Gold seeking on arrival in Australia was the most significant experience of miners' lives. Their initial privations and sacrifices as a prelude to their subsequent wealth and comfort became a legitimising part of their legendary status if they were lucky to strike a rich reef.