Chinese Temple and Settlement Site

This unassuming site on the northern outskirts of Croydon contains the remnants of Chinese settlement in the town. Gold discoveries here in 1885 led to the establishment of the township of Croydon and drew Chinese from other regions of Queensland. The goldfield was proclaimed in 1886 and by the end of 1887, the mining camp had transformed into a flourishing town. The population at the time was 3500, including 300 Chinese, Cingalese, Malays and Africans. These figures are curious given the 1878 Queensland Goldfields Amendment Act which excluded Chinese from the goldfields, unless they had made the discovery. The majority of Chinese worked as market gardeners and ensured the survival of the townsfolk. It is likely that a small temple was erected from the time of early settlement. A new temple, or Joss House, opened on 1 August 1897. The cost was variously reported as being from £600 to £1000. An invitation was extended to the local residents, provided they did not touch anything in the building and that no bad language was used. The site also contains the remnants to two pig ovens. The Chinese occupied this site for many years into the early 20th century.