Welcome Stranger Monument

The Welcome Stranger Monument marks the site of one of the most extraordinary discoveries in global gold rush history, the finding of the largest alluvial gold nugget ever recorded.

In February 1869, prospectors John Deason and Richard Oates uncovered the legendary Welcome Stranger at Moliagul, beneath the roots of a tree. Weighing more than 70 kilograms before processing, the nugget was so large it had to be broken apart before it could be weighed. The discovery captured international attention and cemented Moliagul’s place in goldfields history.

Erected in 1897, the granite obelisk stands near the original discovery site and serves as a lasting tribute to this remarkable moment. Surrounded by the quiet bushland of the Central Goldfields, the monument invites visitors to reflect on the scale of the find and the determination of those who searched for gold in Victoria’s rugged landscapes.

Interpretive signage helps bring the story to life, making the monument an engaging stop for history enthusiasts, families and travellers exploring the region’s gold rush heritage. The site forms part of the broader Moliagul Historic Reserve and can be visited alongside walking tracks, picnic areas and nearby prospecting locations.

A visit to the Welcome Stranger Monument offers a powerful connection to Victoria’s gold rush legacy, where chance, perseverance and history combined to create a story known around the world.