Life was difficult for those living on the Australian goldfields in the 1800s. Most people lived in small tents or bark huts, though some slept outside due to lack of shelter. Men did the physically demanding work of mining for gold while women took care of children and household tasks. Food and clean water were scarce commodities. When they had free time, children entertained themselves with games like marbles and dolls while adults relaxed through activities like sewing, drinking, or occasional celebrations. Education was not always accessible to goldfield children due to cost and improvised school conditions.