People who lived on the goldfields during the 1850s resided in tents or simple wood structures, as housing had to be sturdy enough to withstand the windy conditions. Families worked together on the goldfields, with children as young as 5 or 6 expected to labor as much as adults. Transportation to and around the goldfields was primarily on foot, by carriage if in a group to avoid bushrangers, or via ship or occasional train. Settlers brought limited food supplies that would not spoil, like flour, tea, and preserved mutton. Water was scarce, so leisure activities for children included games like marbles. Basic schooling was established as communities grew.