Besides what has already been written, Under the assisted immigration schemes couples under 40 years old (and ages were sometimes fudged)with growing children were encouraged to immigrate. On arrival they were bound to work for a period of time. Their employers paid part of their travel costs, they were paid and after the fixed period they could work for them selves. During the time they had to work if they were careful they could save enough money for a down payment(25%) on 40 acres of land. This seemed a lot of land but in Australia was generally not enough so life was often very tough. Land was a Pound an acre. It was possible to buy land in Australia and impossible in England. During the gold rush period assisted immigration was halted. Of course lots of people paid their own way. Relations in Australia could pay to bring out their relatives. Why come to Australia? It was possible to buy land It was much warmer There was work Religious tolerance There was not a rigid class system Enough working class persons were successful to make it seem it was possible for any one to be successful. Reality was not everyone did succeed, but they did not write home. People writing home boasted of success. People writing home exaggerated success Many english plants grew vigorously in the warmer climate. Australia was a British colony (or rather a series of British colonies) Migration was encouraged, both in UK and Australia Hope this helps explain why people migrated to Australia. Elizabeth Roberts Sydney Australia