How did Victoria’s population and sheep industry grow by 1850?

By 1850, Victoria had developed into a prosperous pastoral community, driven by the expansion of grazing runs by squatters. This growth was fueled by the arrival of British migrants and the movement of settlers from Van Diemen’s Land and New South Wales, who brought their flocks and herds south to the region.12

As a result of this influx and the establishment of the pastoral industry, the region experienced rapid growth. By 1850, the population of Victoria had reached 76,000, and the sheep industry had expanded to include 6,000,000 sheep. The primary urban centers supporting this development were Melbourne, Geelong, and Portland.12