 Initial returns were very good.A 9 kg nugget was discovered in river deposits under what became known as New Chum Hill.Kiandra post office opened on 1 June 1860 and it is estimated that the area at its peak accommodated around 15,000 people, served by 25 stores, 13 bakers, 16 butchers, 14 pubs, several banks and four blacksmiths.