The Williamsons then visited Australia, travelling on the S.S. Mikado. In 1874, they opened a season at The Theatre Royal, Melbourne, beginning with "Struck Oil", which became an instant success. Its run of 43 nights was the longest yet known in the colonial theatre. It proved equally popular around the rest of the country. What was meant to be a 12-week tour of Australia ended up lasting for fifteen months (including "Struck Oil" and other pieces) and netting Williamson £15,000. Williamson used this money to launch his career as a theatre manager, and Maggie Moore became one of the most popular performers on the Australian stage.