By 1854, the gold rush is in full swing and the Colonial government is assisting emmigrants to expand the population. James and Ann board the sailing ship Maria Hay and leave London 17 April 1854 with 300 other assisted immigrants. After a voyage of 97 days they arrive in the Colony of Victoria 23 July 1854. The journey was not without incident, with some children dying and a collision just after leaving England. Leaving England in early summer they arrive in winter and the trip through Bass strait would have been filled with concern.

Immigration records held by the Public Record Office Victoria (https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/E28FA191-F1B1-11E9-AE98-A39C9D2AFA57?image=284) add a little more to the story:

James Hindmarsh Family Name Hindmarsh Given Name James Age 23 Mth Jul Yr 1854 Ship Maria Hay Book 10 Page 290 Origin Northhumberland Relig CoE Occup Farrier Lit’cy Read and Write Comment On own acct Geelong

Ann Hindmarsh Family Name Hindmarsh Given name Ann Age 20 Month Jul Yr 1854 Ship Maria Hay Book 10 Page 290 Relig CofE Lit’cy Read only (Ann Hindmarsh 1874 prisoner record says she was born in Ireland, RC and could not read or write).

Information about the journey identifies that the Maria Hay was a sailing ship of 1,007 tons Journey details. Departed London 17 April 1854 and arrived in Geelong 23 July 1854, 97 days at sea. Adults; 116 males, 169 females, Children under 14; 47 males, 67 females (1 male child and 3 female children are identified as dying on the trip).

The Log of Logs (I didn't record the link) identifies:

MARIA HAY ship, 1007tb 1854, Capt J G Brown: London-Geelong, 24.7.1854 with 300 Gov't immigrants. Collided with HARBINGER in Eng channel: Diary by Frederick Aldridge,“The Aldridge Log”

Ship MARIA HAY 980 tons Old measurements or 1007 tons New Meas. built 1854 at Sunderland, copper fastened, dimensions 173 x 34 x 22, built to Lloyds 13 year class.