Back to search results » Back to search page »

Camp Eureka

Other Name

Eureka Youth League Camp

Location

100 Tarrango Road, Yarra Junction VIC 3797 - Property No 71689

File Number

110

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

Camp Eureka has State (and perhaps National) significance as a workers' holiday camp built for the Eureka Youth League, a socialist youth group, by voluntary labour during the post-Second World War years. During its heyday, from 1946 to the mid-1950s, the Camp attracted about 1,000 holiday-makers, who enjoyed a cheap holiday in a bush setting in one of the State's most popular holiday places. It was one of a number of Eureka Youth League holiday camps established throughout Australia. Comprising a complex of huts and tents, the Mess Hut, (built in 1946-47) designed by architect, John Walker, and recently repaired and re-roofed, has particular interest for its use of traditional bush building techniques. Campers included a number of young people who later became well-kown artists, writers, actors and trade union leaders. Camp Eureka has historical significance as an important part of the heritage of the Australian Labour movement, and is a place of happy memories the many working-class families who holidayed there in the 1940s and 1950s. The Camp Eureka Working Collective, formed in about 1974 by former Camp members, plans to re-open the Camp when the facilities have been upgraded to meet today's requirements. The Camp Eureka Archives, held at Melbourne University Archives, are important heritage items.

Group

Recreation and Entertainment