Eaglemont

Eaglemont is a picturesque suburb situated in the east of Melbourne. This idyllic neighborhood is just 10km from the city’s central business district. The suburb is known for its lush green parks, historic mansions, and spectacular views of Melbourne’s skyline. But what many people don’t know is that Eaglemont has a rich local history that is worth exploring.

Before European settlement, the area that is now known as Eaglemont was home to the Wurundjeri people. These indigenous Australians lived in what is now Victoria for over 40,000 years, before Europeans arrived in the late 18th century. The Wurundjeri people had a deep connection to the land, and they saw themselves as custodians of the environment. They had a complex system of traditions, customs, and spiritual beliefs that are still celebrated and respected today.

The first European to settle in the area was a wealthy pastoralist named Andrew McCrae. McCrae arrived in Melbourne in 1840, and he eventually purchased the land that is now Eaglemont in 1841. At the time, the area was covered in dense forest, which was cleared to make grazing land for McCrae’s sheep. McCrae named his property “Sunnyside,” and he built a modest sandstone cottage that still stands today.

In the late 19th century, Eaglemont began to grow as a suburb. The construction of the Heidelberg railway line in 1888 made it easier for commuters to travel to Melbourne, and as a result, many wealthy families began to build grand homes in the area. Some of the most notable homes in the suburb include “Wairarapa,” which was built in 1891 for wealthy businesswoman Ada Armytage, and “Belle Vue,” which was built in 1892 for businessman James Grice.

The suburb also has a connection to the artist community in Melbourne. In the early 20th century, the area became popular with a group of artists who were known as the Heidelberg School. These artists, which included Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Frederick McCubbin, were known for their impressionist-style paintings that celebrated the Australian landscape. Many of the artists lived and painted in the area, and their works are now celebrated as some of the finest examples of Australian art.

Eaglemont has also been home to several notable Australians. The author and Nobel laureate Patrick White lived in the suburb for many years, and his former home is now a heritage-listed building. The actress Elizabeth Taylor also lived in the suburb while she was visiting Australia in the 1950s.

Today, Eaglemont is a thriving community that celebrates its rich local history. The suburb has several heritage-listed sites, including several of the grand mansions that were built in the late 19th century. The suburb also has several beautiful parks, including Yarraleen Reserve and Eaglemont Flats, which offer spectacular views of Melbourne’s skyline.

In conclusion, Eaglemont is a unique suburb that is rich in local history. From its indigenous past to its connection to the Heidelberg School of artists, the suburb has a fascinating story to tell. Today, the suburb is a thriving community that celebrates its heritage while looking towards the future.