Eganstown – Nature and Architectural History

Eganstown offers several reasons to visit: the 27-hectare Deep Creek, Eganstown Streamside Reserve is a place for nature and a quiet picnic area. Buildings and local history tell another side of the town’s story. If you’re looking for holiday accommodation in Eganstown, consider what you’d like your trip to focus on: time in the reserve or an interest in architecture and history.

The reserve and mineral spring

Deep Creek, Eganstown Streamside Reserve has a natural grassy area, tall eucalyptus trees and a quiet picnic area. These are specific features that characterise the reserve’s natural environment. The picnic area offers an opportunity to make spending time outdoors the focus of your visit.

The Deep Creek Mineral Spring is also located in the reserve. A hand pump there provides fresh mineral water and opened in July 2022. The path to the spring is quite steep and is not suitable for all abilities. If you’re considering visiting this part of the reserve, take the path conditions into account and check whether they’re suitable for the travellers in your group. The pump and access to it are two different considerations: the spring is a special destination, but the steep path is not equally suitable for everyone.

Chapel and architectural history

The St Francis Xavier mortuary chapel stands in Eganstown Cemetery and was built in 1865–1867. The simple rectangular building measures 13.5 m × 5.5 m and is constructed with a timber frame and weatherboards. Its steep roof has a 45° pitch and is covered with original corrugated iron sheets made by Frederick Brady and Company in Glasgow. The chapel’s dimensions, construction and roof make it a distinct architectural subject, separate from the nature in the reserve.

The chapel played a role in the history of building development and contributes to the area’s architectural character. Eganstown’s Catholic cemetery is also part of the town’s history: it dates from 1867 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. These historical connections make the cemetery and chapel interesting to travellers who want to learn about architectural history and a place’s cultural heritage.

Place names and other traces of history

The school provides another point of reference in time: it originally opened in 1861 as a national school under the name Deep Creek. In 1881, both the town and the school were renamed Eganstown. As you explore the town’s history, you’ll also come across the name Eganstown in connection with the school.

Corinella on the Midland Highway in Eganstown is also part of the local architectural history. It is listed as Heritage Place HO 829 in the Hepburn Planning Scheme. Together with the chapel and the listed cemetery, it forms a historical focus distinct from the reserve’s natural features.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Eganstown, the town’s local architectural and school history may also be what makes it the right destination for your holiday.

For an overview of the wider region: Hepburn Shire.