EASTERN BEACH MINERAL SPRINGS
HEARNE ROAD EAST GEELONG, GREATER GEELONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
This site is significant as the only mineral springs located in the central Geelong area and as part of the Geelong tourist landscape.
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EASTERN BEACH MINERAL SPRINGS - History
The increased interest in the medicinal properties of hot water and mineral baths led to the proposed exploitation of the mineral springs at Eastern Beach by Donald McAndrew. The existence of the springs had been know for many years, and McAndrew proposed form a company to tap the springs to provide sufficient water for a bathing facility. The venture never eventuated, due to local council opposition, but public interest in the springs was stimulated, and many people filled their water bottles from the springs located on the beach beyond Garden St. An analysis of the waters in 1895 revealed they had similar properties to the Seltzer Spa in Nassau, and that they had the potential to alleviate respiratory and digestive problems. The report recommended that they be protected from the invasion of seawater at high tides as well as surface drainage. In 1896, the Town Council directed that fences and kiosk be placed around the springs, along with improved grounds. The popularity of the springs eventually declined, and by 1902 the kiosk shed was in disrepair. The location of the springs were shown in plans from 1910 - 1933 (G382 and G143). Although many attempts by various progress associations were made to revitalise the area, by 1955, the area had become largely disused. (Brownhill,1990:630-33).
EASTERN BEACH MINERAL SPRINGS - Interpretation of Site
The concrete surrounds appear to have been placed around the spring outlets to prevent contamination by saltwater, as the springs are in the intertidal area. Spring #1 has a concrete surround about 0.5m high, and once appears to have formed a cube trough into which the spring water flowed. The eastern face of the concrete surround has a semi-circular recessed impression, which formerly may have held a 5cm wide pipe up from the spring into the trough. A small copper pipe leads from this indentation into the trough area, supporting this analysis. A natural spring still flows into a small pool directly adjacent to the spring surround.
Spring #2 is surrounded by a rough mix circular concrete surround, which appears to have been built to protect a pipe outlet directly from the spring itself. This structure may have been used to support a pump mechanism? No evidence of Spring #3 was located, but it is possiblee that remnants could be buried under extensive seaweed that was coating the area.
Possible archaeological remains of the kiosk shed may be located in this area under seaweed.
Heritage Study and Grading
Heritage Victoria - Maritime Infrastructure Assessment Project
Author: Heritage Victoria
Year: 2005
Grading:
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FIRST CUSTOMS HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0185
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CORIO VILLAVictorian Heritage Register H0193
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MERCHISTON HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0192
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