Eildon Dams Museum

Eildon Dams Museum tells the story of the two dams constructed on the Goulburn River (1925 - 1956) and the general history of the district from First Settlers through the Gold Rush.

On display are the 'Mimi Jane', the first houseboat on the lake, 100 year old Anglican Church, artefacts found on the bottom of the lake during severe drought and photographs of the construction of the two dams.

'Mimi Jane'
The Mimi-Jane is believed to have been one of the first houseboats to be launched on Lake Eildon. Today this relic of days past is on display at the Eildon Visitor Information Centre in Main Street, forming a centrepiece of the Eildon Dams Museum.

The Mimi-Jane was previously owned by Mrs Louisa Jones of 'Ripponlea' in Elsternwick and was named after her two poodles. It was built on the wooden pontoons of an ex-army Bailey Bridge and as initially the vessel had no motor, it was towed around by a motorised craft. It was first launched on the Lake in the 1950s.

At the time, Mrs Jones' two daughters both had holiday homes at Taylor Bay and had been visiting the district for more than 30 years.

Following the death of Mrs Jones, the boat was sold to a family friend. Later, it was purchased by an unknown person wishing to launch a houseboat on the Lake.

Finally the owner considered scrapping the Mimi-Jane, but after consultation with the Eildon Chamber of Commerce (now Eildon Action), the vessel was gifted to the Chamber for its historical importance.

Mimi-Jane was taken off the Lake in 1984 and was stored at the Eildon Engineering factory at number 1 Eildon Road. In 1999 Mimi-Jane underwent extensive renovation and was moved to its present location at the Eildon Visitor Information Centre.

The Mimi-Jane can bee seen from the fence line at the Eildon Visitor Information Centre in Main Street or you can have a closer look and inspect the inside of the vessel as it is a part of the Eildon Dams Museum.

Eildon Dams Museum

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