With the launch of the expansion of RAC Esperance Holiday Park, the highly anticipated opening of the Azure Lodge has got us looking back into the history of not only this building, but how it fits into the history of Western Australia and the seaside town of Esperance.
The history of the Fresh Air League
The original Fresh Air League emerged in England in 1892, with the vision to provide fresh air and nature to children living in highly industrial cities.
The initiative first launched in WA in 1901 in Kalgoorlie, sending thousands of Goldfields children to Bunbury, Albany and Esperance on seaside holidays for fresh air and new surroundings, away from their more industrial or farming hometowns. In 1948 the official Fresh Air League relocated to Esperance with a new building.
The building, designed by architect Nancy Allen, incorporated the town of Boulder’s former RAAF Barracks buildings. Over the years it has also been used for various camps and holidays from Scouts to Goldfields pensioners and from 1986 it operated as a youth hostel until it closed at the beginning of 2020. It was then used as emergency accommodation for stranded tourists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are we retaining of the original structure?
Part of the redevelopment is the retention and refurbishment of this historic building. Although there are no official heritage protections for the building, the local community expressed their wishes to honour the old building, which for many had been part of their childhood. While much of the building was in a state of disrepair, we have taken great care and investment in preserving and reusing components of this iconic Esperance facility.
These images, from the opening of the building and throughout it’s time, will be displayed inside of the new lodge and serve as a reminder of the building’s rich history.
A large section of the western end of the building has been retained and refurbished including the original floor, most windows, trusses and weatherboards. We have worked to restore and upgrade the building, now in its next chapter as a holiday home, providing a space for new memories to be created.
In this chapter, as part of the RAC Esperance Holiday Park and now known as the Azure Lodge, this historic building is a one-of-a-kind, premium accommodation that can host up to 8 guests. Perfect for large families or friend groups, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a full kitchen, partial views across to Esperance Bay and more. This is the perfect place for a well-deserved holiday to reconnect with loved ones and embrace slow living.
