Our history
The story of Urban Camp Melbourne
History of Urban Camp
Urban Camp is located in Royal Park, Melbourne, on a site with a long and layered history. Originally known as Camp Pell, the area has played an important role in Melbourne’s social and cultural development for over a century.
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Traditional owners
Royal Park sits on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. Known as Quor-nóng, the area was an important Aboriginal camping ground long before European settlement.
You can explore an interactive map created by the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples, in partnership with the City of Melbourne, to learn more about the cultural significance of this area.
Early European History
In 1860, Burke and Wills departed from Royal Park on their expedition to cross Australia from south to north. A cairn near Macarthur Road marks the starting point of this historic journey.
The following year, the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society established what is now the Melbourne Zoo, which continues to occupy part of Royal Park today.
Camp Pell (1941-1945)
During World War II, this area became known as Camp Pell, a base for American troops stationed in Australia.
Conditions were basic. Soldiers lived under canvas, slept on army stretchers, and had limited cooking facilities with no running water. The original gatehouse, which still stands today, was used to control access to the camp.
In 1941, ANZAC Hall was constructed as a recreation space, hosting films, lectures, and social activities. The camp also supported organised sport, including baseball, cricket, and football.
Camp Pell was decommissioned in December 1945 following the end of the war in the Pacific.
Post-War Years (1946-1956)
After the war, Camp Pell was repurposed as emergency housing by the Housing Commission of Victoria.
Around 3,000 people were accommodated on-site in what was intended to be a short-term solution. However, many residents remained for up to a decade, often in challenging conditions. During this time, the camp became informally known as “Camp Hell”.
By 1956, the site was cleared and Royal Park was restored as public parkland ahead of the Melbourne Olympic Games. ANZAC Hall was the only remaining structure and remained unused for many years.
From Disuse to Education (1970-1984)
In the 1970s, teachers from Kensington High School successfully advocated to refurbish ANZAC Hall for educational use, preventing its demolition.
This marked the beginning of the site’s transition from a neglected space into a place of learning and community connection.
The Establishment of Urban Camp (1984–Present)
Urban Camp officially opened in 1984, following a proposal from educators at Kensington Community School to create a camp facility for country students visiting Melbourne.
With support from the Federal Government and the City of Melbourne, the site was developed into a not-for-profit accommodation facility for school and community groups.
Over time, the camp has expanded and improved its facilities, including:
upgrades in 1987 to increase capacity
major redevelopment between 1998 and 2002
refurbishment of ANZAC Hall and construction of the North Wing
In 2000, ANZAC Hall was added to the Victorian Heritage Register in recognition of its historical significance.
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40 Years of Urban Camp
In 2024, Urban Camp celebrated its 40th anniversary.
From its origins as a wartime military camp and later emergency housing, the site has evolved into a well-established community facility supporting thousands of visitors each year.
What was Camp Pell?
Camp Pell was a temporary military camp established in Royal Park, Melbourne during World War II. It later became emergency housing for thousands of residents before the site was transformed into what is now Urban Camp.