She wrote ten novels, poetry, short stories and plays for radio. At the height of her popularity her work was read in the UK the US and in translation in Germany, Italy, France and Sweden. I can feel her watching and inspiring me.' said one writer who worked in the studio. Eleanor lived with her doctor husband Eric Dark who became a writer on social justice issues. In 1989, her son Mick donated 'Varuna' to writers in memory of his mother.
Myths surround any author.
Stories abound of Eleanor's 'cave'. In the 1930s many mountain families had 'caves' to which they trekked or in which they 'boiled the billy' on picnics. The Darks' cave is high in the mountains, a steep hour's climb from any carpark, and only found by those initiated to the route. Actually an 'overhang' the cave contains a warning from Eleanor which indicates her love of the bush. Inside a biscuit tin where visitors are invited to sign 'the book' is a poem.