Our Local Studies team have recently enjoyed reading Places We Swim Sydney by Caroline Clements and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon, a book that explores famous and hidden swimming spots all over Sydney.
Included among the favourites to visit are several beaches, walks and rockpools in the Northern Beaches. Inspired, the Local Studies team have shared their favourite historical facts about the rockpools in our area that are featured in this book.
You can always explore Northern Beaches' past with History Hub.
Dee Why
The first pool at Dee Why was created by nature. A broad shallow basin was formed in the rock shelf south of what is now the main pool.
In 1915, members of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club carved a six metre square out of the rock shelf at the southern end of Dee Why Beach and in 1919, the enlarged pool was opened to the public. The final cost of the pool was £192 (a large sum in 1919) and although a community project, Council assisted financially and eventually took over the pool to make further improvements.
Between 1929 and 1939, there was a springboard on the northern side of the pool however the pool was shallow, making diving a dangerous activity. The 'stilling pool' on the eastern end is a unique feature and is designed to absorb waves.
North Curl Curl
The North Curl Curl rockpool was built in 1937, financed from Unemployment Relief Funds. The natural rockpool already present on the site was deepened and a retaining wall was built.
In 1938, a timber walkway was constructed for easier access to the rockpool but unfortunately this walkway didn’t last long. Some believe it was a storm that destroyed the walkway and others believe it was dismantled early in WWII so invading soldiers couldn't easily access the headland from the beach.
In 1947, the pool was destroyed by heavy seas however was rebuilt 10 years later.
Freshwater Beach
The Freshwater Beach rockpool officially opened on 28 November 1925. It was constructed by WH Morgan for £472 with the lower path from the beach to the pool added later by Mr R Antill, who won a tender for £105.
The Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club Building Committee was formed in 1934 for the purpose of building a clubhouse and dressing sheds, which were officially opened on 7 September 1935.
In 1943, the Women’s Amateur Swimming Club formed and Isabel Letham introduced water ballet to the ladies club in 1947.
Did you know also that in 1962, the pool was extended to 50 metres?
Fairy Bower
The Fairy Bower rockpool was constructed by the local community. At a Manly Council Meeting on 19 February 1929, it was proposed that the construction would cost approximately £500.
The pool has most commonly been used for children and others who don’t want to swim in the surf and was regarded as an excellent pool to learn how to swim.
North Narrabeen
Tenders for construction of the North Narrabeen rockpool were sought in September 1933. By October, the tender of John Macdonald for £494 was accepted.
On 3 March 1935, the pool was officially opened by the President of Warringah Shire, Cr. Austen.
North Narrabeen swimming clubs initially held their events on Narrabeen Lagoon but moved to the pool once construction was completed.
