Access to toilet/change facilities Actively maintained Disabled Access

Men Women Children

Current Use: Ocean baths.
Condition: Good.

1960s
The Bilgola Baths were constructed by contractors. The pool is subdivided by post-and-chain fencing into a main pool 50 metres by 15 metres and a wading pool 50 metres by 5 metres. The headland protects the pool and after building the pool, Council built high fences to stop rocks falling into the pool zone. A wave deflector built into the north wall draws water into a scupper and ensures a constant water level.

The Avalon-Bilgola Swimming Club formed.

1996
Pittwater Council officially opened the access ramp and new steps at Bilgola rock pool to mark Ability Day. The new facilities were designed after extensive research and in co-operation with the Council's access committee to give visitors with disabilities much greater access to the water. Pittwater Council gave $415,000 toward the cost, with the Department of Sport and Recreation providing the remaining funds.

1997
The Avalon-Bilgola Swimming Club started its season at the Bilgola rock pool on October 18 with handicap races for all ages and standards.

2003
The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation had nine morning swimming lessons running at the southern end of the Bilgola Rock Pool from January 20.

The possibility of 'churning laps' in the Bilgola rock baths is seen as one of the advantages of living in a $2 million four-bedroom 1960s house at Bilgola.

 

An 1837 land grant to Father John Joseph Therry covered almost the entire peninsula from Newport to Whale Beach, including Avalon and Bilgola beaches. After his death, the Jesuit order sold these lands to finance the construction of a new Catholic cathedral for Sydney on the site of the burned-down St Mary's cathedral.

1906
Warringah Shire was formed.

1992
Pittwater council was formed to administer what had been the northern part of Warringah Shire.

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

The rock pool is a significant focal point for recreation, swimming education and competitive swimming for generations of school children, swimming club members, residents and visitors. The popularity of these baths is closely tied to the growth and activities of the amateur swimming movement and tourism. The site provides evidence of swimming as a recreational and competitive sport in Australia.

Assessed significance: Local.
Current heritage status: Not yet given heritage status.
 

Related Topics Children Clublife Construction issues Disability issues Learn-to-swim Public access & transport Real estate agents School swimming Swim clubs Swimming Tourism

Studies & References National Trust listing EJE Landscape Architects & Christa Ludlow. Survey of Harbourside & Ocean Pools of the Sydney Metropolitan Region. Prepared for the National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1994.