Access to toilet/change facilities Actively maintained Disabled Access

Men Women Children

Current Use: Ocean baths.
Condition: Good, facilities nearby at Bronte Baths.

Early 1880s
The Bogey Hole at South Nelson Bay was a popular bathing place before Waverley Council gained permission to construct baths.

1886
The NSW government dedicated 14 acres for Bronte Park and Waverley Council was appointed as trustee for the park. Council was asked to compel bathers at Bronte Beach to wear suitable costumes.

1905
A petition asked Council to extend the Bogey Hole at Bronte.

1907
Waverley Council accepted Mr Bradshaw's tender of 295 pounds to enlarge the Bronte Bogey Hole.

1939
A photograph of Bronte Beach at low tide shows many more rocks than at present around the Bogey Hole.

1996
A pod of about 15 dolphins jumped into Bronte's Bogey Hole and rode the waves, delighting a crowd of about a hundred onlookers.

2001
A man swimming in the Bronte Bogey Hole was bitten by a gummy shark that had to be cut from his arm. He took the shark with him to hospital and later home to eat.

2002
Bronte rated well on the NSW EPA's cleanest beaches list. Water quality had improved since the days when the stormwater channel used to come out near the Bogey Hole.

2006
Surf club nippers acquire and practise some of their surf skills at the Bogey Hole.

1864
Waverley Council asked the NSW government to place a reserve at the area, then known as South Nelson Bay, under council control for public recreation and 'sea bathing'.

Early 1880s
Colonial architect Mortimer Lewis designed and partially built Bronte House, the first house in the area.

1885
Waverley Council requested the NSW government to obtain and dedicate three or four acres of the Bronte Estate opposite the Bay for public recreation.

1886
The NSW government dedicated 14 acres for Bronte Park and Waverley Council was appointed as trustee for the park. Council was asked to compel bathers at Bronte Beach to wear suitable costumes.
 

To be added.

Demonstrates ongoing popularity and long-term management of a simple ring-of-rocks pool used for recreational bathing for over 100 years.

Assessed significance: Worth nominating for State Heritage listing in tandem with the Bronte Baths.
Current heritage status: To be advised.
 

Related Topics Bogey Hole Council involvement Government involvement Life savers & lifeguards Ring-of-rocks pools Sharks Waste management Water quality Wildlife

Studies & References