Access to toilet/change facilities Actively maintained Disabled Access

Men Women Children

Current Use: Ocean baths.
Condition: Good. Facilities nearby.

The earliest pool on this site was probably one created by residents.

1932
Sutherland Shire Council decided to formalise the ocean pools, creating 'spacious concrete bathing pools swept by breakers from the ocean' and facilities for visitors close to the Cronulla surfing areas. The Shire engineer supervised the construction work.

The Minister for Local government opened these baths (132 feet long and 60 feet wide) and the neighbouring children's pool on Eight Hour Day 1932. Sutherland Council and the Cronulla surf club  and the Cronulla Fire Brigade co-operated in activities associated with the opening of these  Cronulla rock pools. It was anticipated that a group of female surfers who had competed as a team in a beach girls competition  would affiliate with the Royal Life Saving Society and patrol the baths 

1933
When the 'Ladies Surf Club' applied for the use of a life-saving reel in the rock pool, Council denied their request after taking advice from the official men-only surf clubs. The Cronulla surf club considered that a reel was appropriate only where swimmers were swept out of the pool, in which case the rescue was the responsibility of the men's clubs, while the North Cronulla club was convinced that the ladies club was neither capable nor equipped for working with the reel. Neither club offered to train or otherwise assist the 'Ladies Surf Club' to develop skills for rescue work.

Late 1980s
Rising public liability costs threatened the survival of all Cronulla's tidal pools.

2006
Well used by the public on an informal basis with many regular users.

 

Clans of Dharawal people lived around North Cronulla and Cronulla Beach.

1827
Surveyor Dixon used the term 'Cronulla beaches'.

1885
The railway reached Sutherland and the Cronulla area gained popularity as a picnic place.

1888
The Oriental Hotel occupied the site near the present-day North Cronulla Hotel.

1906
Sutherland Shire was proclaimed.

1911
A steam tram linked Sutherland and Cronulla.

World War I
The Cronulla area was semi-rural.

1920s
Motor cars gave more people readier access to Cronulla.
North Cronulla Surf Club began beach patrols in 1925.

1939
Cronulla became the only Sydney beach with a railway station.

1960s
Cronulla's low-rise holiday guest-houses were being replaced by high-rise flats.

2003
An assessment of the Shire's ocean baths was identified as a necessary part of the ongoing management of its coastal assets.

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

Part of the set of ocean baths between North Cronulla and at South Cronulla that testifies to the importance of ocean baths as visitor attractions and as facilities for local residents especially seniors, children and surf clubs.

Assessed significance: Local on its own,  but has increased significance when considered as part of the set of ocean baths between North Cronulla and at South Cronulla.
Current heritage status: Not yet given heritage status.
 

Related Topics Council involvement Public access & transport

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.