Access to toilet/change facilities Actively maintained Disabled Access

Men Women Children

Current Use: Ocean baths.
Condition: Good.

1923
The newly constructed Coalcliff Baths [southern rock pool] opened on January 26 with a picnic and other entertainment and was well patronised during the holidays.

1928
When the Coalcliff surf club presented an account of 47 pounds to the Bulli Shire Council for the extension of baths, Council proposed setting a local rate to liquidate the debt, subject to consultation with the local association.

1933
The Coalcliff surf club was concerned about pollution of Patterson's creek, which meant that 'smellful' matter was being washed back onto the beach and baths by the tides.

1942
When the Coalcliff Progress Association complained the baths were leaking and the dressing shed and lavatory were in poor condition, there was enough money in the local fund to fix these problems.

1945
The cost of dressing sheds near the Coalcliff Baths was estimated as 775 pounds by the Bulli Shire Council engineer. The plans, which allowed for widening the baths by 20 feet to leave a 14-foot promenade between the baths and the sheds, were referred to the Coalcliff local committee.

1988
The pool became home to the Stanwell Park Sea Eels winter swimming club.

1993
Coalcliff Beach was bypassed by most travellers, despite the charms of the park, the rock pool and the surf.
 

As the name implies, Coalcliff is in a coal mining area.

1906
Bulli Shire Council was formed.

1924
The Coalcliff surf club formed.

1939
Coalcliff was more popular than ever and the large number of campers included dozens on private allotments.

1947
The Bulli Shire Council was amalgamated with other Illawarra councils to form the City of Greater Wollongong.

2003
The contentious closure of a stretch of the coast road between Coalcliff and Clifton forced visitors from Sydney to head south on the F6 freeway and descend to the coast via the Bulli Pass.

2005
Completion of the Sea Cliff Bridge re-opened the coast road between Coalcliff and Clifton.

To be added.

1920s ocean pool. Important to the development of tourism at Coalcliff. Strong surf club involvement in the development and maintenance of these baths.

Associated with generations of Coalcliff residents and visitors as well as members of local surf club and winter swimming club.

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

Related Topics Campers & caravanners Children Council involvement Dressing sheds Miners & quarrymen Surf clubs Tourism Waste management Water quality Winter swimming

Studies & References To be added.