(This image taken in May 2004. Author’s own collection.)
Natural rock pool located south of Port Hacking on the coast of the Royal National Park, which separates the cities of Sydney and Wollongong. Photographs show this has long been a popular bathing place for park visitors.
Location
Royal National Park, NSW, Australia
(Latitude South 34 degrees 07 minutes 02 seconds, Longitude East 151 degrees 08 minutes 36 seconds)
Historical notes
Shell middens show a long Aboriginal occupation of the National Park area and meals of shellfish and snapper. Aboriginal communities at La Perouse in Sydney and in Wollongong and on the south coast retain strong links to the Royal National Park area and its fishing spots.
Late nineteenth century
Established as The National Park in 1879, this national park celebrated as ‘the lungs of Sydney’ was the world’s second national park and the first such park in Australia .
Tracks from the railway station at Waterfall leading down through the Park to the coast became popular with bushwalkers and campers.
1920s
Bushwalking became a popular pastime and railways promoted day trips to the park.
1950s
Following the 1954 visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Australia, the National Park was renamed the Royal National Park.
1967
The National Parks and Wildlife Act passed management of the Royal National Park and the Garrawarra Park from park trustees to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.