(Image taken in January 2003. Author’s own collection.)
Natural pool on a rock shelf. Mentioned in some tourist information about the Kiama district. Access involves a scramble over the rocks north of Werri Beach.
Location
Princes Highway, Werri Beach, NSW, 2534, Australia
(Latitude South 34 degrees 42 minutes 41 seconds, Longitude East 150 degrees 51 minutes 03 seconds)
Historical notes
Up to 1819
Aboriginal occupation of this area was undisturbed until NSW Surveyor-General John Oxley’s 1819 report to Governor Macquarie regarding the fertile soil and dense forests in the Kiama region prompted white settlement there.
1820s
Gerringong had a small boat harbour from which much cedar was shipped. Once the cedar was cut out, dairying became the district’s main industry.
1890s
The South Coast rail line reduced shipping trade from Gerringong’s Boat Harbour, but far-sighted residents saw the possibilities of bringing tourists to the district and sought dedication of a recreation ground at Lagoon Beach (Werri Beach) only 1.5 miles from the Omega railway station. Werri Beach is the surf beach for the town of Gerringong and occupies the first broad valley south of Kiama. The reserve at this Beach became a favourite picnic spot for Gerringong people and visitors.