(Image taken in June 2007. Author’s own collection.)
A 32-metre by 20-metre rectangular, tidally flushed pool with two rock outcrops forming islands within the pool. Sited on a natural rock shelf with the rock itself forming one side of the pool. Located at the end of a long scenic trek from the surf club and carpark at North Curl Curl Beach.
Location
Huston Parade, North Curl Curl, NSW, 2099, Australia
(Latitude South 33 degrees 46 minutes 03 seconds, Longitude East 151 degrees 18 minutes 07 seconds)
Historical notes
Early 1900s
A natural rock pool existed in the rock platform below the Dee Why Head area, where camping was permitted for some years.
Warringah Shire was formed in 1906.
1930s
Ratepayers and residents petitioned for the construction of a rock pool at the northern end of the beach. Under the Unemployment Relief Scheme, the North Curl Curl rock pool was constructed by deepening the natural pool at a cost of 400 pounds. A containing wall built by unemployed labour created a pool 90 feet by 165 feet. Swimming competitions were held soon after the pool’s completion.
1947
The pool was destroyed in a storm.
1957
Construction of the present pool with a small wading area was completed.
1962
The Cool Cats winter swimming club formed.
1973
Pathways and stairs from the surf club to the rock pool were built.
1998
The pool had cracks in its walls, broken posts and safety chains. As part of a plan to renovate it, Warringah Council engaged a heritage expert to assess the pool’s historic worth. The Council then undertook repairs and reconstruction and contractors fitted new handrails.
1999
Warringah Council began monitoring water quality in this pool and its other five rock pools.
Large surf washed a pregnant woman out of the rock pool and threw her onto the surrounding rocks. She fractured several ribs and swallowed seawater before being winched to safety by a rescue helicopter.
2003
The walk from North Curl Curl via the pool to Dee Why was considered both fascinating and challenging.