Quietly framing the saltwater lap pools of our coastline, these historic pavilions mark the memories and punctuate the rhythm of our daily lives

Words Helen James @blackhorsecommunications

Sources Wollongong City Libraries, Illawarra Historical Society, All Into Ocean Pools Inc., Seasidehistory.co.uk

Images From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society P14865

Home to swimming clubs, rowdy school carnivals and social paddlers, the ocean pool pavilions hold space for family celebrations, kids’ parties and silent dawn dips. The changing tide of needs combined with continued community involvement has demanded they be preserved and updated.

PORT KEMBLA OLYMPIC POOL – 1937

Reflecting the popularity of the ‘lido’ in England in the 1930s and the growing beach culture in the Illawarra, the Port Kembla Olympic Pool was opened to great fanfare in 1937 and celebrated for its interwar art deco design. Despite requiring major structural renovations over the years, the fiercely loyal local spirit has made sure that the pool remains a hub of Port daily life.

The modern Port Kembla Pool building now offers a ‘Changing Places’ Adult Accessible Change Facility (AACF) for high-support needs community members and their carers.

THE CONTINENTAL BATHS – 1926

Growing public demand for unisex swimming facilities led to the construction of these Wollongong baths in 1926. It gave the progressive types a respectable alternative to the segregated Clarke’s Hole for men and the Chain Baths for women that was in line with the English standard that had gone before.

The pool was upgraded in 1962 and the original pavilion stood for another 20 years until structural deterioration was declared a danger to the public. The community outcry opposing demolition was immediate. Wollongong Council agreed to rebuild, and the new pavilion opened in 1986 with both amenities and club rooms.

WOONONA BATHS – 1928

The Woonona Rock Pool and pavilion set on Collins Point has been a community labour of love since 1894. A meeting at what was known to some as Dickson’s Hotel, now The Heritage Hotel in Bulli, agreed to seek funds to build public baths, and the owner of the privately held location promised it to the community. This hotel meeting group became The Woonona Bathing Club which, funded partly by government grant and partly by private contribution from members, cut into the rock to construct the original baths.

By 1924 the baths were no longer viable and a crew of volunteers, led by lifesavers, began excavation on new and bigger baths. Progress was slow and contract labour was eventually engaged to complete excavation and build the distinctive pavilion.

Hundreds celebrated the official opening on January 26, 1929, with crowds atop the pavilion’s viewing platform – to this day a favoured vantage point for locals and tourists alike.