Sydney’s Ocean Fortresses
Sydney is known for its opera house, bridge and harbour, but it also boasts a lesser-known claim to fame: the world’s most collection of ocean pools. These sheltered seawater pools, built into the coastline and designed so that waves wash over them, provide an alternative to crowded beaches for those who feel vulnerable on a wild beach or are elderly or disabled. Gary Nunn takes a look at how these coastal fortresses were born.
The sdy pools are reached along the promenade linking Manly and Shelly, or on the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco Sculpture Walk on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. They haven’t changed much since their construction in 1929 by local residents and are now a favourite swimming spot for families and children. The curved walls of Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, for instance, are so close to the sea that swimmers can hear it roar. It was founded by Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long-distance and underwater swimmer, and is a stunning example of a tidal pool.
Many sdy pools are now undergoing renovation, but with escalating sea levels, the future of these heritage-listed beauties is in doubt. It is hoped that they can be raised enough to avoid flooding, but the aggressive nature of their location and soaring costs are making this difficult. It is feared that some will eventually be abandoned and left to crumble or become part of the natural landscape.
Some pools are now being used as community centres, where elderly and disabled swimmers can swim in the sheltered waters, safe from the bigger waves at the main beach. Others have been restored and are used for swimming lessons and as a place to rest for tourists and locals alike.
As a city with a rich history, it is not surprising that so many people want to preserve these historic places for the future. Some have even been designated as national parks or conservation areas, which makes them a protected part of our culture and heritage.
The sdy pools are part of a beautiful coastal landscape that is admired by many, and their restoration is essential to ensure the protection of the ocean and our history for the future. They are also a wonderful opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and spend some time in nature and enjoy the serenity of our beaches. This is an experience that should not be missed, especially for visitors to Sydney. They will not only be blown away by the beauty of these spectacular pools, but they will also come home with memories that will last a lifetime.