Pittwater Online News

June 1 - 30, 2026: Issue 655

Bilgola Beach Environs 1860 to 2026: A Centenary Celebration of the Bilgola Beach Reserves

At the Council Meeting held on Tuesday November 12 2024 the council resolved to accept the tender of Bedrule Pty Ltd T/A Tobco for RFT 2024/088 – to 'Design and Construct Newport Beach to Bilgola Beach Coast Walk for the sum of $2,489,406 excluding GST'. The walkway follows on from the destruction of coastal banksia food and habitat trees in the beach car park in 2019 - trees that were meant to be kept as part of this project - and the successful push back by the community to install plastic grass alongside the sand in the same section. The council subsequently planted more shrubs where the trees it had destroyed, and which had been food for the local wattlebirds and other wildlife.

Bilgola beachfront at south end, November 2 2019 - residents objected to these being concreted sections have plastic grass infill between them

Although residents maintain they prefer the old track, winding without impact through the bushland over the south Bilgola Beach headland into Newport, enlarging the footprint of what had been known as the Bicentennial Walk right along the coast was rebranded to fulfil the forced amalgamation narrative of Pittwater being under the control of Warringah Council once more being a great development - with heaps more being done and everything being cheaper, as well as increasing the notice that will be taken of community aspirations for the green and blue end of the Barrenjoey peninsula - even if the reality has not matched this spin.

Residents have stated this points out the difference between the two councils and why they persist in working to have Pittwater Council reinstalled - so a council that is for, about and by Pittwater is looking after the Barrenjoey Peninsula, its environment and residents.

On Newport to Bilgola headland walk 2011

People accessing the Newport to Bilgola track on a Sunday morning, January 4, 2026

Ripping out the bush for pathway, Bilgola Beach end, November 17 2025

Ripping out the bush for pathway, Newport Beach end, November 17 2025

March 14 2026 - Bilgola beach reserve end

March 14 2026 - Bilgola beach reserve end

The shift from a place that was the domain of first nations peoples, where camping, fishing and feasting took place, to the sell off of what had been granted to J J Therry as a land grant, from the 1880's on as acreage, to the 1920's urban lots and post-World War Two to 1950's Service Generation, to the changes taking place under the current council, are long lulls of blue and green space in isolation, the building of community as families took up their allotment of an urban paradise and built community, built surf clubs, built parks, to a restoration of the natural landscape from the 1990's, and the accelerated change over a few months of the current years where what is faithful to the Pittwater community's environment standard has had the fake imposed over it.

A Centenary of Bilgola Beach Public Reserves

As what we today call the Bilgola Beach Reserves have long attracted attention a great store of information and images have recorded these changes, and the Bilgola Beach Reserves were officially set aside by the State Government in August 1925 at the south end, and bequeathed to the then Warringah Shire Council by Arthur Jabez Small in January 1926 at the north end, a centenary celebration and a few insights into those changes runs as this week's pictorial.

In his 1861 published My Holiday Chares De Boos describes walking from north Newport down into and then up out of Bilgola Beach to overlooking today's Avalon Golf Course and Beach reserve as:

Following the road, we mounted and crossed the range which terminates in the bluff headland, at the base of which I had been so completely drenched on the proceeding day, and then followed a gradually descending track which wound round the hill side into a deep indentation of the land, until it came down to the level of the sandy ridges which bordered the beach, and then dived into a thickly wooded dell, which though so close to the borders of the seam was one tangled mass of vegetation. It was in fact the embouchure of a long gulley, that, separating two extensive and lofty spurs from the main range was so far sheltered by each from the cutting breezes of ocean, as to allow of the growth of every description of plant in we same profusion as in the gullies I have previously described. Through the midst of it ran a tolerably broad sheet of water, the ordinary brooklet of clear, bright, and sparkling water having been transformed by the late rains into a miniature torrent, turgid and bellowing and carrying down before it small boughs and debris from the hills above, in humble imitation of larger streams. By the aid of a fallen tree we managed to cross the stream dry footed, but it was only by breaking down and walking over the branches of the bangolas and by taking advantage of such tufts of grass or such dead timber  as offered that we could manage to cross the centre of the gully which the brook had covered with a mimic inundation.

Once through this jungle of a gully, and we had a gently rising road, creeping steadily up the face of the range, by easy graduation until at last it had gained the crest. Then we had a monotonous walk along the top of the ridge, in full view of the vast Pacific to our right, whose waves were now beating almost lazily along the beach at our feet and whose waters had barely swell enough on them to keel over the tiny fleet of coasters that had put out from different ports of shelter on the coast with the first slant of the favouring wind, and were now lying almost motionless, with scarce wind enough to lift their sails. To the left, the hills, covered with the low close scrub common to our coast ranges, bounded our view, the inland ridges, with their heavily timbered sides being hidden from our sight. Suddenly, however, the road took a curve round to the left, crossed a knoll of the range, and then swept down, in some fifty different tracks, on to a broad swampy plain, or flat, which seemed to us to be inundated, for we could see the water sparkling and glistening in the sun over its whole face. I pulled up short here.

" It won't do to go down there, Tom," said I.

"Oh, but we must," he replied. "This is the Priest's Flat, and there, where you see those shears erected, with the two tents alongside of them, is where they are boring for coal. We must go and report progress." .... MY HOLIDAY. (1861, August 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13059581

Pittwater Council's PoM for the environment of Bilgola lists the following plant species:

The gully structure of Bilgola has preserved some areas close to their original state and supports a Cabbage-tree Palm Forest (Livistona australis), Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) and Guioa (Guioa  semiglauca) with emergent eucalypts such as Broad-leaved White Mahogany (E. umbra). An understorey plant world of low tree and shrub layer species include Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa), Veiny Wilkiea (Wilkiea huegeliana), Bolwarra (Eupomatia laurina), Bastard Rosewood (Synoum glandulosum), Mock Olive (Notelaea longifolia) and Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum). 

The ground layer is dominated by ferns. Common ground layer plants include Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera), Jasmine Morinda (Morinda jasminoides), Settler's Flax (Gymnostachys anceps), Native Grape (Cissus hypoglauca), False Bracken Fern  (Calochaena dubia), Lawyer Vine and Harsh Ground-fern (Hypolepis muelleri). Also present are small areas of forest or woodland community where the trees are of lower height than the forest on the upper slopes. Here Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata), Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda) and Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) grow. Associated small tree species include Bangalay (E. botryoides), Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus).

The fruits of the trees are favoured by species such as the Topknot Pidgeon and seasonal migrants such as the Koel and Channel-billed Cuckoo. Up until 2000 a few koalas had been spotted still living along Bilgola Bends. 

Predator foxes have been seen at the edge of the road at dusk. The ridgeline, and open scrubland of Attunga reserve, lends itself to raptors both daylight loving, hawks, eagles, peregrine flacons and nocturnal owls. All have been spotted in this area recently and in past years. Birdline NSW reported in 2015 there was a white-tailed Tropicbird off the headland in May and Eastern Koel on the top of the ridge in August, showing Bilgola and its hilled reserves provide a haven for many land and coastal birds in their due seasons.

Names this green and blue reserve have been known by are; 

…it is a region with smiling, long names, one supposes, with a Cockney twist: Barrenjoey, which used to written "Barenja” and Barrenjuee; the estuary headland called Flint and Steel, the creek called Coal and Candle, the hill called Tumble Down Dick. Two names that aren't heard now are Cranky Alice's Beach and Mad Mick's Hollow. They distinguished a gully and beach off Barrenjoey Road (now Dalley's Beach) and the names commemorated picturesque old residents.  LAUGHTER AND TEARS IN THE WILDERNESS. BY Peter Harding.(1968, February 14). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51973069

Also named Belgoula, Bilgoola, Bilgola, an aboriginal word stated to mean 'swirling waters' which has also been used to name the Bungan-Newport headland and the Newport Reef in times past, as well as 'Cabbage Tree Vale', 'Dalley's Beach' and even 'Cabbage tree beach' in earlier records, the bay of what we now call Bilgola Beach was Advertised in 1880 as part of the Therry Estate as Lots:

Lots 16 to 25.— 10 Small FARMS in CABBAGE-TREE VALE, on BILGOLA BEACH. Areas from 5 ACRES 2 ROODS 36 PERCHES to 21 ACRES 1 ROOD. Advertising (1880, April 24). Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133487003

This sale of land signalled the first change to Bilgola. Almost 2.8ha was bought in 1882 by Francis and Harriet Fahey, who sold it in 1884 to John and Marion Stevenson. Either of these two groups of people built a small weatherboard cottage on the site.

Michael Moran and John and Marion Stevenson sold Lots 22 and 23, for a total of £585-5s-6d to William Bede Dalley, politician of Manly. The transfers of ownership officially took place in June and October 1886, though it is likely that the agreements had been reached months or more earlier and that Mr. Dalley had use of the land well before the formal exchanges were made.

Although lot 22 was generally steep, lot 23, below it, ran gently down to the beach, and it was there that Dalley built a weatherboard cottage, the first European structure on Bilgola Beach. ‘Tallamalla’, as the house was named, offered a retreat from Macquarie Street and was Dalley’s second house on the Peninsula, the opulent ‘Marinella’, better known as ‘Dalley’s Castle,’ at Manly having been built some years earlier. 

‘Tallamalla’ occupied a particularly idyllic spot with Bilgola creek, lined with palms and ferns, running along its southern boundary and with lawns stretching towards the beach.

Dalley's tenure and enjoyment was short lived though as he passed away 28th of October 1888. The property had already been placed on the market in January 1888, so Mr Dalley, said to be heartbroken when his wife Elanor died of typhoid in 1881, leaving him to look after their six children, may have already been ill and disposing of assets or settling his affairs from 1887 on, when records state he became ill.

The advertisement describes:

PITTWATER TALLAMALLA. The MARINE VILLA owned by the Right Honourable W. B. DALLEY. This PROPERTY has about 18 ACRES LAND, and Is divided into two portions by the MAIN PITTWATER ROAD. It is the PICK OF SPOTS along the northern coast, and ... large frontage to Bilgola Bay, with the best fishing grounds the most enthusiastic disciple of Isaac Walton could desire. There are TWO RESIDENCES, one for the caretaker, and the other for the owner's use. The PALM GROVES and FERNS on this property are a marvel of semi-tropical growth. The SOIL is equal to any of the richest Illawarra land. MILLS and PILE have been instructed by the proprietor to sell by auction, at the Rooms, 130, Pitt-street, on THURSDAY", 2nd February, at half-past 11 o'clock, TALLAMALLA, the MOST CHARMING MARINE VILLA SITE IN THE COLONY. PLANS and Particulars at the Rooms. Advertising. (1888, January 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13664294

when W B Dalley made his will on 18 November 1887 he stated that ‘my residence at Manly and my property at Pittwater known as Yellambi may be sold..’ There was no mention of any property called ‘Tallamalla’, the name under which the Bilgola property was subsequently offered for sale. The reason for the discrepancy is unknown..  From MW&PHS, Bilgola. Peninsula Historian Newsletter. VOLUME 3  NO. 9, SEPTEMBER 2010. George Champion. Edited by Tony Dawson.

The property was purchased by Melbourne merchants Malcolm Donald McEacham and John McIlwraith before Mr. Dalley passed away in October 1888.

Within a year ‘Tallamalla’ was put up for auction again. No buyer was found. In 1892, by an order of the bankruptcy court, ‘Tallamalla’ was sold with the owner becoming William John McGaw, the owner of Kooba Station, a large grazing property in the Riverina. He and his wife, Sarah Maria, also purchased the Dalley property ‘Marinella’ at Manly, which was renamed ‘The Towers’ and, later, ‘The Castle’. After her husband’s death in 1894, Mrs McGaw continued to live there until she, too, died in 1922. 

Bilgola Beach circa 1907

Her application to bring the property at Bilgola under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1863 was approved, and on 15 December 1897 Mrs McGaw, by then widowed, was issued with the new Certificate of Title embracing the entire 18 acres.

Camping

Mrs McGaw held on to the land until May 1909 when she sold it to Henry Zeddon Jones, also then of Manly, who lived there and called it 'Balgowlah'. In the meantime, she had allowed the estate to be used by others:

GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS' CAMP.

Certain University men recently organised a large camp, specially designed for Great Public Schools. The organisation was complete. The idea was to make it the beginning of an annual affair. In England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Holland, and the United States these camps for secondary schools are already well known. In England, Oxford and Cambridge men conduct the camps, while boys from such schools as Eton, Rugby, and Harrow attend them. The camp is one of the best places to make friends. The very freshness and freedom of outdoor life, and the warmth of the Australian sun, help to establish goodwill and comradeship. The headquarters of the Sydney camp were at Dalley's Bungalow, a couple of miles past Newport. The spot is very picturesque, peeping on to a beach through a host of palms. The Bathurst Floods: A 'Varsity Camp. (1909, February 10). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 34. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163286978 

The grounds around 'Tallamalla' weren't the only ones on which people began camping during this time. Arthur Billerwell also bought just over 3 acres tucked in the corner alongside Bilgola creek, which made this an ideal source of fresh clean water for a camping ground. His idea was also to share this property with others. The papers of then tell us:

MOTOR CYCLING. The Kookaburra Motor Cycle Club, with Mr A Billerwell as hon secretary, has registered with the N.S.W. Cyclists' Union. Several prominent North Sydney motor cyclists are identified with this club, which promises a big membership. MOTOR CYCLING. (1910, August 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15205933

THE KOOKABURRA'S SECRETARY, MR. A. BILLERWELL.  Mr. 'Arthur' Billerwell is another motor-cyclist who graduated from the ranks of the amateur racing cyclist. A few -years ago he was a prominent North Sydney rider, and occupied a position very near scratch in  the company  of such riders as A. Eiden, who, for several years, held the N.S. Wales record for 20 miles on the road, and was always a competitor with whom no liberties could be taken. Mr. Billerwell, however, was one of the less fortunate riders as a cyclist, for, in spite of his abilities, very few prizes came his way. Taking up motor-cycling a few years ago, Mr. Billerwell was one of the moving spirits in forming the Kookaburra Club, and was, at its first meeting, elected secretary, a position he has filled' ever since. Like many of his club mates, Mr. Billerwell has not confined his athletic energies to one branch, having taken part in a number of swimming events as a member of the Mosman Club ; he is also a skilful surfer. Not long ago, after a long period of motor-cycling, he demonstrated that he had not entirely forgotten how to pedal by riding a hard pursuit match — in which two cyclists start at opposite sides of a track, and ride in pursuit of each other until the agreed on distance is covered— with Mr.' F. S. Roberts at St. Ives, on- a rough pony track. . He is also credited by those who know him with a leaning towards naturalistic studies, being quoted as something of an authority on the habits of ants. THE KOOKABURRA'S SECRETARY,. (1913, February 9).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 18. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126460786 

MR. ARTHUR BILLERWELL, Hon. Sec. of the Kookaburra Motor-Cycle Club. MOTORS & MOTORING. (1913, February 9). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126460708

It was during this man's guiding that:

KOOKABURRA MOTOR-CYCLE CLUB. 

This club has made an important move recently by securing a site for a permanent clubhouse at Newport, where 7 ½ acres of land have been purchased by the camping section at Bilgola, having easy access to the beach. The property purchased is described as picturesque, and possessing many attractive features for those motor-cyclists who have a leaning towards Nature, and its extent will permit of its being made particularly valuable in the future. It is intended to erect a bungalow club-house at once, the building having two rooms and a kitchen, as well as wide verandahs on each side for 'sleeping out.' In addition there will be a smoke room, separated from the main building, in a position where Nature has already almost provided a room. The dining-room and outdoor kitchen are also to be situated a little distance away from the club house, in a beautiful palm grove, close beside the banks of a creek of pure, freshwater. Besides these buildings, the plans include these of a garage with, a suitable; work bench to permit of members overhauling their motorcycle engines on wet days. The club-house will no doubt be the rendezvous of the Kookaburras during the Summer months. The Kookaburra Club's committee has decided, on account of the bad state of the roads, to make a centre to which the majority of club runs will be held. The plan selected, has not been divulged at present, but it is stated it offers facilities for football, cricket, or other outdoor games, as well as motorcycle frolics; and two out of every month's week-end runs are to be to it. The other runs will include a week-end tour and a visit to such old motor-cycling haunts as Windsor, Appin, Springwood, etc.- 

The migration of Kookaburras from their present Summer quarters is promised for April 13 and once again the birds find themselves connected with mystic 13. It has frequently been commented on how this club flirts with the supposedly unlucky number.  The club will hold the opening run of its touring season on April 19 and 20.  

ON TOUR. Messrs. A. G. Biden and R. Readford are away at present on a holiday, at Oberon. They rode up on their motor-cycles, and report having found a 'teaser' of a new hill on the way up.  At present they are enjoying great relaxation among the rabbits and other game.

A NEW MOTOR-CYCLE CLUB.

At a meeting held on Wednesday evening, a new motor-cycle club, called the Britannia, was formed successfully, about 25 members being enrolled. Mr. A. A. Levi was appointed Hon. secretary, and Mr. d. A. Zink Hon. treasurer/ both pro 'tern. A further meeting is to be -held on Wednesday evening at the Volunteer Hotel, George-street, when other office bearers will be elected. The club's opening run is to take place to-day, leaving the Glaciarium for Newport via Manly at 9.30 a.m. KOOKABURRA MOTOR-CYCLE CLUB. (1913, April 6).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126462062 

On Sunday the twelve members' who made the Journey to Narrabeen spent a part of the afternoon on the club ground at Bilgola Beach. The summer camp was found to be damaged by the recent storm, and a new fly was erected over the tent, and matters straightened up generally. This outing, being an Impromptu event, in place of the club run to Galston, which was cancelled owing to he heavy state of the roads (Hornsby Gully being particularly bad), does not count for the attendance medal. Mr. 'W. Allen, a member of the Brisbane M.C. Club, was a guest of the club for the day.

Motor cyclists are advised to leave the Manly side of the Spit-road alone for a time, as a large quantity of new metal has been recently put down, and the road will not be in a rideable condition for at least a fortnight. MOTOR CYCLING. (1913, May 21). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15422162 

KOOKABURRA MOTOR CYCLE CLUB.  The run for last Sunday was split up. On a section visited Springwood, while another party put in a day cleaning up at the camp site, Bilgola Beach, Newport, after the recent rains. Sidecars are becoming, so popular among the Kookaburras that it is not improbable that special arrangements will be made on future fixture cards for them. 

Members this week-end are engaged on a tour through Wollongong, Kiama, Berry Mountains, Kangaroo Valley, Bowral, Moss Vale and the Oaks. The touring party, which left yesterday at midday, was a large one, 17 members having expressed their fixed intention on going, while the party was expected on Friday evening to be swelled to 20. KOOKABURRA MOTOR CYCLE CLUB. (1913, June 8). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126458936 

Kookaburra Club:-week-end run to the Kookaburra camp, Bilgola, Newport, starting from the Spit punt this afternoon, at 2.30 o'clock. FIXTURES. (1913, November 1). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 24. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15462356 

The Kookaburra Clubs week end camp at Bilgola Beach near Narrabeen has been opened for the season and there is evidence of the hard work which has been done gratuitously by members on their off days. Unfortunately the first hill leading off the Newport road In the direction of the camp is in a shocking condition and is quite unrideable but the second hill which was such bugbear last season is now in good order. Motor cyclists travelling over to the Manly, Narrabeen or Frenchs Forest districts via Mosman and the Spit hill will be well advised to take particular notice of the four mile-an-hour speed limit at the top of the Spit hill (Mosman side), which is very much In force at the present time. There is also a speed limit of 15 miles an hour, which is applied with some effect to motorists ascending cither the Mosman or Manly hills fromthe Spit punt, where the authorities now in almost daily attendance on the punt itself are showing marked interest in the currency of licences. The members of. the Kookaburra Club will meet at Biden and Roberts at 8 o'clock this evening to draw up the season's run card. MOTOR CYCLING. (1913, November 5). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15463163 

MOTORING. KOOKABURRA MOTOR-CYCLE CLUB. Members of the Kookaburra Club have been invited to spend Boxing Day as guests of the Burrawong Camp Syndicate, at Bilgola, Newport. The hill leading to the camp has lately been much improved, having been re-graded from 1 in 5 to 1 in 10, and a better road surface made. The flexibility hill-climb, which is the final of the series of competitions in connection with Mr. C. W. Bennett's trophy, has been postponed on several occasions, but will be decided on the first available Saturday afternoon after the new year. This trophy, it will be remembered, was presented to be won by the member with the best aggregate point-score in the club's competitions during the year, and Mr. Fred Holmes, ex-secretary, of the Kookaburras, has so commanding a lead that it is hardly likely, he will be dispossessed of the trophy. But as there are two prizes in the climb it is being anxiously awaited. MOTORING. (1913, December 21). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 12. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126317792 

Mr Billerwell passed away when only a young man:

MR. ARTHUR BILLERWELL. The funeral of Mr. Arthur Billerwell, who died at his residence Gerard-street, Cremorne, took place In the Independent portion of the Northern Suburbs Cemetery. Mr. Billerwell was well known In the motoring and cycling world, and was 42 yearsof age. He held a responsible position in Messrs, John Sands, Limited, and was a prominent Mason, being accorded a Masonic funeral. OBITUARY. (1924, November 8). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16172255 

From land records - NSW State Records: Primary Application - Arthur Billerwell 3 acres 1 rood 2 3/4 perches on Bilgola Creek in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 3280 Folio 102 Date range: 30/03/1921 to 04/02/1922:

Billerwell land went to Marist Brothers - the Marist Brothers land taken for road upgrade in 1927:

There were also:

EX - SERVICE WOMEN'S CLUB CAMP. 

THIS club is open to ex-service women of all branches, but especially those  from overseas. Each service is represented on a committee presided over by Dr. Marjorie Little, and from these members help and advice may be obtained. The camp is in charge of Miss N. L. Dickson, the Q.M.A.A.C. representative, and has proved very successful. It is situated on Bilgola Beach, and surfing and swimming in Newport, rock baths are greatly enjoyed. The length of visits to the camp is not limited, but weekends are mostly in favour. One Sunday recently 26 girls made a visit to Lovetts Bay  and climbed to the lookout, after which they crossed to Church Point and were entertained by Mrs. Black (of Manly), whose hospitality was greatly appreciated.

On Bilgola Beach.

The Camp at Bilgola Beach.

In Newport Rock Baths.

At Church Point.

At Lovett's Bay Lookout.

Enjoying the Sun.

View from Church Point.

(Photos: P. A. Peachey.)

EX-SERVICE WOMEN'S CLUB CAMP. (1922, March 8). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 22. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169771675 

Tents Beside the Sea
BABEL OF BROGUES Ex-Service Women's Camp 
BILGOLA'S SURF AND BLACKBERRIES

THERE are fifteen of them — there will be forty of them — lasses from Lancashire, Yorkshire, Devonshire, Northamptonshire, Che-shire, and goodness knows how many other "shires" — camped on the bit of green grass that slopes down to the yellow sands of Bilgola Beach. Brogues and burrs float curiously on the Australian air. They are wood-nymphs and mermaids together these girls; it is difficult to discover where the dryad of the bush gives place to the rider of the sea. 

Yet one moment "Smiler" — she was known all over France in the days of the war as "Smiler"— is pirouetting in a pair of sandshoes round a gum sapling, her white teeth stained purple with the juice of blackberries, and the next instant she is dashing into the surf, her long brown hair streaming in the wind. Smiler is one of the many W.A.A.C.'s — members of the ex-Service Women's Club — who are in camp at Bilgola Beach. For a fortnight they are for-getting that in their Australian jobs as domestic assistants there is such a thing as a 6 a.m. alarm clock to call attention to pots and pans, and brooms and dusters. The only alarm clock is the boom of the surf against the rocks, and the single frying-pan makes melodious music as it swings and bangs against the tree to which it is hung. There are four big roomy tents, and the campers are in charge of Miss Norah Dickson. There is no routine day; every girl plays round and enjoys herself as she wishes. Many of the girls never knew what surfing really was till they came to Sydney, and in camp they are living the days in their bathers, changing into the dresses of convention only for the evening meal. 

These English girls are getting a good cloak of Australian tan, but in some cases it is a tan which survives only after a first coating of red. The woman's touch is evident throughout tho camp. Palm fronds and bunches of leaves decorate every tent, and the centre pole of the "dining-room" is hidden by masses of greenery, The table boasts a jam jar stuck with red gum tips, but no silver vase ever looked more beautiful. The spare boxes, which act as serveries, are covered with odd bits of muslin, and even the plank-upon-boxes, which serves for half-a-dozen chairs, is set square against the table. Dozens of dresses upon coat-hangers are the chief adornment of the "bedrooms," If you except the pieces of mirror tied on to the canvas. Femininity is also proclaimed by the many pairs of gloves, washed, and pinned up to dry on the outside of the canvas. 

The kitchen is a place of mystery. Last year the Boy Scouts helped to build an earth oven — a mound like a small ant-hill, with a tunnel running up to it — and this year the oven only needed a little building up to be ready for action. All sorts of wonderful things happen round about that mound. The girls have had varied experience of field cookery, and it is marvellous what they can do with food. Bread was baked yesterday morning, because the baker forgot to call, and the most delicious cakes were turned out for afternoon tea. The principle of baking is an involved one, needing small tins, with lids and kerosene tins without lids, but the business of frying is much easier. The simplest method of all has the most appetising result, and naturally finds great favor with a troop of hungry girls. There is nothing to equal the flavor of chops or sausages cooked on sticks held over the fire, washed down with plenty of billy tea. 

These English girls are rapidly acquiring a taste for campers' fare, and the breezes out-of-doors give zest to even the appetite inclined to flag. Since the girls went in camp their number has been increased by "Waac," who introduced himself the day of their arrival. The shaggy terrier has declared him-self delighted with the company and surroundings, and refuses to leave. Realising, no doubt, that he is the only man about the place, he has constituted himself Watchman-In-Chief, and guards towels, hats, and shoes with admirable patience. He has become the pet of the camp, and there are all sorts of arguments foreseen for the time when it comes to deciding who shall remain the guardian of "Waac."

The four white tents by the sea will flap their canvas until February 15, when for a fortnight many girls will have had their first taste of holiday camping. Some of them camped in France, but that was different. Miss Dickson says the second camp has been much more successful than the first, and the third — next year— is expected to eclipse everything that has happened this year. Tents Beside the Sea (1923, February 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (WOMEN'S SUPPLEMENT). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223464813

THE CALL OF THE OUT OF DOORS

- Happy members of the ex-Service Women's Club enjoying Australian camp-life at Bilgola beach. The girls are all English, and sewed as W.A.A.C.S. during the war. THE CALL OF THE OUT- OF- DOORS (1923, February 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 3 (WOMEN'S SUPPLEMENT). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223464816

Women's Camp at Bilgola Beach - picture courtesy Anne Spencer

These campsites at the back corner of Bilgola were soon supplanted by those on the beachfront:

View of Bilgola Beach from hill, Sydney, New South Wales, 1930 - Images No.: nla.obj-147289233-1, nla.obj-147288930-1, both courtesy National Library of Australia. Note tents on beachfront reserve area

While on the beach reserve, in these photos dated December 27 1933, more visitors are having their Summer beachside idyll at Bilgola - and allow us to glimpse what's going on in the background - nothing much really, just the coastal heathland of Bilgola and the thicker bush atop the hills above this:

Bilgola beach camping, December 27, 1933, photos courtesy State Library of NSW

Smiles That Are Irresistible Holidays In The Sunshine (1933, December 30). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 8 (CRICKET STUMPS). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230203052

And even the same girl doing the same thing used the following year to signal summertime at Bilgola has commenced:

CAMPING  - She's Booked !

YES, and the young lady enjoying her Christmas holiday at Bilgola Beach doesn't want any interruption, thank you. She's Booked!. (1934, December 26). The Newcastle Sun(NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166292847 

However, just as elsewhere, and despite the fact people were camping out permanently beside the seaside during these years due to the economic depression which saw mass scale evictions and taking your family under canvas where you could catch them a fish dinner, the council tried to keep it sanitary and banned camping in some areas.

The Minutes of Meeting of the Warringah Shire Council held on Monday. 17th December, 1934 record:

4. Bilgola Beach Lavatories: The report was adopted, and it Bilgola was resolved that no camping be allowed on the reserve after 31st, January. (Crs. Hewitt, Campbell) 5. Avalon Beach Water Supply: Resolved, That the report be adopted, and the draft Agreement with Mr. A. J. Small be accepted. (Crs. Hughes, Sheppard) Water 6. Extension of Water Supply and Sewerage: Recommendation Supply that the water extension be carried to Avalon and Palm Beach, was adopted, (Crs. Austin, Sheppard) A recommendation that the Water Board be urged to extend the sewerage service to Narrabeen was adopted. (Crs. Sheppard, Campbell)  South Narrabeen Septic Tank - Recommending that the Clubhouse Contractor be paid in full, i.e. £31.10.0: Adopted (Cra. Nicholas, Sheppard) 9. Vandalism at Harbord and Lake park:- The recommendation that the doors of the earth closet be replaced was adopted. (Ors. Cmnpbell, McPaul) S

25. Mrs. H. Maclurcan-Lee', 31/8/35, again complaining of destruction of her gardens at Bilgola, by straying cattle. ;Received; 26. Avalon Beach & District Progress Assoc., 3/9/35, requesting that the Works Committee inspect the approach to the baths, and consider making them suitable for use by elderly people and small children. Resolved, - That a copy of the Overseer's report be forwarded to the Association: 27. H.S. Dettmann 3/9/35, Barrenjoey road, requesting that action be taken to prevent the flooding of his wife's. property at Newport Beach Road by stormwater. Resolved, - That a copy of the letter be sent to the Main Roads Department, as recommended by the Engineer. 28: C.H,Higgins, 28/8/35, calling upon the Council to remove a tree overhanging his property in Pittwater Road, Mona Vale. Resolved, - That he be informed that if he pays £2, the estimated cost, the Council will remove the trees, otherwise he may remove them, provided he grubs them out, (Crs. Austin, Hughes) 

The Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on February 5th 1935 records: 

A.E. Felton, 28/1/35, contending that camping on the Bilgola reserve at Bilgola Beach should not be prohibited, agreeing that the area becomes congested, suggesting there be on one line of tents permitted, with a 3-ft. space between them:  Resolved, - That the Council's previous decision to prohibit camping on the reserve be agreed, and the Inspector see that it is carried out. (Crs. Hewitt, Hughes)

12th of November 1935:

19. Mrs. H. Maclurcan-Lee, 31/10/35, complaining of further destruction of her property by straying cattle at Bilgola Beach; (b) complaining of the condition in which the public reserve at Bilgola is left by picnickers and campers, and Bilgola inquiring why the notice ‘No camping on this reserve’; has Reserves been removed. Resolved, - That the Impounding Officer give closer attention to this locality, that the notice board be replaced, and the Inspector see that camping is not indulged in 20. Palm Beach S.L.S.Club, 25/10/35, inquiring whether, in the event of the Club appointing a professional life saver for about five months, the Council will subsidise the Club to Life Savers an extent sufficient to pay the wages of £4 per week. psolvod, - That this season the Council subsidise a life saver on beaches at the rate of £2 per week for 12 weeks, as of 15th December text. (Crs. Ross, McPaul) 16. Palm Beach Progress Assoc., 25/10/35, forwarding, for Council's information, copy of a letter sent; to the Main Roads Department, requesting that the reconditioning of Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach, be extended to the southernmost limits of Ocean Road. 16a. Main Roads Dept., 5111135, forwarding, for Council's information, a copy, of its reply to the Association. *;Received*; 

Here, as at Whale Beach, those who camped on the site looked after others, especially at Bilgola where there was no surf club as yet. The minutes of the meeting held on the 26th of November 1935 record:

22. Surf Life Saving Assoc., 6/11/35, on behalf of some campers at Bilgola Beach, who in the past have looked after the life saving gear and equipment, requesting Council not to prohibit camping on the reserve altogether, but to grant permits to persons of approved character. Resolved, -. The Association be informed the Council cannot see its way to allow any, camping on this reserve. (Crs. Hughes, Hewitt).19. Mines Department, 21/10/35 and 13/11/35, inquiring whether there are any objections to the granting of the Pittwater application of W. E. Barnett of Pittwater Road, Narrabeen, or Dredging a lease of an area of' 4 acres 2 roods 30 perches at Pittwater near Newport, for the purpose of dredging for sea-shells.. Resolved, - That the Council make no objection to the application, providing the Company holding a lease of the adjoining area of 40 acres concurs in the proposal. (Crs.Hughes Hewitt) A.A.Barlow. 11/11/35, requesting permission to use at weekends, a small portion of the beach about 300 yards north reserve of the wharf, at Palm Beach, for joy-riding purposes with his amphibian aircraft. 20a. Vacuum Oil Co. fly. Ltd., 11/11/35, recommending granting of Mr. Barlow's application, stating; his machine has proved an excellent attraction on the various beaches at Melbourne. Resolved,. - That permission be granted. 

The meeting held on 26th of January 1937 indicates the council was still struggling financially to look after local amenities, although other spots were looked after - whenever the council could not, or did not want to act on requests, thos letters and items were listed as 'received' until they could do something about it:

14. Re Condition of dressing sheds and public conveniences at Bayview and Bilgola Beaches: 'Received';, and the shower roses at Bayiew to be renewed. By Cr. Green - That the coat of electricity for the Collaroy flood-lights at Collaroy rockbaths be in future a charge on the General Fund, and not on the Collaroy Parking Fees A/c. Cr. Hewitt seconded. Carried. 2. Cr. Green moved That the Engineer prepare an estimate of Griffith the cost-of a pathway through Griffith Park to the beach on the south side of the golf links. Cr. Campbell seconded. Carried.

24th of January 1939:

SHIRE ENGIFE:R'S REPOPT was dealt with as follows:- 1. Submitting estimate, £30, for 4 chains of safety fence at Old Barrenjoey Road, Bilgola (A.P.Reynolds' request): Referred.to the Works Committee. . 2. Re Drainage at Lot 4, Palm Beach Road, and proposal to divert the water now running Onto the property along the western side of the road, submitting estimate, £14, for construction of 50 ft. of 12_Inch diameter pipe culvert, and closing of existing stone drain: Resolved, - That £14 be voted, but that the work be not carried cut until it is proposed to start building operations on the lot. (Crs. Latham, Hitchcock) 

The council maintained a 'no camping' for Bilgola's beachfront and reserves:

CAMPING AT BILGOLA. 

Although the Warringah Shire Council, according to a recent press report, decided to allow camping at Bilgola Beach, the N.R.M.A. has since received advice from the Council that its decision to allow camping at this place has been rescinded, and therefore motorists wishing to camp will have to patronize the recognised grounds at Narrabeen, Avalon Beach and Palm Beach. CAMPING AT BILGOLA. (1936, November 5). Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1933 - 1942), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146393315 

Tallamalla Becomes Bilgola House

Meanwhile, on the other side of the creek, on May 3 1912, Jones sold the smaller portion, on which ‘Tallamalla’ stood, to Oswald Watt, Australia's first Pilot.

The Sarah Maria McGaw Vol- Fol: 1237-186 Certificate of Title and subsequent sales records:

Sunday 19th of February 1911 - Allen Family Albums - Album 56; 'various pictures taken at Bilgola today'. Item: SLNSW_FL138237, courtesy the State Library of NSW:

Bilgola Beach 1912 - image from NSW Records and Archives - note there was no Bilgola Bends as yet - the road went down into Bilgola Beach and up the other side

Bilgola Beach 1912, taken from Newport and south headland end - image from NSW Records and Archives 

'Bilgola Cottage' Pic No: a105043, ca. 1900-1927, Sydney & Ashfield : Broadhurst Post Card Publishers, courtesy State Library of NSW.

Bilgola beach, circa 1913 - Scanned from an original photographic album of views photographed and assembled by Arthur Ernest Hezlet (c1861 - 1929) of Burwood, New South Wales.

 'On Balgowlah Beach or Dalleys', in 1915. Image No.: d1_33119h, courtesy State Library of NSW and NSW Records and Archives

Watt left Australia and went to Egypt, spending several months, where he purchased and practised flying a Blériot XI monoplane. While there he met leading French aviators including Louis Blériot and Roland Garros. Thinking that Britain would not be involved in a European war, he offered his services and his plane to the French and became an ordinary soldier in the Aviation Militaire section of the French Foreign Legion. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur and the Croix de Guerre, and given the brevet rank of captain.

Although considered by some sources an avid Francophile Watt always proclaimed his antipodean connection while serving France, painting a kangaroo on the nose of his plane, which he named Advance Australia. Considered a no-nonsense type, he once introduced himself to a British pilot with the words "I am an Australian and I haven't got any manners".

In 1916 he transferred to the newly formed Australian Flying Corps, with the rank of captain and command of B Flight, No.1 Squadron, then stationed in Egypt. In September he was promoted major and took command of No.2 Squadron which was being formed in Egypt. The new squadron was sent to England (Tetbury) for training in early 1917 and arrived on the Western Front in September. He kept three Australian squadrons in France throughout the war to end all wars. 

Charles Bean on visiting No.2 Squadron after the battle of Cambrai, where Watt became famous for leading his squadrons on daring low level strafing attacks, recorded his impressions of its work: "They are winning themselves a magnificent name, this first Australian fighting squadron … It is Watt who has worked them up to this remarkably high level of conduct and general tone". 

As the squadron commander Watt worked long hours, rising at 5 a.m. to give moral support to his dawn patrols; according to Bean, the heavy fighting at Cambrai had left Watt "very wan…he fell asleep after dinner". In February 1918 Watt—by then a lieutenant-colonel—was promoted to command the four squadrons (Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8) of the Australian training wing at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. He excelled as a leader who inspired his crews with his ideals of service. 

       

Above: Same plane flying 

Above: In Winter kit .

''ADVANCE AUSTRALIA"—CAPTAIN OSWALD WATT THE SYDNEY AVIATOR IN FRANCE. (1916, June 3). The Mirror of Australia (Sydney, NSW : 1915 - 1917), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104645816

It is during his time in France that on Wednesday 23rd of September, 1914 ‘Madame’ Melba as she was referred to by Arthur  Wigram Allen, went with the family and others to visit and explore Bilgola beach. They were entertained ‘at lunch’ lavishly and spent the afternoon exploring the grounds and beach. Dame Nellie was accompanied by Mr and Mrs H Ward, (H J Ward had taken over the management of J C Williamson’s entrepreneurial entertainment firm on that man’s death in 1913. Melba had established the Melba-Williamson Opera Company in 1910), and her business manager, flautist John Lemmone. It would have certainly been an august party given whom attended.

As AW Allen states beneath one of the photographs: ‘a number of us went up to Bilgola today to show the place to Madame Melba. We had a very successful afternoon’.

 

'Madame Melba with John Lemmone' Picture a3293015, and Melba with  H J Ward in the grounds Pic: a3293016h, courtesy State Library of NSW

From Allen Family albums, Image No.: a3295023h courtesy State Library of NSW

On his return he was elected president of the New South Wales section of the Australian Aero Club. After the war he lobbied politicians for improved safety measures in civil aviation and was well known for his generosity to former A.F.C. comrades and his efforts to find them employment. In 1920 he was offered the position of controller of civil aviation, but declined because of business commitments: he was a partner in Gilchrist, Watt & Sanderson Ltd, the family shipping firm, and a director of the Australian Alum Co., the Great Britain Tin Mining Co., the Sogeri Para Rubber Co. and Art in Australia Ltd. 

'Toby' Watt drowned at Bilgola Beach, one of his favourite refuges, on 21 May 1921. It is assumed, from marks on his body, that he slipped and fell on the rocks at the south end of the beach, was knocked unconscious, and drowned as a result.

His Bilgola House and 6 acres of property was subdivided and put up for sale soon afterwards, with his friends in the Allen family overseeing the transaction, on behalf of his son.

Warringah Shire Council minutes from their meetings record some of what was required, which included allowing the council to construct roads for access and paying for the same:

CORRESPOIIDENCE was read and dealt with as follows _H.P. Mulligan, . . 14/12/1921 submitting plan of proposed subdivision of late Colonel Watt's Estate at Bilgola Beach. Mr. Mulligan was In attendance, and addressed the: Council in regard to the subdivision Resolved ( Crs. Quirk & Hewitt), _ That the plan be approved, provided the lane be widened. to 33 feet; that the Engineer prepare an estimate of the cost of constructing the roads of the subdivision, and the President be authorised to quote a price to the vendors for the construction of the roads. 

WSC meeting held on 6th of February 1922 records:

6. Resolved, _8212; (Crs. Hewitt, Quirk) That the report regarding the suggested deviation in the Barrenjoey Road at Bilgola be referred to the Works Committee for inspection when in the vicinity, and that, in the meantime, the Engineer investigate alternative route verbally suggested by Cr,, Hewitt. 

Minutes of the Meeting of. 15th of May, 1922:

Newport Beach acquisitions. The Presdent also reported in regard to his attendance at the annual Shires Conference, and as to his interview with Mr. P. G. Taylor, in regard to acquiring land at Newport Beach. Collaroy heights estate:  (Crs. Parr, Hitchcock) That, as recommended, the Salvation Army's attention be drawn to its omission to reserve any park spaces in its Collaroy heights Subdivisions, and that they be asked to make a reservation of the land surrounding and embracing the high knoll opposite Griffith Park.  (Crs. Quirk, Hewitt) That in addition to the appropriation of Bilgola Estate money, £50 be voted, as recommended for the completion of the work on Farrell's Hill, Barrenjoey Road,

The 2nd October 1923 meeting records the council asking to be consulates on Manly CWA proposal for Bilgola-Newport crown land womens camp

The meeting held on the 21st of July 1924 records some of the new owners have moved in on their Lots and are wondering who authorised the council to destory vegetation on the same:

Item 9. . James Thornell. 7/7/24. asking for information regarding any roads the Council may propose to make in the vicinity of his property at Bilgola and also requesting to be furnished with an explanation of the action of the Council's employees in entering his land and cutting down bushes thereon Resolved, _(rs, Hewitt, :cKino) That he be informed the Council will clear any all the rubbish left in the cutting of the track. 

The meeting held 6th April, 1925 records a refreshment room has been opened at the beach and the council is working to extend making other local beaches public property:

(Crs. Ellsworth, McKillop) That the Council get into communication with the proper authorities, and endeavor to have Queenscliff Beach, from Queenscliff Headland to the road on boundary of the Shire and Municipality, dedicated to the Council as a Public Reserve, The Council at this juncture adjourned for tea. On resuming all the Councillors were present, except Cr. Rayner, who had obtained permission of the President to retire.  18. W. Heydon, 21/3/25, ret1uesting Council's approval to a scheme for raising the level of the land at Curl Curl Creek (Dredging), appointing Mr. Keirlove  Resolved,- (Crs. Ellsworth, McKillop) That, as this land is included in the District Park Scheme, consideration of the letter be deferred. AND: 22. Avalon Beach life Saving Club. 18/3/25, drawing attention to the state of the life-saving appliances on the beach Referred to the Inspector. Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Hitchcock) That one line Bilgola be sent to Bilgola Beach and to be kept, if possible; at the Refreshment Room, and a Notice be erected indicating where it may be found.

The 20th of April 1925 meeting records:

 12. Resolved, That ? Goldsmith be prosecuted for using a building erected for garage purposes at Bilgola, as a residence. 

Minutes of Meeting of 15th June,1925 state the council is working to secure a right-of-way at Newport too - The Scrivener family may be read about in Pittwater Summer Houses: Ocean beach House - The Combers, Newport Beach

 8. 4Newport Progress Association 29/5/25, (1) supporting Parents and Citizens Association!s request for the construction of a bath on the Pittwater side of Newport, (2) asking that a right-of-way be established between Jim Scrivener's land and the Lagoon,(3) respecting state of the Flagpole and Honor Roll near the Hotel; (4) asking that an endeavour be made to have netting prohibited in the South portion of Pittwater; (4) on the state of road leading to Scott's Hotel; () re state of Bardo Road, (7) re state of Bulgola Road, from Stanley Street to the Lagoon, and (8) suggesting that the Council endeavour to have the local policeman supplied with a motor bicycle and side-car : Resolved, _(Crs. Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the Councils' Solicitor be asked to make a search-as to whether the Scrivener's land actually goes to the Lagoon. That the association be informed it is usual for the local people to look after local Memorials, and it be suggested that the Newport people should attend to the flagpole and Honor Roll. Resolved, That the application regarding netting be supported, and the Department be informed of the nuisance from fish being left on the foreshores by net-fishers. __--Resolved; _(Ci's. -Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the request -_re Bardo Road and Bulgola Road be referred to and Engineer for-report. 

7th September. 1925:

 A. J. Dadson. 31/8/25. urging the Council to make the protective fence on the Barrenjooy Road at Bilgola at least 200 feet long : Resolved, - (Cr3. McKillop Ellsworth) He be informed the Council is putting up 100 feet, and will give consideration to his request when this much is completed. 

The meeting held 30th November,1925 records:

58.J. A. I. Perry and Sons. 25/11/25. forwarding, for affixing of Council's Seal, Agreement covering financing by City Stone Mutual Insurance Society of purchase of stone crushing plants Oxford Falls and Newport Quarries : Resolved, .- (Crs. plaflt. Ellsworth, MoKillop) That the seal of the Council be affixed to the Agreement. 64,. A. J. Dadson. 25/11/25. requesting that the protective fence on--Barrenjoey Road on Bilgola Hill be extended six  more panels and offering to bear half cost. Resolved, - (Crs.: Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the offer be accepted, and the work be put in hand

Bilgola Estate 1922, Item c027560037, from Pittwater Subdivisions folder, courtesy State Library of NSW

Hannah Maclurcan bought several lots, one with Bilgola House on it, on January 21 1926 and would buy more lots, numbers 26, 27 and 28, with then husband Robert Lee, on January 26 1927. Her and her husbands holdings are listed on the Certificates of Title as:

Beachside Reserves bequeathed to public access 

The above Certificate of Titles for Hannah Maclurcan show the beach has been bequeathed to the public and the council. This began in 1925 at the south Bilgola to Newport end and is recorded as:

BILGOLA BEACH.  PROPOSED RESUMPTION OF FORESHORES.

Mr. Wearne (Minister for Lands) yesterday visited Bilgola Bay, north of Newport, and inspected a site which had been proposed as a seaside camp tor bush children. The Minister decided that the spot was too far distant from transport and other facilities, and that it was also unsuitable owing to the absence of life-saving apparatus. It was arranged that Dr. Arthur and Councillor Parr(Shire President) should confer regarding another site at Narrabeen.

The Shire Council asked the Minister to reserve the foreshores of Bilgola Bay and to reserve for park purposes the land between the beach and the eastern side of the main road. It was estimated that the resumptions would cost about £8000.

Mr. Wearne said that the Government should not be expected to bear the cost of the resumption. He suggested that the Shire Council should approach the owners of the land on the western side of the road and endeavour to induce them to contribute one third of the cost. The Shire Council, he thought, should contribute one-third, and on those conditions the Government would consider providing the balance. BILGOLA BEACH. (1925, March 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16196468

The south headland, where it meets Newport's north end, had been set aside a few years prior to that, although part of it was, at one stage, going to given to the women from Manly who worked to establish the Far West children's holiday home in the Manly to Barrenjoey Peninsula. Although offered, and the women who had organised themselves into a group visited the site, it was later vetoed due to the danger of youngsters drowning at a beach which would not have volunteer patrol lifesavers for decades. The papers of then recorded:

And then the land was reserved for all for all time:

Sydney, 21st August, 1925.

RESERVES FROM SALE AND LEASE GENERALLY.

IT is hereby notified that, in pursuance of the provisions of the 28th and 29th sections of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the Crown Lands hereunder described shall be reserved from sale for the public purposes hereinafter respectively specified, and reserved and exempted from lease generally, and they are hereby reserved and exempted accordingly.

P. F. LOUGHLIN, Minister for Lands. 

For Public Recreation.

Metropolitan Land District, and Warringah Shire.

No. 58,243 from sale (58,244 from lease generally). County of Cumberland, parish of Narrabeen, containing an area of about 27 acres. The Crown Lands indicated by green hatching, brown edging and brown tint on a tracing marked A attached to papers Ms. 1924-7,820. [Ms. 1925-3,854] RESERVES FROM SALE AND LEASE GENERALLY. (1925, August 21). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3704. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223015708 

The Warringah Shire Council meeting held on the 21st of September 1925 records:

Local Government Department. 4/9/25. intimating that Ordinance 37a (Obstruction of Natural Watercourses) has been applied to the Shire by Government gazette Notice of 4/9/25. Received. 5.. Lands Department. 11/9/25. further re recently dedicated Recreation Reserve between Newport and Bilgola Beaches, and stating that the area dedicated is about 27 acres, and not 13 acres, as previously advised. Resolved, - (Crs. Hewitt, Hitchcock) That the Department be asked to dedicate, also, the piece of land between the existing Barrenjoey Road and the proposed deviation on the western side at Bilgola.

The meeting held on the 19th of February 1935 records:

NOTIONS IN PURSUANCE OF NOTICE. V. R.18805 1. .Cr. Hewitt moved that the Minister for Lands be asked to dedicate to the Council the whole of the balance of the unsubdivided Crown land at Bilgola. Cr. Hughes seconded. Carried.

The 17th of December 1934 WSC meeting records the council is allowing the Bilgola quarry to go ahead:

QUESTION IN PURSUANCE OF NOTICE. Cr. Hewitt asked; Why is the land at Bilgola, which is vested in the Council for the specific purpose of public recreation, being used for another purpose outside the terms of the dedication, viz: for a crushing plant and other buildings connected with the works of a quarry, and has the Beach Council the power to concur in such works being carried on Reserve in a public park?*; Resolved, _That the information required be supplied to next meeting. AND: MOTIONS IN PURSUANCE OF NOTICE. Cr. Hewitt moved, and Cr, Campbell seconded, that the Engineer prepare a rough plan of the drainage on the southern side of Mona Vale Flat, showing the different points from where the Mona Vale water is concentrated on the main drain in Darley Street to the Bay;. that he report whether it is possible for such drains to overflow, causing damage to private property; and also report what has been done in Park Street to cause the water to flow in the direction of such drain. Resolved , _That the Works Committee inspect the Mona Vale drainage and the parking area, and Noble Street. Cr. Campbell moved that in future. all Ordinary Meetings of Meetings the Council be held on a Tuesday. Cr. Hughes seconded, on the understanding that the meetings were to commenco.at 7 p,m. end close at 10.30 p.m. Carried.

There was a lot of backlash in the community about this project, with the Town Planning Association, then led by A J Small, leading the discussion to stop this from happening. When interviewing Tom Gilbert for his Profile he spoke of remembering as a child when the Bilgola valley was used as a bit of a dumping ground for building refuse, some of it from the site of the Roseville bridge, spoiling what had been a pristine landscape and even the natural lay of the land itself. 

Tom's sentiment was echoed by adults in other schemes prior to his time and more recent protests when residents attempted to save the historic Bilgola House and its famed and beautiful gardens.

NARRABEEN LAKES. Protest Against Shell-dredging Scheme.

The Parks and Playgrounds Movement decided yesterday to co-operate with other public bodies in a deputation to the Minister for Local Government to protest against the granting of a lease by the Mines Department to a public company for the dredging of Narrabeen Lakes. Mr. A. J. Small (chairman) said that the company proposed to obtain shells for lime-stone. The dredging of the lakes for this purpose would be detrimental to the surroundings. At present the water in the lakes was shallow and safe for children and non-swimmers, but if the dredging was allowed a dangerous channel, 20 feet deep, would be created down the centre of the main lake. The waters would be stirred up, big holes would be created, and the beauty of Narrabeen Lakes would be spoilt.

The meeting also decided to protest against the action of the Main Roads Department in establishing a quarry on the hillside of Bilgoela Beach. The road from Sydney to Palm Beach, it was stated, was the most beautiful coast drive in the State, and the establishment of the quarry at Bilgoela ruined a delightful vista. The whole of the hillside over-looking the beach was being devastated.

The Main Roads Department, it was stated, was usually very helpful in preserving natural surroundings, but on this occasion no thought or consideration had been given to the question of town planning.  NARRABEEN LAKES. (1934, December 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28021345

The WSC meeting held on the 22nd January, 1935 records:

Town Planning Assoc., 3/1/35, submitting the Association's resolution – ‘’That this association request the Warringah Council to make other provision for the needs of the Main Roads Board than the quarry at Bilgola, and failing acquiescence, that the Council receive a deputation from the Association on the matter’’; Resolved, - That the whole Council endeavour to make an inspection of the quarry on a Saturday afternoon. (ere. Hughes, Nicholas) (It was left to the president to arrange transport). Resolved - That the Council receive the deputation at its next meeting. (Crs. Hewitt, Nicholas)

The meeting held on July 11 1939 records:

22. Avalon Beach Progress-Assoc., 26/6/39, (a) thanking the Council fot the expenditure of £25 on Avalon parade, and requesting that the work be continued if at all possible for the safety of the public; (b) reminding the Council regarding the entrance to the beach at the end of Tasman Road and clearing the road at the junction of Tasman Road and Marine Parade where the sand is blowing over the road; (c) requesting that the portion of Tasman Road which remains untarred be dealt with before it goes to pieces altogether; (d) reporting land-slide in the Main Roads Department's quarry at Bilgola, pointing out that the Department promised to plant creepers and other plants there. Council's decisions: Avalon Pdc ra) that an additional £20 be voted to complete the work to Central Road (Crs. Campbell, Bathe) that the maintenance staff attend to this matter; (c) the Association be informed Re: Tasman Rd. of the Engineer's estimate, and that there is no money available for the work at present;. (d) that a copy of the Shire Engineer's report be given the association.

Some more added in at the top of the reserve:

Sydney, 1st August, 1975.

ADDITIONS TO RESERVES FROM SALE

IN pursuance of the provisions of section 28, Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, I declare that the Crown lands hereunder described shall be added to the lands within the reserves specified in parentheses hereunder and are thereby added accordingly.

JOHN M. MASON, Minister for Lands.

Parish Narrabeen, County Cumberland, about 8 090 square metres, contained within R. 61065 for Public Recreation notified 28th March, 1929, inclusive of site of easement for the Warringah-Palm Beach Pipeline Amplification (R. 58243 at Bilgola notified 21st August, 1925). Note: The whole of R. 61065 for Public Recreation, notified 28th March, 1929, is hereby revoked. Pks 72-1758.  ADDITIONS TO RESERVES FROM SALE (1975, August 1). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3099. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220189408

Although this section of headland, heathland and grassy slopes was set aside, the paperwork to officially place the council in charge took longer:

Sydney, 9th April, 1976.

APPOINTMENT of trustee

IN pursuance of the provisions of section 37p of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the undermentioned corporation is hereby appointed to be sole trustee of the reserve hereinafter particularised.

VC. M. FISHER, Minister for Lands.

Land District—Metropolitan; Shire—Warringah

Parish—Narrabeen; County—Cumberland

Reserve 53243 for Public Recreation at Bilgola Beach, notified 21st August, 1925: The Council pf the Shire of Warringah* Pfcs 72-1758.APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE (1976, April 9). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1619. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article220196373

Bilgola Beach Reserve Notice:

SYDNEY METROPOLITAN OFFICE
Department of Land and Water Conservation
2-10 Wentworth Street (P.O. Box 3935), Parramatta, N.S.W. 2124
Phone: (02) 9895 7503; Fax: (02) 9895 6227
ASSIGNMENT OF NAME TO A RESERVE TRUST
PURSUANT to paragraph 4 (3) of Schedule 8 to the Crown Lands Act 1989 the name specified in Column 1 of the Schedule is assigned to the reserve trust constituted as trustee for the reserve specified in Column 2 of the Schedule.
KIM YEADON, M.P.,
Minister for Land and Water Conservation.
Bilgola Beach (R 58243)
Reserve Trust
Column 2
Reserve No. 58243 at Bilgola, notified for the purpose of Public Recreation on 21st August 1925. File No.: MN80 R 142.  ASSIGNMENT OF NAME TO A RESERVE TRUST (1997, September 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 7911. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231957368 

Hannah also applied to resume land at the site:

Sydney, 25th May, 1928.

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO RECLAIM AND PURCHASE LAND.

NOTICE is hereby given that an application has been made by the persons hereunder mentioned, for permission to reclaim and purchase, under the 68th section of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, certain land particularised below. Any person feeling aggrieved may, before the expiration of four weeks from this date, lodge a complaint, as provided for by the 69th section of the Act mentioned, such complaint being accompanied by a deposit of £10.

R. T. BALL, Minister for Lands.

METROPOLITAN LAND DISTRICT; WARRINGAH SHIRE.

Special Purchase 1927-99.

Applicants, Hannah Maclurcan and Robert Lee.

Description,—Being an area of about 6 perches below high-water mark at Bilgola Beach, adjacent to lot 11 as shown on d.p. 11,978, parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland.

Objections should be lodged with the Chairman, Local Land Board, Sydney. [Papers—Sales 1928-9,414] APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO RECLAIM AND PURCHASE LAND. (1928, May 25). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2507. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219944278 

This became the access to the beach area that is at the eastern end of Bilgola Avenue. The October 1933 minutes of the council meeting, which mentioned her application to have £80 returned to her of other costs she incurred improving drainage, also recorded:

pre. H. Maclurcan, 5/10/1933, replying re expenditure of money paid to Council in respect of purchase of part of Bilgola Reserve, requesting (a) that she be paid £80 as promised contribution of 20% for improvements made by her to Bilgola Creek, i.e money to be credited to her rates account; and that the balance of the money be expended in providing proper lavatory accommodation on the reserve, tarring the road to the beach, and improvement of gutter on the right-hand side of the road. Resolved, - That Mrs. Maclurcan's debt to the Council of £14.6.10 for metal supplied by the same for the construction of the drain on the reserve be written off, that Mrs. Maclurcan be informed of the work Council resolved to carry out on Bilgola Reserve at last meeting, and that it cannot see its way to make the contribution requested by her. (Crs. Hitchcock, Hughes)

Bilgola Avenue in June 2025 via Google maps - still with palms and pines in place

Bilgola avenue eastern end - access to beach thoroughfare

Another early purchaser of land from the Oswald Watt estate, Ernest William Watts of Epping, Chemist and WWI Veteran, who bought Lots 7 and 8 on April 23, 1925 (Vol-Fol: 3724-145) on Bilgola Avenue and the Bilgola Creek, who promptly sold the same to Hannah Maclurcan:

However, he did buy more land in Bilgola, acquiring Lots 2 and 3 on Bilgola Avenue, originally purchased by Vere Harry Evans in 1923 (Vol-Fol: 3504-91) and was one of those also wanting to make the area better.

The Warringah Shire Council Meeting of 5th March, 1928 records:

25. E. W. Watts. 16/2/28. Requesting permission to plant palms and ornamental trees in Bilgola Avenue, and on the small adjoining reserve.: Resolved (Crs. Hitchcock, Hope) - That he be granted permission subject to the conditions recommended by the Overseer

He also expanded his holding - to make room for more plants and trees:

Sydney, 17th May, 1929.

APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS TO PURCHASE LAND.

IT is hereby notified that the persons mentioned below will be permitted to purchase, under section 66 of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, the portions of land hereunder mentioned. The amount called for below must be paid into the State Treasury, Sydney, within three months from the above date.

R. T. BALL, Minister for Lands.

Metropolitan Land District; Warringah Shire.

Special Purchase 1928-32.

Proposed grantee, Ernest William Watts.

Description,—Being an area of 6 ¼ perches exclusive of the bed of Bilgola Creek fronting lots 2 and 3 on deposited plan 11,978, as shown on plan Ms. 7,353 Sy., parish Narrabeen, county Cumberland.

Appraised value of land, £65.

Deed fee and fixed stamp duty, £1 11s.

Costs incurred, £6 16s. 6d.

Deposit paid to Treasury, 3rd May, 1928, £10.

Deducted as ad valorem stamp duty, 15s.

Credited towards purchase money, £9 5s.

Amount called for, £64 2s. 6d.

[Sales 1929-6,581] APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS TO PURCHASE LAND. (1929, May 17). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 2092. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223021221 

Almost a decade later, the meeting of 17th November, 1936 records:

By Cr. Hitchcock - Will the Engineer go into the matter of Road the easement at Northview Road. By Cr., Hewitt - Will the Inspector take stops to repair the shower in the ladies' sheds at Mona Vale, By Cr. Hewitt - Will-the culvert on the Gordon Road at Terrey Hills be attended to. By Cr. Hewitt - Will you have Mr. Watts of Bilgola, informed of the cost of concrete seats and wooden seats. 

That just left a need for access and public space at the north end of Bilgola beach.

By 1926 Hannah had changed what the prior home had looked like, building a new Bilgola House, which was visited by members of the Royal Australian Historical Society, as hosted by Arthur Jabez Small, in August 1926. Their visit is described as:

Among the places visited by the members of the. R.A.H.S. was Bilgola, the beautiful home of Mrs. Maclurcan which has been erected on the site of the residence of William Bede Dalley, who was prominent in the political life Members of the Royal Australian Historical Society on Saturday visited Avalon Beach, between Newport and Barrenjoey. and inspected some of the historic spots in the district.

The party was escorted by Mr. Arthur J. Small'. The site of a coal bore on Avalon golf links was inspected, and St. Michael's Cave, on the seashore, was viewed by the party. The latter spot was named by Archpriest Therry, who, it was stated, intended to build a chapel in the cave.

ENTRANCE TO ST. MICHAEL'S CAVE.

MEMBERS OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN THE CAVE. 

A Week-End Miscellany : History, Charity, and Sport. (1926, August 25). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166523535 

1925 - courtesy NSW State records and Archives

1925 - courtesy NSW Records and Archives

Samuel Wood - postcard photonegatives of Avalon, Bilgola and Newport, ca. 1928 copies of ca. 1928 nitrate photonegatives Images No.: a1470002h and a1470001h, courtesy State Library of NSW

View of Bilgola Beach from hill, Sydney, New South Wales, 1930 - Images No.: nla.obj-147289233-1, nla.obj-147288930-1, both courtesy National Library of Australia.

Bilgola house for sale : The Home : an Australian quarterly - 1.Vol. 20 No. 2 (1 February 1939) http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-386649355 

Anne Spencer shared years ago:

The house that offered such comfort to W B Dalley, Oswald Watt, Hannah Maclurcan and others is, sadly, no longer with us. It was demolished in 1989, together with all the outbuildings, despite having been listed under Warringah Council’s draft provisions for the control of heritage buildings. The intention of the then owner was to erect townhouses on the site but community protest led to the rejection of this and subsequent plans. 

Stone bridge over Bilgola Creek

Today, five houses occupy the site and the present owners have been careful to preserve many of the heritage items – a grove of tall cabbage-tree palms, trees lining the avenue, the old entrance posts, dry stone walls bordering the creek, small bridge structures, lined garden beds, pedestals, wells, and even the flower urns on which the carved heads of Henry Parkes, John Robertson and William Dalley can still be discerned.

Flower urn revealing one of the carved heads

A J Small's visit to Bilgola with historical society members is pertinent to the north Bilgola Beach Reserve enjoyed by so many today - that 20 feet wide pathway leading down through cool dark rainforest to the north end of the beach is available solely because Mr. Small dedicated this to the public, and council, as part of a subdivision of the north end of Bilgola Beach and the North Bilgola Lookout.

No. 18,395. APPLICANT :—John Stevenson, Gladesville. LAND:—-County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 26 acres 5 perches, on Bilgola Creek and road leading to road from Manly to Barrenjoey,—lot 19, and part lot 18, South Division, Pittwater Estate, and part 1200 acres (portion 20, parish), granted to John Joseph Therry; adjoining properties of W. J. Hollins, C. W. B. King, — Humphrey, and Crown Land. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1914, December 9). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 7291. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227425078 - sells to Hollins who sells to A J Small and put in wife Jessie’s name.

Primary Application 18395: Title: Primary Application - John Stevenson 361 (361 acres? - he bought 26 acres which he sold to Stevenson) acres situated on Bilgola Creek and on a road leading to the road from Manly to Barrenjoey Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2554 Folio 103: 26 acres and 5 roods - sold to Jessie Small, wife of A J Small, in November 1921. Contents Date Range 14-01-1913 to 18-02-1915:

Minnie Keily Vol-Fol: 2170-114 Certificate of Title registered August 5th 1911, Application 16853: North Headland: NRS-17513-4-28-PA 16853- Title: Primary Application - Minnie Keily 25 acres fronting South Pacific Ocean Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2170 Folio 114: 25 acres 3roods and 17 perches to Jessie Small, wife of A J Small, in December 1921. Contents Date Range: 18-10-1910 to 05-08-1911:

No. 19,329. Minnie Keily, known as Minnie Mowbray, of "Kiberfield," Alfred-street, North Sydney, widow. IN BANKRUPTCY. (1913, March 12). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 1655. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226759701 

This holding goes to Jessie Small, wife of Arthur Jabez Small in 1921 and becomes Vol-Fol: 3414-214. 

The residue goes into Vol-Fol: 3899-66 which is 3 roods and ¾ perch alongside the ‘public garden and recreation space’ is Lots 1-5 which are sold off. These run adjacent to Allen Avenue and are on Serpentine, going down the hill to the beach.

In Vol-Fol: 3414-214 this Certificate of Title the lists of sales show:

Vol-Fol: 3817-235 going to Warringah Shire Council – which measures 1 acre 22 ½ perches and runs from Barrenjoey road to the ocean. The Certificate of Title is registered 5th of January 1926 and is described as Lot 6 in Deposited Plan 13497 – as the ‘Public Garden and Recreation Reserve. This is on the current corner of Serpentine road, near where it used to meet the Plateau Road, Barrenjoey Road, Old Barrenjoey road – between Lots 115 and 114 – the one acre that leads down to the north end of Bilgola Beach that is 25 metres wide. Vol-Fol: 3817-235 and is officially transferred on January 5 1926 - celebrating its centenanry this year as a public garden and access way to Bilgola Beach:

Steps down into this reserve had been wood edge with earthfill - these were replaced by the current council in 2019 with a plastic version, edged with timber:

above and below - November 2014

above and below in November 2015

Note steps of the north Bilgola beach reserve behind these Newport Breakers in training - November 2015

above and below In November 2016

accessway in 2019

Allen Avenue end of this north Bilgola Beach reserve: Google maps, June 2025

Lot 100 – on corner of Serpentine sold to Peter William Tatham, ‘formerly of Cremorne Point but now a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Air Force’ Certificate of Title registered August 31st 1945 (Vol-Fol: 5517-119), shows an access way beside this Lot into the public garden and recreation space. An April 11 2026 site investigation found the upper accessway is still in place but that oppiste, on the lower part of the Serpentine has been closed - possibly due to the unstable nature of the clifftop edges that are still public space below the houses that have been built in between:

The minutes of Warringah Shire Council meetings also record the changes here when the Bilgola Bends were being built and a fence built across that corner of the Serpentine which once led straight into Old Barrenjoey and new Barrenjoey road.

The Tuesday, 5th March, 1935 meeting records:

 11. Re tender of R. G. Wood for £48 for removal of old Clubhouse at Mona Vale Beach to Bayview Park, accepted by Council in August last; And application by Mona Vale Bathing Amateur Swimming Club for the use of the Building as a clubhouse: Resolved, - That the previous resolution to the tender be adhered to. On the recommendation of the President, it was decided that the Works Committee should meet representatives of the Bayview Recreation Club and select a site for the building. Hughes, Hewitt) 3. Submitting estimato of £60 for the erection of iron dressing sheds on Warriewood Beach: Resolved, -That £60 be voted for this work. (Crs.. Hewitt, Hughes) aildirq 4. Submitting estimate of £8 for repairing Forest Road, Warriewood as far as Ne. Jenkins' gate: Resolved, - : the work be carried out and £8 voted therefor. Crs. Hughes, Hewitt) /5. Submitting estimate of £15 for reconditioning and tar-dressing-Bilgola-Avenue. Resolved, that £15 be voted for this work.

The meeting held 30th of April 1935 records:

9. W.V. Armstrong & Co.. Liquidators for Avalon Beach Estate Ltd., 5/4/35, pointing out that the road widening operations at Avalon Bch of the Main Roads Department, combined with the erection of a state road fence by the Council on New Barrenjoey Road, Bilgola, have effectively debarred access to a number of allotments, and requesting the Council to remove the fence; (b) suggesting the Council acquire the land for park purposes at the Valuer General's: valuation, the cost to be set off as against rates owing by the Company on other portions of the Estate the rates owing on the lands proposed to be transferred to .be cancelled. Resolved, - That the matter be referred to the Rates Sub-Committee for report. (Crs. Hughes, Nicholas) ) 8. Greenhills & Collinwood Progress Assoc., 15/4/35, requesting that the railings on the bridge across Mullet Creek be painted; (b) that there be a general cleaning of watertables in the district. Council's decisions:- (a) that the railings be painted. (Crs. Hewitt, Hughes) (b) That the Overseer's 'report be adopted, and they be informed the Council is going into the matter shortly. (Crs. Hughes, Hewitt

The proposal to place a retaining wall along the south end of the beach is recorded in the 15th May, 1935 WSC meeting:

PALM BEACH SURF BUILDING PROPOSAL (Consideration deferred the last meeting): Resolved, _That plans and specifications be cot out for a at building and public ley...tones to cost approximately £500 that the Council Cleric be authorised to raise a loan for the amount from the State Superannuation Board; that an amount of £1000 be borrowed froa the Unemployment Relief Council for the purpose of reclaiming an area on the beach for parking and that plans and specifications for this work be got in.. submission to the Unemployment Relief Council. (Crs..Hughes, Hewitt). Resolved, _That Architects be invited to submit plans and specifications for a building to cost £2,000, with public conveniences and septic tank to cost an additional £500, and that a premium of £10 be offered for the design accepted. (Cr. . Hushes, Hewitt) 4. Cr. Hewitt moved _That the Engineer estimate the cost of a box pipe through the Mona Vale park from Park Street to Newport road. Cr. Hughes seconded. Carried. 3. Cr. Hewitt moved:_That the Engineer estimate the cost of retaining wall in front of the reserve at Bilgola Beach. Cr, Nicholas seconded. Carried. 

The final Bilgola Beach Reserve is at the north end where it becomes Avalon Beach.

On June 11 1942 the A J Small led Parks and Playground Movement purchases Lot 41 of DP 16393 (Vol-Fol: 5333-107 which is 1 rood and 36 perches on corner of Serpentine). 

This was transferred to the National Trust of Australia on December 11 1962 – formalised February 14 1963. This Deed is cancelled on March 17 1981 for ‘Lot 1 and 2’ and becomes Vol-Fol: 14371-151 and 152, Deposited Plan 614295. Some of this site is A J Small Lookout and the North Bilgola Lookout, which is gifted to residents and the council for their safekeeping of access to this place and its expansive views south and north.

Vol-Fol: 5333-107:

View to Avalon Beach headland from the Serpentine in 1962. Photo: Ed Wilson

The last Lots, 37, 38, 82,104, 108 and 114, are placed into Vol-Fol: 6146-63, with the Certificate of Title registered June 5 1950.

A Reserve for Access. 1.83 wide, is shown and is now Lot 1 DP 131915.  Another, registered as being 25 feet wide in Vol-Fol: 3820-155, and includes a Reserve, ‘a road for access etc.’ (Allen avenue - north end:

North Bilgola Beach Creek: in Vol-Fol: 6146-63

The current map shows this creek’s path is near to or within the ‘Reserve for access’ at halfway point where the Serpentine bends and where that pathway between Barrenjoey Road and the Serpentine is. On the 1926 Lithograph this is shown as Lots 56 and 57 on the top side of the Serpentine and running between Lots 100 and 99 on the lower side of the road.

This is directly north of the Reserve for access on the current corner of Serpentine road, near where it used to meet the Plateau Road, Barrenjoey Road, Old Barrenjoey road – between Lots 115 and 114.

Warringah shire council minutes record at the October 27 1924 meeting:

56..F. Humfress .23/10/24,.requesting permission to instal metal pipes to entrance to his property at Bilgola Beach. Resolved _That he be given permission, _the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Engineer.

The Meeting of 5th March, 1928 records one of those 1920's land buyers requesting permission to:

25. E. W. Watts. 16/2/28. Requesting permission to plant palms and ornamental trees in Bilgola Avenue, and on the small adjoining reserve. Resolved (Crs. Hitchcock, Hope) - That he be granted permission subject to the conditions recommended by the Overseer

16th December 1929

Bilgola surf-bathing: Resolved (Crs. Austin, Parr) - That the Inspector ascertain whether Mr. S. Baldwin of Mona Vale will take the position of temporary life saver at Bilgola Beach, and if not, Mr. Lister of Howard Avenue, be interviewed. 

3rd July 1933:

Creek Drainage 40.H. Maclurcan, 22/6/33, again requesting that Council contribute 20% of the cost of putting Bilgola Creek adjacent to her place, in order. Resolved, she be informed Council cannot comply with her request as the work was not carried out to the Council's requirements. (Crs. Hitchcock, Austin) 

In October 1933:

Drainage Mrs.. H. Maclurcan, 5/10/1933, replying re expenditure of money paid to Council in respect of purchase of part of Bilgola Reserve, requesting (a) that she be paid £80 as promised contribution of 20% for improvements made by her to Bilgola Creek, and money to be credited to her rates account; and that the balance of the money be expended in providing proper lavatory accommodation on the reserve, tarring the road to the beach, and improvement of gutter on the right-hand side of the road. Resolved, - That Mrs. Maclurcan's debt to the Council of £14.6.10 for metal supplied by the same for the construction of the drain on the reserve be written off, that Mrs. Maclurcan be informed of the work Council resolved to carry out on Bilgola Reserve at last meeting, and that it cannot see its way to make the contribution requested by her. (Crs. Hitchcock, Hughes)

Minutes of Meeting of Warringah Shire Council held on Monday. 17th December, 1934:

4. Bilgola Beach Lavatories: The report was adopted, and it Bilgola was resolved that no camping be allowed on the reserve after 31st, January. (Crs. Hewitt, Campbell) 5. Avalon Beach Water Supply: Resolved, That the report be adopted, and the draft Agreement with Mr. A. J. Small be accepted. (Crs. Hughes, Sheppard) Water 6. Extension of Water Supply and Sewerage: Recommendation Supply that the water extension be carried to Avalon and Palm Beach, was adopted, (Crs. Austin, Sheppard) A recommendation that the Water Board be urged to extend the sewerage service to Narrabeen was adopted. (Crs. Sheppard, Campbell)  South Narrabeen Septic Tank - Recommending that the Clubhouse Contractor be paid in full, i.e. £31.10.0: Adopted (Cra. Nicholas, Sheppard) 9. Vandalism at Harbord and Lake perk:- The recommendation that the doors of the earth closet be replaced was adopted. (Ors. Cmnpbell, McPaul) S

25. Mrs. H. Maclurcan-Lee', 31/8/35, again complaining of destruction of her gardens at Bilgola, by straying cattle. ;Received; 26. Avalon Beach & District Progress Assoc., 3/9/35, requesting that the Works Committee inspect the approach to the baths, and consider making them suitable for use by elderly people and small children. Resolved, - That a copy of the Overseer's report be forwarded to the Association: 27. H.S. Dettmann 3/9/35, Barrenjoey road, requesting that action be taken to prevent the flooding of his wife's. property at Newport Beach Road by stormwater. Resolved, - That a copy of the letter be sent to the Main Roads Department, as recommended by the Engineer. 28: C.H,Higgins, 28/8/35, calling upon the Council to remove a tree overhanging his property in Pittwater Road, Mona Vale. Resolved, - That he be informed that if he pays £2, the estimated cost, the Council will remove the trees, otherwise he may remove them, provided he grubs them out, (Crs. Austin, Hughes) 

The Warringah Shire Council Meeting held on February 5th 1935 records: 

A.E. Felton, 28/1/35, contending that camping on the Bilgola reserve at Bilgola Beach should not be prohibited, agreeing that the area becomes congested, suggesting there be on one line of tents permitted, with a 3-ft. space between them:  Resolved, - That the Council's previous decision to prohibit camping on the reserve be agreed, and the Inspector see that it is carried out. (Crs. Hewitt, Hughes)

CAMPING  - She's Booked !

YES, and the young lady enjoying her Christmas holiday at Bilgola Beach doesn't want any interruption, thank you. She's Booked!. (1934, December 26). The Newcastle Sun(NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166292847 

And then: 

CAMPING AT BILGOLA. 

Although the Warringah Shire Council, according to a recent press report, decided to allow camping at Bilgola Beach, the N.R.M.A. has since received advice from the Council that its decision to allow camping at this place has been rescinded, and therefore motorists wishing to camp will have to patronize the recognised grounds at Narrabeen, Avalon Beach and Palm Beach. CAMPING AT BILGOLA. (1936, November 5). Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1933 - 1942), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146393315 

The meeting held May 4th 1937:

Bilgola Creek Drainage: 32. Mrs. M. B.Thornell, 27/4/37, re arrangements made by the Council with her late husband for improvements to the creek at Bilgola through her property, and inquiring if the Council will now supply her free with the necessary Stone to enable her to carry out repairs to a portion by the creek. Referred to the Works Committee for report. . (cL c 27. H.S. Metcalf, 20/4/37, resubmitting proposal, put forward in 1933, that the Council exchange the lane between Lots 21 and 22, D.P. 9151,. Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach for the northern portion of his Lot 23. 27a. G.JC.Dunbar, 24/4/37, on same matter, contending that the lane in its present position is useless, and suggesting that a 10-ft. right-of-way on the Avalon northern side of Mr. Metcalf's property would be useful as a short means of access to Central Road. Resolved, - That Mr. Metcalf be informed of the present difficulties in adopting his proposal, as explained in the Clerk's report, and that the Council has no objection to the alteration in the position of the lane, as desired by him, provided that he or his Solicitor can make arrangements for the alteration without any cost to the Council. (Crs. Ross, Hitchcock) (Cr. Hewitt recorded his vote against the motion, and at this request, the Council decided to record a motion by him which lapsed for want of a seconder, viz - That Mrs. Metcalf be again notified to remove the obstruction, and that if she fails to comply with the notice, the Council take action against her.)

The records of the March 7th 1939 state:

38. Crown Solicitor, 27/2/39, submitting plan of subdivision Sub. A. of L. V. Marks' land, at Bilgola, Parish Portion acquired by the Crown for purpose of widening-Barrenjoey Road deviation. Approved. 

We need a Bilgola SLSC

David Lyall explained in his Profile he was a foundation member of Bilgola SLSC with the first patrol formed in 1949:

''In 1949, due to my friends at Shore, I ended up at Bilgola Beach for the school holidays at Christmas. In December we were on the beach and were approached by a couple of locals; ‘do you want to join a surf club?’. 

And of building the clubhouse, David said:

''When I first started we ran a lot of functions at Bilgola. We would close off Allen Avenue. We held concerts to raise money. We even sold hot water on the reserve to people coming in for the day for picnics – all to raise money for the club.

South Bilgola Cliff works

The WSC meeting held 29/9/1969 records:

Cr. Begaud 60 Will the Shire Engineer, as a matter of urgency, inspect the cliff face above Bilgola Pool? Cracks have appeared in the cliff face following heavy rain and fears have been expressed by local residents that further falls are likely. 

The 1974 released Australian film Stone used Whale Beach, Avalon and Bilgola Beach and the surrounding Bilgola Plateau as one of its filming locations as the lead character heads south to meet up with the bikie gangsters. Although just a brief sequence, it's well worth looking this up on ABC's iview just to see how green the bends looked then.

And what is worth noting in those short sequences is that Bilgola hadn't been impacted by the June 1974 storm yet, the storm that almost washed Bilgola's residents away:

The Warringah –Shire Council made an emergency allocation of $20,000 today to save the Bilgola beachfront from further damage by huge seas. The president of Bilgola Beach Preservation Committee, Mr. Frank Wilson, said today that Bilgola Beach had disappeared altogether and seven homes were in danger of being washed into the sea. Ship splits in two as storms continue. (1974, June 12). The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110782971 

AFTERMATH OF A DISASTROUS WEEKEND - Pictures

ABOVE: Before the gale-force tempest hit Sydney, this twisted pile of brick, wood veneer, and electricity wiring was No. 17, The Serpentine, Bilgola. On the beach-sidewalls warnings like "Trespassers will be vigorously prosecuted" had been scrawled in black paint. BELOW: Bird's-eye view of beach homes perched at the edge of the still irritable ocean at Bilgola beach. Even the makeshift seawall looks vulnerable in the path of the incoming tide. High on the cliff above the beach is the wreck of the house pictured above.

These pictures were taken last week as the skies were slowly clearing after the savage weekend of near-cyclonic wind and rain. All the N.S.W. coast was affected, especially the central area. In Sydney alone, damage is estimated at $50 million. Hardest hit were the city beaches, especially along the northern fringe.

ABOVE: Warning notices about diving or spear-fishing or even riding bicycles cling haphazardly to Manly's storm-twisted promenade. During the height of the storm, the mesh wiring that made the pool shark-proof was torn apart, leaving the pool open to any grey nurse who chooses to drop in. At Manly alone damage is estimated at $50 million.

ABOVE: Splinters of pleasure craft and other pieces of wood drift dejectedly beside the Manly pier. At the devastated Harbour pool on the other side of the pier, members of the Maritime Services Board had worked from 6 a.m. to clean up the debris.

Pictures by Keith Barlow and Neville Waller. BELOW: Foam washed up by heavy seas at Wamberal, on the Central Coast, looks like smouldering smoke. AFTERMATH OF A DISASTROUS WEEKEND. (1974, June 12).The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44557918

The Warringah shire council minutes of the meeting held July 29th 1974 record the council of then voted to undertake works they considered was best practice at that time:

ORDERS OF THE DAY - COSTS OF RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF BILGOLA BEACH (Resubmission of Presidential Minute submitted to the Ordinary Meeting 8.7.1974, also Shire Clerk's Report No. 216/74 to Finance/Staff Committee Meeting 24.7.1974 _in pursuance of a recommendation by the Finance/Staff Committee 24.7.1974.) Prior to discussion, the President advised he had received a letter from The Careel Bay-North Avalon Progress Association dated 25.7.1974 objecting to a suggestion that ratepayers' funds should be employed for the protection of beach front flats and dwellings; further a letter had been received from the Vice-President of the Bilgola Beach Preservation Committee dated 16.7.1974 and this was tabled. 14. Resolved; That subject to the Council being fully reimbursed by the State government, it accepts responsibility for the expenditure of the difference between $24,671 and the amount already spent for work at Bilgola Beach made up of the rock fill $16,421.25 and the cost of the dozer $688, and lodges a claim with the State Government. (Crs. Dawson/Begaud) The President requested that his name be recorded as voting against the motion.

The Minutes Special Meeting of Warringah Shire Council 7th August 1984 record more works being discussed:

Committee Meeting 7th August 1984 Z (b)That Council request the DEP to agree to the inclusion of that part of the Bilgola House property, the subject of previous acquisition negotiation, in an LEP as County Open Space. (c)That the Coastal Engineering Branch of the PtD be requested to prepare and provide Council with a detailed design/specification for the construction of a revetment wall along the frontage of the properties in Bilgola and Allen Avenues, this design/specification to be encompassed in a Development Control Plan for the sites in question. That the preferred option for Area 2, identified on Diagram 11 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study be as follows : - That Council prepare a building control code for the S area shown in Diagram 11 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study to allow the sites to be developed within certain parameters. Further, that when and if the DMR is in a position to realign/widen Barrenjoey Road, a Management Plan for the area affected by the proposal be prepared, in conjunction with Council, to ensure a co-ordinated method of minimising any environmental effect is achieved. 3. That the preferred option for Area 3, Identified in Diagram 12 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study be as follows: - That Council advise the owner of Lots 1 & 3, in DP 534831 & DP 228938, Barrenjoey Road that when it is their intention to develop the land, Council would be prepared to consider a cluster housing development in sympathy with the site's visual importance and particular topographic characteristics and providing for 5 dedication to Council of a suitable open space area. That Council's Controller of Reserves, in conjunction with the Town Planning Department, Investigate the possibility of using, for passive recreation purposes, suitable portion #225; of the County Road Reserve, currently not needed by the DMR. Further, that the feasibility, desirability of landscaping those areas cleared and filled by the DMR, and including the old quarry site adjacent to Barrenjoey Road, also be examined. Those examinations to be the subject of a report to the next available appropriate Council meeting. 

Report to Town Planning and Building Committee Meeting 4th  December, 1984 records:

(Item 3.25 cont) (The Controller of Reserves advises that the Coastal Engineering Branch has been requested to provide the necessary design/specification. To date, the final design has yet to be presented.) Item 2;That the preferred option for Area 2 identified on diagram 11 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study be as follows: 

That Council prepare a building control code for the area shown in diagram 11 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study to allow the sites to be developed within certain parameters. Further, that when and if the DMR is in a position to realign/widen Barrenjoey Road, a management plan for the area affected by the proposal be prepared, in conjunction with Council, to ensure a co-ordinated method of minimising any environmental affect is achieved.*; (This Code has been completed and is attached to this report as Appendix 1.) Item3 ! *;That the preferred option for Area 3, identified in diagram 12 of the Bilgola Beach Area Study be as follows:*; *;That Council advise the owners of Lots 1 & 3, DP 534831 and DP 228938, Barrenjoey Road, that when it is their intention to develop the land, Council would be prepared to consider a cluster housing development in sympathy with the sites visual importance and particular topographic characteristics and providing for dedication to Council of a suitable open space area.*; (By letter dated 14.8.84, the owner of the subject site was advised of Council's resolution in respect' of his land. Brief informal discussions with the owner's architect have taken place. These discussions only involved clarification of Council's resolution for the architects benefit. To date, neither preliminary plans nor the submission of, a formal development application have been forthcoming). , Item4 *;That Council's Controller of Reserves, in conjunction with the Town Planning Department investigate the possibility of. using, for passive recreation purposes, suitable portions of the County Road Reserve, currently not needed by the DMR. Further!, that the feasibility/desirability of landscaping those areas cleared and filled by the DMR, and including the old quarry site adjacent to Barrenjoey Road, also be examined. These examinations to be the subject of a report to the next available/appropriate Council meeting.' 

A Report to Works Committee Meeting 11th May 1985, Proceedings in Brief, records:

Mr C Kable was given permission.to address the Committee. He recalled the environmental plan passed by Council in August last year to preserve the environment of Bilgola and commented that this plan was probably setting a precedent throughout the Shire for areas like Palm Beach and Whale Beach because it was an excellent environmental plan and the measures that have been passed by Council and pursued by Council staff are very good. 

Mr Kable stated that it seemed wrong to the Trust that an outside agency like the DMR should come in and destroy areas which it was Council's intention to preserve such as widening the northernmost bend on the Bilgola Bends. He further stated that the area is particularly sensitive because the bend abuts the area known as Hewitt Park, which contains a rain forest and joins the road; the bend to be widened requires in each side and the Trust is concerned that this may not be done sensitively. Avalon Preservation Trust approached the Chief Engineer of DMR with Mr Max Smith, the Local Member, discussed this and 4 or 5 possibilities with the DMR including a proposal to insert beams into the roadway or to provide a prefabricated steel structure which could be trucked to the site, lowered into the road and bolted to the present structure. Mr Kable considered that his suggestions were assessed very roughly by the Department and were not costed properly and so the Trust went back to see the Chief Engineer on 30th April. At this meeting, he considered that the DMR really were not interested in talking very much to his deputation. 

Mr Kable advised that the Trust thinks that as Council and the people who live in this area consider this to be a very precious area, it would be worthwhile for Council to approach the DMR again who may reconsider the matter, coming from a statutory authority. Mr Kable recommended that: 1.The DMR be advised that as WSC places great importance on the environmental features of Bilgola, Council requests the DMR to investigate further ways of widening the carriageway without causing environmental damage. 2.The DMR consult with the National Trust concerning ways of preserving the rain forest on either side before work commences. 3.That the DMR be requested to arrange for the National Trust to carry out any revegetation work and the maintenance thereof. Mr Kable concluded by saying that a request to overcome these problems would achieve more results coming from Council than from the Avalon Preservation Trust. 

Soon afterwards, at the WSC Meeting held 16th July, 1985 records: 

The General Manager/Shire Clerk 4.5 ROAD/DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS TO 'THE BILGOLA BENDS'; _BARRENJOEY RD (MR164). BILGOLA (File: 430/1) On 14th May 1985, the Works Committee considered a report concerning a request, by the Department of Main Roads, for advice from Council on the Department's proposal to improve a bend in the area known as 'the Bilgola bends'. Following an address at the meeting by a representative of the Avalon Preservation Trust, it was resolved: 'That the matter be deferred until the next Ordinary Meeting of Council to enable the Town Planner to examine Part V of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act to determine if this will have any effect on the Department of Main Roads' proposal'; 

Investigations into this matter revealed that a small area of approximately 60 sq.m of landscaped batter required for drainage work in association with the road widening would be located within Hewitt Park. This park is zoned Open Space 6(a) and, as such, the proposed drainage works required the development consent of Council. Accordingly, a development application was submitted by the DMR on 4th June 1985. A report on this application was considered by the Development Unit on 10th July 1985 and is attached hereto for Council's determination. In relation to the effect of Part V of the EP&A Act on the DMR's proposal, as mentioned in the attached report, following an assessment of the works by Council officers, it is considered that Part V does not apply. That Council note the contents of the attached report and that the decision of the Development Unit appearing on BP Ref 112 recommending, amongst other things, the granting of consent in respect of Part Lots 139/144 and 336/338, D? 16902, Barrenjoey Rd, Bilgola, be adopted

A 30 January 1997 report concerning Special Environmental Len (SEL) projects in the Warringah area notes:

'Sydney Water has undertaken a number of SEL projects in the Warringah area Reduction of odours and emissions at Warriewood Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) by decommissioning the sludge lagoons, which were redesigned to pond SEM stormwater; Processing of sludge for beneficial use at Wormwood STP; Urban Bushland Revegetation and Regeneration projects for Coachwood Forest at Bilgola, Garigal National Park at Forestville and Allenby Park at Allambie Heights; Inflow/Infiltration programs and smoke testing of the sewer system in Manly Vale, North Narrabeen, Collaroy, Dee Why West, Narraweena, Brookvale, Beacon Hill, North Balgowlah, North Curl Curl, South Curl Curl, Harbor and Queenscliff and North Manly In March 1996, Sydney Water's Board of Directors approved the application of unallocated SEL funds to environmentally significant sewer backlog projects. Sydney Water is preparing EISs for all its 35 sewerage systems These ElSs are scoped at the strategic level to provide a vehicle for improvement of the current situation A master planning approach is required to set the direction and allow for the process of....

Bushcare - Regeneration - Weed Removal on the Bilgola Bends

Bilgola Creek biodiversity: Pittwater Council

The project addressed major weed infestations within the project area. Two EECs were targeted: Themeda Grasslands on Coastal Headlands and Littoral Rainforest & Coastal Vine Thickets. Revegetation at 3 sites controlled exotic grasses at South Bilgola Headland, providing littoral restoration of the Bilgola Creek and restoring Coastal Clay Heath within an area heavily invaded by bamboo.

A community planting and information day was held along the Bicentennial Walkway track, which was also be upgraded to limit damage to the Themeda grassland. Over 2,250 native tubestock and 2kg of Themeda seed were planted. 

Pittwater Online News ran the following Notice

Community Planting Day - South Bilgola Headland

Saturday 28th May, 2016 8 - 11am

Join in a morning of planting to assist the Council in caring for beautiful South Bilgola Headland. All tools and equipment will be provided as well as morning tea. An enjoyable event for all the family!

Pittwater Council's Pittwater 21 DCP states:

Extensive areas of natural vegetation are dominated by large specimens of the Smooth barked Apple (Angophora costata) on the escarpments upper slopes with the Rough Barked apple, Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) and Bloodwood (Eucalyptus gummifera) present along the lower slopes and Cabbage Tree Palms (Livistona australis) in the Bilgola valley.

Much of the indigenous vegetation has been retained, particularly where there are large areas of open space, and there are significant wildlife habitats and corridors within the locality, such as on the original Wentworth Estate in the Pittwater Foreshore Area.

A unique flora and fauna green belt exists in the Bilgola Beach Area by the interconnection of Hewitt Park with Attunga Reserve via the dedicated portion of public land, previously known as Hamilton Estate, at the western end of the Bilgola Valley.

Many of the areas unique features are contained in the Bilgola Beach Area, notably:

• The remnant littoral rainforest, recognised as one of the largest and best urban examples remaining on the New South Wales coast, and characterised by the abundant subtropical vegetation which includes a mixed variety of shrubs, ferns and palms such as the Cabbage Tree Palms (Livistona australis) along Bilgola Creek and its drainage lines and in the valley, 
• The headlands with the formalised public lookout at Bilgola Head, which provides expansive coastal views, 
• The Bilgola Bends section of Barrenjoey Road that traverses the valley escarpment and is bordered by thick indigenous vegetation, 
• The Bicentennial Coastal walkway that passes over the southern headland to the valley, along the beach and on to the Bilgola Head lookout. 
• Houses, vegetation, stone walls and structures in the vicinity of Bilgola Avenue, The Serpentine and Barrenjoey Road Bilgola Beach are indicative of the early settlement in the Locality, and have been identified as heritage items.

Additionally the Bilgola Beach, headlands and valley escarpment provide unique cultural and social significance. Surveys of beach usage have revealed that crowd attendance was the fifth to sixth largest of the twenty ocean beaches in Warringah and Pittwater. Reasons for this include: uncrowded, quiet, natural environment and absence of commercial facilities. Respondents indicated that preservation of the beach and the surrounding areas unique character is desirable.

All of these unique features are valued by the community and contribute to the essence of the Bilgola Beach Area. These are to be retained and protected.

Strong community objection to the widening of Barrenjoey Road and straightening the bends, and the sub-division of the Hamilton Estate, are indicative of the extent of community concern for the need to retain the unique character of the Bilgola Beach amphitheatre and limit further public infrastructure development.

The Plateau Area is serviced by neighbourhood retail centres at Bilambee Avenue and at the intersection of Plateau Road and Grandview Drive. The locality also contains the Bilgola Plateau Primary School, Bilgola Surf Life Saving Club, and recreational facilities including rock baths, Bilgola Beach, and several reserves.

The Localitys particular topographic and natural features create a particular fragility in the area, which is characterised by its vulnerability to bushfire, landslip, flood, coastal (bluff) erosion and beach fluctuation, and estuary wave action and tidal inundation. Attempts to stabilise the bluff erosion on the southern headland in the mid 1990s with wire netting, resulted in a disastrous environmental and visual outcome. 

The community objecting to any further development of the bends has recurred since the Northern Beaches Council was installed by the previous Coalition Government. The NBC councillors have worked to approach the Department of Main Roads, now called Transport for NSW, to ensure the lots of land it still retains on the bends are not subject to further sale or development and also looked into whether they could afford to acquire these and add them into Hewitt Park or Hamilton Reserve.

The Bilgola Creek and Bends grant project was successfully completed and the project will hopefully be maintained through Northern Beaches Council’s commitment of an ongoing designated operational budget for the area, as well as the efforts of local Bush Care groups.

Although, as this invasive weed, cassia, was photographed on the same day the plastic walkway installation images at Bilgola were taken, and is directly adjacent to the work site, and the infestation of weeds like morning glory on the crown lands and public reserves of Bilgola from the lookout at the north to the headland at the south have taken over areas once cleared by residents and Pittwater Council, and are killing the native plants, it will require more than a narrative of spin to rectify:

Below run more photos taken at Bilgola during the decades - by the news service and others, as credited.

• Community Concerned Over the Increase of Plastic Products Being Used by the Northern Beaches Council for Installations in Pittwater's Environment
• Newport Beach to Bilgola Beach CoastWalk Tender Accepted to 'Design + Construct'
• Bilgola Banksia Razing for Coastal Trail To Bring ‘all together as one’ Symbolism achieves opposite affect
• Richard Jeffery Is Working to Reinstall the North Bilgola Lookout Direction Indicator: photos of Surface or original Casting plans needed
• Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Bilgola
• Bilgola Beach and Valley - 2011
• Tallamalla-Bilgola Cottage-Bilgola House
• Littoral rainforest on the Newport-Bilgola verge secured as public space 
• The Day Dame Nellie Melba Lunched At Bilgola Cottage 2021 refreshed version -   2011 version
• Walter Oswald Watt 11 February, 1878 – 21 May, 1921
• Bilgola Beach SLSC - some history 2013 version
• Pittwater Reserves: The Green Ways Bilgola Beach - The Cabbage Tree Gardens and Camping Grounds - 2015
• Bilgola Beach - The Cabbage Tree Gardens & Camping Grounds + Bilgola The Story Of A Politician, A Pilot and An Epicure - 2023 refresh
• Newport's Bushlink 'From The Crown To The Sea' Paths:  Founded In 1956 - A Tip and Quarry Becomes Green Space For People and Wildlife
• Winifred Atwell - 'The Amazing Miss A' - stayed at Bilgola House
• John W. Stone - Profile
• How Camping and campers At Whale Beach Helped The Whale Beach SLSC Save Lives
• David Henry Lyall  PSM, ESM,  FAIB - Profile and Tribute
• Bilgola SLSC Salutes Bruce Robertson's 76 Years Of Service: Lifesaving Legend And Australia's Oldest Active Member Hangs Up His Patrol Cap
• Bruce Robertson OAM - Profile
• Anne Spencer - Profile
• Bilgola Plateau Parks for the People: Gifted by A. J. Small, N. A. K. Wallis + the green pittwater pathways to keep people connected to the trees, birds, bees - for children to play
• Kamikaze Corner Roundabout Pop Up Art
• Roads In Pittwater: The Barrenjoey Road
• Bilgola SLSC Celebrates 70 Years: Some Anecdotes From Early Members - 2019 celebrations
• Anger Over Destruction Of Pittwater Trees Grows - Bilgola, 2020, council permission given to clear whole block of protected trees
• Safe Speed Program for Safer Neighbourhoods Being applied across local roads: new surface for Bilgola Bends + Speed humps on Tasman road + Upgrades for Mona Vale pedestrian Crossings - 2024

JONES -June 11 1923 at Manly, Henry Zeddon Iones, of The Hall, Pittwater road. Mona Vale, Pittwater. Family Notices (1923, June 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16073865

Henry Zeddon Jones was interred in Manly Cemetery

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

PROBATE JURISDICTION,

In the will of Henry Zeddon Jones, late of Mona Vale, Pittwater, in the State of New South Wales, gentleman, deceased.

PURSUANT to the "Wills, Probate and Administration Act, 1893: Notice is hereby given that every creditor or other person having any debt or claim against or affecting the estate of Henry Zeddon Jones, the abovenamed deceased, who died on the 13th day of June, 1923, and probate of whose will was granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, on the 26th day ot October, 1923, to Frederick Sydney Pegg and Florence Charlotte Laird, the executor and executrix in the said will named, is hereby required to send particulars in writing of such debt or claim to the said Frederick Sydney Pegg and Florence Charlotte Laird, on or before the 2nd day of February next, at the expiration of which time the said Frederick Sydney Pegg and Florence Charlotte Laird will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard to the debts or claims only of which they shall then have had notice ; and notice is hereby further given that the said Frederick Sydney Pegg and Florence Charlotte Laird will not be liable, for the assets or any part thereof so distributed, to any person of whose debt or claim they shall not have had notice at the time of such distribution.—Dated this 20th day of December, 1923.

ARTHUR MUDDLE AND STEPHENSON,

Proctors for the Executors,

4 O'Connell-street, Sydney. 2506 ' 18s. 6d. PROBATE JURISDICTION. (1923, December 21). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 5970. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225145344

Primary Application - William Joseph Hollins 23 acres 1 rood 16 3/4 perches on Bilgola Creek & on a road 1 chain wide leading to the road from Manly to Barrenjoey in Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Volume 2570 Folio 171 Date range: 12/06/1914 to 27/04/1915:

No. 18,395. APPLICANT :—John Stevenson, Gladesville. LAND:—-County Cumberland, parish Narrabeen, shire Warringah, 26 acres 5 perches, on Bilgola Creek and road leading to road from Manly to Barrenjoey,—lot 19, and part lot 18, South Division, Pittwater Estate, and part 1200 acres (portion 20, parish), granted to John Joseph Therry; adjoining properties of W. J. Hollins, C. W. B. King, — Humphrey, and Crown Land. NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT. (1914, December 9). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 7291. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article227425078 - sells to Hollins who sells to A J Small and put in wife Jessie’s name.

Primary Application 18395; Title: Primary Application - John Stevenson 361 acres situated on Bilgola Creek and on a road leading to the road from Manly to Barrenjoey Shire Warringah Parish Narrabeen Volume 2554 Folio 103. Contents Date Range 14-01-1913 to 18-02-1915

Vol-Fol: 3818-31 is Lot 1 sold Ethel Maria Dadson on December 31 1925. Part then goes into Vol-Fol: 3820-155 which is 22 acres, 2 roods and 21 perches and lists 8 pages of land sales in HRLV, along with a ‘public garden and recreation space’ which had been registered in 1919. This lot of land sales is listed in the sales as the ‘Golf Links Estate’ by June 1930 in the Certificate of Title. 

Coast Walk: Tender for Newport to Bilgola

September 2, 2024

Council states:

''Our investigations into the works have continued and adjustments made based on feedback, the funds available for the Coast Walk project are no longer sufficient to deliver the remaining sections.

We have now prioritised works, based on funding availability and safety, as follows:

1. Shared path from Newport Beach to The Serpentine
2. Bilgola Foreshore Link – improved pedestrian connection from Bilgola carpark to Allen Avenue
3. Pedestrian safety upgrade at the top of Allen Avenue stairs – improved pedestrian connection on The Serpentine

A tender for these priority sections has been released. The tender, along with a report detailing results and engagement activities since 2018, will be presented at a Council meeting in late 2024. Following this presentation, we will engage with the community to gather feedback on the detailed design.

Additional funding opportunities will be sought in order to complete the wider program of works in future years.''

The Tender closed on 27 August 2024.

The Tender information states:

'The works include the design and construction of the Newport Beach to Bilgola Beach Coast Walk. A concept design has been prepared for a shared user path from the northern end of Newport Beach Car Park, along Barrenjoey Road to The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach. 

It is anticipated that the shared path will comprise a combination of concrete path and elevated structures due to the topography of the area. In addition to the shared user path, works to road side barriers and landscaping will be required.'

Map of prioritised works:

Bilgola Beach in 1912, Courtesy NSW State records, Item: FL2703467

1929 land sales advertisement showing the Serpentine

View of Bilgola Beach circa 1935, courtesy State Records and Archive. Item: FL281268 

March 1938 roadworks complete - the quarry can be seen in the background, courtesy NSW Records, Item: FL3663896

Bilgola Bends roadworks in March 1938, courtesy NSW Records. Item: FL3663975

Bilgola and Newport in 1946, courtesy NSW Records, Item: FL3735841

Bilgola in 1948, courtesy NSW records, Item: FL3821980

Max Dupain photo of Bilgola, stated to be taken in 1940's - courtesy State Library of NSW

Bilgola Beach aerial September 1949, courtesy State Library of NSW, Item: SLNSW_FL18904221

Winifred Atwell paddling at Bilgola Beach, 1955

Bilgola quarry and landfill being dumped in 1968. Photo: Gary Clist

Bilgola Beach in 1970, courtesy NSW Records. Item: NRS-22489-1_CN001962

Newport to Bilgola headland walk - Winter 2011 (twice)

Sea eagle - camera couldn't capture properly - too high up

View to Bilgola from North Bilgola headland Lookout, 2012

Bilgola beach from south headland reserve, 2016

View into Bilgola from Attunga Reserve, 2017

Bilgola Beach environs, January 11 2023 - down path to beach:

Bilgola creek outlet at beach end - shows stone works channel Hannah put in

stoneworked retaining wall: