Camping at the deep inlet called ‘The Basin’ was how the first European settlers lived in this beautiful little paradise. Rock carvings at The Basin of fish tell it was a place visited by the Indigenous peoples for thousands of years prior to this during the fish run seasons, usually winter for Pittwater according to literature on Aboriginal Women's Fishing Practices since 1788, with one such witnessing of this occurring here.
William Bradley (1757?-1833), First Lieutenant on the ship, Sirius, captained by John Hunter. He accompanied Arthur Phillip on exploratory trips, to Broken Bay, Manly Cove and the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. Of note in extracts from his journal during his trip to explore Broken Bay is that some of the crew were recovering from smallpox. Pittwater Council's website noted that in 1788-1790 many of our local Custodians died of this disease.
1788, March.
Wednesday. 5th AM: Followed the sw. arm up to the head found several Coves & good depth of water all the way up which I suppose to be about 7 Miles, we left two openings to the S.oward without looking into them & left this Arm without examining a large opening to the NW out of it about a mile & half above the Island: We went into the S.o Arm were caught suddenly by a thunder squall & had much difficulty in getting in:
In a Cove just within the entrance we were met by an Old Man & Boy. He had a stone in his hand which he laid down as he came towards us, he shew'd us the best landing place, brought us a stick of Fire & some Water signifying to us that the rain was very cold, we gave them fish & the Governor exchanged some things for Spears, this Man was but little scar'd about the body.
Thursday. 6. PM. Continuing to rain we secured every thing for the night, the Old Man was with us till the evening.
AM. Went up this Arm, saw several of the Natives in every Cove, the Old Man & boy followed us round to one of the Coves & shew'd us water; We stop'd in a Cove on the E.t side about 3 Miles up, several women in Canoes were fishing two of them came ashore the one an Old & Ugly, the other a young woman tall & was the handsomest woman I have seen amongst them, she was very big with Child, her fingers were complete as were those of the Old Woman. One of the Women made a fishing hook while we were by her, from the inside of what is commonly called the pearl oyster shell, by rubbing it down on the rocks until thin enough & then cut it circular with another, shape the hook with a sharp point rather bent in & not bearded or barbed, in this Cove we met with a kernel which they prepare & give their Children, I have seen them eat it themselves, they are a kind of nut growing in bunches somewhat like a pine top & are poisonous without being properly prepared the method of doing which we did not learn from them. Hard rain the greatest part of these 24 Hours.
Friday. 7. Were at the upper part of the S.o Arm, found in every part of it, very good depth of water except a Flat at the entrance from the Et point 2/3 of the way over, between which & the W.tern shore is a Channel with 3 f.m. at low water & that depth close to the rocks, the Land on the E.t side of this Arm is in general good & clear, on the W.t side all Rocks & thick woods.
Figure 5: ‘View in Broken Bay New South Wales. March 1788'. Courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. IE number: IE1113857. This is the earliest European depiction of Pittwater. Geoff Searl OAM and Roger Sayers OAM did research a few years back which led them to believe this aspect is from Clareville - local First Nations peoples tell us they call this picture 'dancing with Redcoats'
This Petroglyph, photographed by Geoff Searl OAM, President of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, in a rock on our western shores is stated to be an aboriginal carving of Governor Phillip’s cutter when this first visited Pittwater in 1788.
on exhibit at ABHS 9th Great Historic Exhibition of 2018
In 1834 Martin Burke, one of many Irishmen sent from their homeland for being one of those involved in the Irish Rebellion, applied for land here;
CUMBERLAND-50 Acres Parish of Broken Bay, and at the Basin at Pittwater ; applied for by Martin Burke ; price 5s. per Acre No Title. (1834, January 14). The Sydney Monitor (NSW : 1828 - 1838), p. 3 Edition: MORNING. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32145420
In December 1854 the Olivers, who had been farming the land at The Basin, sold their holding to William Small for £300. In 1855 Mr. Small mortgaged The Basin land for £600 to the Oriental Bank Corporation.
Jim Macken, in his 'Sally Morris of The Basin' (2001) states that three Bills of Exchange were drawn by financier M. A. Worms but in June 1877 Mr. Small died intestate and the bank moved in to make a claim:
In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.
In the goods of William Small, late of Brisbane Water, in the Colony of New South Wales, former, deceased.
NOTICE is hereby given, that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof in the New South Wales Government Gazette, application will be made to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that letters of administration of the goods, chattels, credits, and effects of the above named William Small, deceased, may be granted to John Skinner, as Manager of the Oriental Bank Corporation, a creditor of the said deceased.—Dated this first day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
WANT, JOHNSON, & WANT, Proctors for the said John Skinner. 2295 6s. 6d. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. (1878, April 2). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), , p. 1370. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223113095
PITT WATER, BROKEN BAY.
ORIGINAL GRANT of 50 ACRES, at the BASIN, being lot 24 sold, by proclamation of 17th June, 1834, to ROBERT MACINTOSH.
It is described as commencing at a marked tree in a small bay at Pitt Water, and bounded on the west by a line north 22 chains, on the north by a line east 25 chains to Pitt Water, and on the south-east and all other sides by that water to the marked tree
RICHARDSON and WRENCH have received instructions to sell by public auction, at the Rooms, Pitt-street, on FRIDAY, 31st May, at 11 o'clock.
The above-described romantically-situated 50 acres of good land at Pitt-water. This is a well-known property, being the camping grounds of the yachtsmen in a bay under the SOUTH-WEST shore of PITT WATER, about two miles from Barrenjoey. Plan at the Rooms. Terms at sale.
Messrs. WANT, JOHNSON, and WANT, Gresham street, Solicitors of the vendor. Advertising (1878, May 18). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13422340
John Skinner, on behalf of the bank, sold Mr. Small's 50 acres of land to Frederick James Jackson, RSYS and RPAYC yachtsman and insurance broker, for £50 in 1881. A holiday house the Jackson's named 'Topham' and then 'Beechwood' was built at The Basin in 1881 and finished by 1882. This was used by the family and F J Jackson's sailing friends and fellow members of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Mr. Jackson was a founding member of both these clubs.
Topham. F.W. Jackson's Cottage at The Basin [From NSW Government Printer series: Kuring-gai Chase No 52] - 01-01-1900 to 31-01-1900, courtesy State Records and Archives, Item FL3592565
Topham. Coasters Retreat, Pittwater, looking towards. By Barrenjoey Government Printing Office, Image No.: 1 - 08824, courtesy State Library of NSW.
This emerald inlet was also known as Blind Cove:
This beautiful little bay shown in our illustration, formerly private property, has been made a reserve of by Government, and is now practically a cruising ground for the yachting community of Sydney. A more useful and delightful sheet of water could not have been chosen, situated as it is at the entrance to the Hawkesbury River, just opposite Barrenjoey. To the north is the broad expanse of water known as Brisbane Water, and to its south Pittwater, which is now connected with Sydney, Newport, and Manly by means of a coach running daily. Blind Cove, also called The Basin, is a safe refuge in the very worst of weather. It owes its name of Blind Cove to the fact of its being invisible to the incomer until he has almost reached its entrance, which is very narrow and hidden from view by a low stretch of sand; but inside this narrow passage there is deep water, and the height of the hills surrounding the basin (some 600ft) so thoroughly shelter it from heavy winds that it might well be called Looking-glass Bay. It is on account of this, and also the beauty of the surrounding scenery, that has made it one of the principal rendezvous of yachtsmen.
Blind Cove, Pittwater, N.SW. (1883, March 10). Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), p. 26. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70996783
Blind Cove (The Basin) 1883 Illustration from Australian Town and Country Journal
Above: Our Camp at the Basin, Broken Bay, 1884 by Harold John Graham (1858-1929). nlapic-an6438966, Below: nla.pic-an6438962 Graham, H. J. (Harold John), 1858-1929. Broken Bay 1884 or 1885. Both images Courtesy of the National Library of Australia.
Graham, H. J. (1884). Our camp, the Basin, Broken Bay Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135522855 - Graham, H. J. (1885). Broken Bay Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135522369
Graham, H. J. (1884). Barranjoey Head, Broken Bay Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135522685
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By Graham, H. J. (1885). Careening Creek (Careel Bay January 4 or 9 1885), Broken Bay Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135522526 - Scottish-born Harold John Graham (1858-1929), hoping to recover from illness, sailed to eastern Australia in 1881. An amateur artist, he recorded his observations of places and the local flora and fauna, and worked as a draughtsman in the Water Conservation Branch of the Public Works Department in Sydney. Retiring because of ill health, Graham together with his family, returned to England in 1900. Tragically his wife, Amelia Mary Graham, was drowned off Middle Head on November 29, 1885
During the 1890's The Basin was the focus of a series of Basin Regattas with local residents included. In fact Pittwater almost had a chapter of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron with one member, Dr James Frederick Elliot, purchasing lands at Careel Bay for the purpose a few decades after members had first started visiting The Basin.
An album of photographs of Pittwater donated to the Australian National Maritime Museum, 'Photographs of boating on Pittwater including steam yacht ENA' circa 1890, includes views on board the yacht ERA, the crew of ERA, antics on board, fishing off West Head, picnic scenes, WAITANGI and ELECTRA, racing, the launch of the TUFA, men and women in rowing boats, scenes around Sydney Harbour and more. The album, of 55 pages, was a Gift from Tim McCormick Rare Books.
In the collection's album 'Photographs of boating on Pittwater including steam yacht ENA', one of these images appears to show the terraces of gardens that once went upwards on the hills above the Basin, as mentioned by Jim Macken in one of his great history books, Sally Morris of the Basin:
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from ANMM/McCormick album
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from ANMM/McCormick album
'Topham' is first associated with Frederick James Jackson's name for his cottage at The Basin, later named 'Beechwood' or 'Beachwood'.
Topham. The Basin [From NSW Government Printer series: Kuring-gai Chase No 52] - 01-01-1900 to 31-01-1900, courtesy State Records and Archives, ItemFL3592677
A FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT
THE BASIN, BROKEN BAY
A FISHERMAN'S HOME AT THE BASIN, WHERE MRS. MORRIS HAS RESIDED FOR 37 YEARS.
MRS. MORRIS AND HER PETS.
ENTRANCE TO THE HAWKESBURY RIVER. -THE BARRANJOEY LIGHTHOUSE.
HEAD OF THE BASIN. THE BASIN, BROKEN BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES.
BAY VIEW, PITTWATER. (possibly included here as the photographer was transported to The Basin from the Bayview Wharf)
A FAVOURITE HOLIDAY RESORT. (1903, December 30). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), , p. 1706. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164902107
In 1910 Mr. F J Jackson brought his land under Torrens Title:
Frederick James Jackson 43 acres 1 rood 1 3/4 perches at Basin & Coasters Retreat in Pitt Water in Shire Warringah Parish Broken Bay County Cumberland Volume 2256 Folio 167
Date range: 09/03/1910 to 25/05/1912
Item Number Or Control Symbol: PA 16450
Descriptive Note: Primary Application - Frederick James Jackson 43 acres 1 rood 1 3/4 perches at Basin & Coasters Retreat in Pitt Water in Shire Warringah Parish Broken Bay County Cumberland Volume 2256 Folio 167
Access Direction: Effect: Early; Duration:
NOTICE UNDER REAL PROPERTY ACT
APPLICATION having' been made to bring the lands hereunder described under the provisions of the Real Properly Act. Certificate of Indefeasible Title will issue, unless Caveat be lodged in accordance with the said Schedule to the said Act, on or before August 3. 1910;—
No. 16,450. APPLICANT:— Frederick James Jackson, Darling Point, Sydney. LAND:— County Cumberland, parish Broken Bay, shire Warringah, 43 acres 1 rood 1 3/4 perches at the Basin and Coasters Retreat in Pitt Water, part 50 acres (portion 14 of parish), granted to Robert Mcintosh; adjoining property of Trustees of Kuring-gai Chase.
Diagram delineating this land may be inspected at the Land Titles Office, Elizabeth-street, Sydney.
W. G. H. Williams.
Registrar-General.
June 15, 1910. Advertising (1910, June 18). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239418207
The application did not sit well with Sally Morris and Victor Le Gay Brereton, a solicitor and regular visitor to The Basin, acted on her behalf by applying for a restraining order. Jim Macken's 'Sally Morris of The Basin' states (page 18):
In answer to Sally's application for the restraining order Jackson swore an affidavit dated 25/7/1910 stating:
Purchased property April 1881. Conveyance dated 14/4/1881 - arranged with Mary Ann Morris to be caretaker for one pound per month and permitted her to run her cattle on the land. In the year 1882 I erected upon the property a seven room weatherboard dwelling house and out buildings. I or some of my family have resided in the said house once a month ever since. In addition to my paying her one pound per month she has rendered services to my family in the said house for which she was paid in addition.
From the year 1886 I employed a Chinese gardener upon the property who lived in a cottage on the land and who worked continuously upon the orchard and garden upon the property during the whole of these years.
The dispute was resolved by agreement in February 1912 with Mr. Jackson granting Sally a lifetime lease over the land she inhabited in exchange for which she allowed the land to be brought under the Real Property Act. A formal lease was issued, dated October 1914, of the land on which Sally's house stood, gave her the lifetime lease promised.
Mr. Jackson's The Basin holding was transferred to the Kuring-Gai Chase Trust in July 1916 - the Notice reflecting Mary Ann's established lease:
Department of Lands,
Sydney, 1st December, 1916,
Proposals under section 25, Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, in respect of a Public Recreation Ground (addition) at The Basin, Pittwater.
WHERE AS I am of opinion that it is expedient in the public interest to resume an area of 42 acres 2 roods 7 perches of land at The Basin, Pittwater, dedicated 28th July, 1915, for Public Recreation (addition), and described in the Schedule hereto: Now, therefore, notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the 25th section of the Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913, that it is proposed to deal with the said land in the manner following, that is to Bay,—to revoke the dedication of the said area of land heretofore made, and to re-dedicate the said area for Public Recreation as an addition to Ku-ring-gai Chase. [Ms. 1916-12,505]
W. G. ASHFORD, Minister for Lands.
Schedule referred to.
Description of an area of 42 acres 2 roods 7 perches at The Basin, Pittwater, dedicated 28th July, 1915, for Public Recreation (addition), the dedication of which is intended to be revoked, and which is intended to be rededicated for Public Recreation as an addition to Ku-ring-gai Chase.
All that piece or parcel of land containing 42 acres 2 roods 7 perches or thereabouts, situated at The Basin, Pittwater, Warringah Shire, parish of Broken Bay, county of Cumberland, being the land comprised in Certificate of Title, registered volume 2,256, folio 167, as shown upon plan catalogued Ms. 3,316 Sy. Exclusive of two areas (I rood 10£ perches and 1 rood 19i perches), and a light-of-way 12 feet wide connecting same, which- form the subject of Real Property Act lease No. 661,6*20 to Mrs. M. A. Morris for the term of her life.
Government Gazette Notices (1916, December 1). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 7108. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225964801
From Dick Nossiter’s memoirs; “Every year my father would take us to The Basin for a holiday. We would go there in a coastal steamer from Sydney to Barrenjoey where we set down all our stuff. Then there was a launch that would take us from Palm Beach to the Basin”.
Harold Nossiter and two of his sons Camping at The Basin, circa 1918
Dick’s first letter he ever wrote which was to his mother from The Basin below:
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Images all from Great Mackarel Beach : Kuring-Gai Chase : The Balmoral Of Pittwater Sydney, N.S.W. : H. W. Horning & Co., 1920. Copy at Mitchell Library has book plate 'Presented to Mitchell Library by Horning & Co, Ltd'. Mitchell Library copy 2 at Q981.1/H1 transferred from Pittwater subdivision plans P13/85-85f. Online images available via the State Library of NSW at: http://digital.sl.nsw.gov.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?embedded=true&toolbar=false&dps_pid=IE6666410
The Basin then became a place for everyone, particularly campers, although it remained where those coming here on their yachts and other craft would camp and access fresh water, with the Trustees in charge of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park honouring those who had looked after the area prior to them - including Sally.
YACHTSMEN'S FRIEND. THE LATE MRS. MORRIS.
Mrs. Mary Ann Morris, better known to Sydney yachtsmen as "Sally" or "Peggy," died on Monday last at her home at the Basin, Broken Bay, where she had resided for the past 63 years. Her death will be regretted by the yachting fraternity of Sydney, as her hut was a port of call for yachtsmen, when visiting Broken Bay, and they obtained from her supplies of fresh milk and eggs.
Mrs. Morris was the wife of the late Dicey Morris, and, prior to 1867, resided with her husband at Balmoral Beach. About that time her husband sold wood to Admiral Hornby's Flying Squadron during its visit to Sydney, and, with the money thus made, he built the hut at the Basin, Broken Bay, in which Mrs. Morris lived. The couple went to live in this hut at the Basin In 1868, and the husband engaged in fishing there. He did not live long after settling at Broken Bay, and his boat was acquired by a fisherman named Sam Strongman, who also lived at the Basin.
Mrs. Morris kept a few cows and fowls, and was always ready to supply visiting yachts-men with milk and eggs. She also often baked a very welcome damper for them. She adopted three lads at different times, one of whom was with her up to the time of her death. She possessed a good collection of yachting pictures, and recognised every yacht as it dropped anchor In the Basin. Her memory for faces was also very good, and she never forgot the owner of a yacht which had visited the Basin.
She was known to many as "Peggy," while to others she was better known as "Sally." Amongst the oldest members of the yachting fraternity who were well acquainted with Mrs. Morris were the late Mr. H. C. Dangar, the late Mr. James Milson, the late Mr. Grafton Ross, the late Mr. Jack Want, and the late Sir James Fairfax and their various successors, including Mr. F. J. Jackson, who owned the property at the back of the reservation which was subsequently resumed by the Kuringgai Chase Trust. YACHTSMEN'S FRIEND. (1921, June 9 - Thursday).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 9. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15960831
"PEGGY' MEMORIAL
The memorial. In the form of a sundial, erected by Sydney yachtsmen- at "The Basin," Pittwater, to the late Mrs. Morris, well known to all visitors to Broken Bay as "Peggy" will be unveiled at noon tomorrow (Easter Sunday) by Mr. Alfred G. Milson. A large fleet of yachts and cruising craft journeyed to tho Bay for tho Easter holidays, and a good muster of yachtsman is expected at the function. Mr. Paul Ross, commodore R.P.A. Y.C.. is hon, treasurer to the fund, and will be pleased to receive further contributions, as the amount already subscribed Is far from sufficient to cover expenses. "PEGGY' MEMORIAL (1922, April 16). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), , p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223948591
PEGGY OF THE BASIN.
A sundial mounted on a trachyte pedestal was unveiled as a memorial to the late Mrs. Morris at The Basin, Pittwater, Broken Bay, on Easter Sunday by Mr. Arthur Milson, of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, in the presence of a number of yachtsmen, by whom the funds for its erection were subscribed. Mrs. Morris, who was known to and respected by sailing men as Peggy, lived at The Basin for many years, and was a general favorite. She made it her business and pleasure in life to see to. the comfort of the campers at that favored spot, and her death last year was a great loss to frequenters of the place. PEGGY OF THE BASIN. (1922, April 26).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127924554
IN HONOUR OF 'SALLY.'
At the Basin, Broken Bay, recently, a sun-dial was unveiled by Mr. A. G. Milson in the presence of a large number of boating men in honour of the late Mrs. Morris ('Sally'), who for: very many years was a friend of the yachtsmen who visited that beautiful spot-. No title (1922, May 10). Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), , p. 32. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169770154
Unveiling Memorial to Mrs. Morris (Sally) - The Basin, Broken Bay - Easter 1922.
SUNDIAL to the memory of Mrs. Morris ("Sally") at Kuringai Chase.
There have been a few debates over the years on looking after this haven properly, one in 1906 over oyster bed leases and the lessees ordering people off these beaches and adjacent areas and another in 1934 and 1935 when the Trustees of Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park tried to close the area to all the yachts that inundated the shelter during the Christmas period as they were concerned about pollution:
INNER BASIN, PITTWATER.
FINAL DECISION DEFERRED.
At the meeting of the Kuring-gai Chase Trust yesterday it was decided to defer the decision in the matter of closing the Inner Basin, Pittwater, against pleasure craft.
In the meantime further consideration will be given to the points at issue.
The trustee's proposal to throw a bridge across the entrance and make it shark-proof has been strenuously opposed by some sec-tions of pleasure craft owners, particularly the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales. At yesterday's meeting the views of this club were expressed by Mr. A. D. Walker, commodore of the branch, and Mr. Stuart Doyle.
The trust contends that the inconsiderate actions of most boat-owners using the Inner Basin have resulted in pollution of the enclosed waters, that owing to the absence of an effective tidal scour, the water is rendered unfit for bathing, and that the closing of the area is necessary in he Interests of health.
Boat-owners likely to be affected, if the proposal is carried out, maintain that as the area has been used by them for many years and has become an acknowledged rendezvous, an injustice would be done to them. It is further submitted that the existing baths are not well placed, and that baths built outside the area would be more satisfactory in every way. This latter suggestion Is put forward as a solution of the present difficulty.
Further conferences are to be held between the trustees and the clubs interested. INNER BASIN, PITTWATER. (1934, November 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17114648
This did eventually happen though - many older residents of Pittwater recall large sharks used to cruise through Pittwater - a few images of The Basin from around then:
"The Basin Swimming pool Pittwater" - "Looking across water towards bushland rising in background, fence visible across surface of water." Title continues: "The fence is to keep the sharks out." [ca. 1926-ca. 1936].by Gladys E. Moss, 1900-1950, photographer. "The Basin; Pittwater" - Title inscribed on album page beneath image.- Courtesy State Library of Victoria, Image No. :701711210
"Looking along water towards two men walking across wooden bridge". Inscribed on album page next to image: "The netting under the footbridge keeps the sharks from the bathing-pool on this side. The rock in the foreground is jagged with oysters." [ca. 1926-ca. 1936].by Gladys E. Moss, 1900-1950, photographer. "The Basin; Pittwater" - Title inscribed on album page beneath image. Courtesy - also described as 'an inlet of Cowan creek' for this Image No.: 701711211, Courtesy State Library of Victoria.
Catching a ferry across to The Basin from Goddard's Wharf in Iluka road Palm Beach, on the Pittwater side, became the way to get there for a while when the new Palm Beach Public Wharf was being built (1937), south of the original wharf which became known as the 'Gow's and Gonsalves jetty'.
Although there is conjecture locally that the one taken which shows Lion Island in the distance may be Clareville wharf, according to early Pittwater families - however, it stays as part of Goddard family records for the purposes of this 'then and now' pictorial as a descendant has assured us it's taken from Goddards - just behind the current site of the general store and wine
depot - from Album 'Palm Beach, 6 January 1938 / photographed by Ray Olson', courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy ACP Magazines Ltd. Some of these images appeared in Pix magazine's first ever Issue.
A few more of same location from same album:
You can see the entrance to The Basin in the distance behind these Summer holidaymakers
In 1939 The Basin formed part of the exercises undertaken by the local Volunteer Coastal Patrol, then based out of the RMYBB at Newport, and which would become today's Marine Rescue Broken Bay:
(1939). December 23, Pix, Volume 4, No. 26, pages 8-9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-467076244
Across the blue water for a camping holiday
PACKING LINEN in the aluminium bath at home in Willoughby, Sydney, are Roy Dutch, his wife Olive, daughters Eileen and Lois. In adjoining room, packing cutlery and kitchen utensils, are daughters Mavis and Enid. Mrs. Dutch takes 10 pairs of sheets, washes a sheet a day during holiday.
LOADING UP THE TRAILER. Years of camping have taught the Dutch family discrimination in packing. They take only what is needed for comfort, leave behind non-essentials, which add to the burden of travelling and clutter up the camp. To pack and load the trailer takes more than two hours.
Camping these days does not mean roughing it, with ants in the jam and sour milk in the tea. Modern campers take with them all kinds of amenities. Here is the holiday story of one of the thousands of Australian families who camp at the seaside.
FREEDOM AHEAD.
With luggage for their summer camping holiday piled on the cabin-top of the launch-ferry Rambler, the Dutch family and other holiday-makers wave good-bye to Palm Beach wharf as they set off across Pittwater for The Basin, on opposite shore, 20 miles from Sydney. The Basin is a favorite ground for hundreds of camping fans, and the Dutch family have spent holidays there for years. Ferry trip - only connection with mainland - is highlight of annual pilgrimage.
DOWN THE JETTY. Before casting-off children ride on rail-trolley at Palm Beach, where car, trailer are garaged.
WHEN THE TENT IS PITCHED, Enid, Mavis, and Eileen fill their palliasse with straw. They take pillows from home, sleep under six long blankets sewn together. The long bed, which stands firmly on pipe legs, is divided into six compartments for daughters. Palliasse hay is brought in bale from home.
FIRST SWIM. While Mr. and Mrs. Dutch, and married daughter Joan, rest on the grass after making camp, the five other Dutch daughters race off for a swim in the shark-proof pool, enclosed by steel mesh. Pool is shallow for many yards from the shore, is considered perfectly safe for children.
“Years of camping have taught the Dutch family discrimination in packing. They take only what is needed for comfort, leave behind non-essentials, which add to the burden of travelling and clutter up the camp. To pack and load the trailer takes more than two hours.
Camping these days does not mean roughing it, with ants in the jam and sour milk in the tea. Modern campers take with them all kinds of amenities. Here is the holiday story of one of the thousands of Australian families who camp at the seaside. Across the blue water for a camping holiday. (1950, December 30). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47806278
Surf Life Saving Squad At The Basin
Legacy Children Had A Real Picnic
The appetites of 1,064 Legacy children at a picnic at The Basin, Pittwater, yesterday, astonished the organisers. The children demolished 6,000 bottles of soft drink. 6,000 sandwiches and bread rolls, 6,000 cakes, and 2,000 pieces of fruit. The picnic was organised by the Legacy Club of Sydney, the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, the Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and The Kuring gai Motor Yacht Club. The yacht clubs and the Volunteer Coastal Patrol provided the food and 70 cruisers to take the children from Church Point to The Basin and back. And 167 cars and buses were used to take the children from Legacy House, city, to Church Point and back. About 300 adults looked after the children BOY'S 13 BOTTLES; Mr Frank Grace, of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, said "The food the children ate was colossal "One small boy in my group boasted that he had drunk 13 bottles of soft drink."
Legacy Children Had A Real Picnic. (1954, November 22). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18449781
Legacy Picnic from National Archives of Australia
BROKEN BAY YACHT CLUBS TREAT LEGACY CHILDREN TO A DAY OUT. Some of the 1,064 Legatees after a picnic at Broken Bay yesterday wave farewell to their hosts. Members of the Royal Motor Yacht Club (Broken Bay),the Volunteer Coastal Patrol and the Kuring-gai Motor Yacht Club joined forces to treat the youngsters to a day out. They used 65 boats to take the children for a trip up the bay from Church Point. The appetites of 1,064 Legacy children at a picnic at The Basin, Pittwater,yesterday, astonished the organizers. The children demolished 6,000 bottles of soft drink.6,000 sandwiches and breadrolls, 6,000 cakes, and 2,000 pieces of fruit. The picnic was organised by the Legacy Club of Sydney, the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, the Volunteer Coastal Patrol, and the Kuring gai Motor Yacht Club. The yacht clubs and the Volunteer Coastal Patrol provided the food and 70 cruisers to take the children from Church Point to The Basin and back. And 167 cars and buses were used to take the children from Legacy House, city, to Church Point and back. About 300 adults looked after the children. BROKEN BAY YACHT CLUBS TREAT LEGACY CHILDREN TO A DAY OUT. (1954, November 22). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18449699
Australian Geographical Society & Australian National Publicity Association & Australian National Travel Association. (Walkabout Vol. 20 No.11 1 November 1954). PEERLESS PITTWATER, Walkabout Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-741436170
The Basin in 2014
Above: The Basin foreshore in 2016
In September 2020 - photos by Kevin Murray as he and wife Glenys and Joe Mills took a stroll along the Bairne Walking Track, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park:
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2026:
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