HARBOUR BATHING While recreational swimming didn’t become very popular in Sydney until the 20th century Sydney Harbour was a popular spot for bathing in the citys early years. In 1858 the City built the Corporation Baths at Woolloomooloo Bay. Also known as the Fig Tree or Farmers Baths they were in keeping with the British tradition of building bath-houses for public health. While other colonies developed facilities on land, such as Melbournes impressive Municipal Baths, Sydney utilised its vast harbour. The Corporation Baths had a free section and one where patrons were charged for facilities such as change rooms and jetties for diving into the water. Although swimming did occur at the Corporation Baths they were primarily for bathing. As the 19th century wore on Sydney’s waters became increasingly polluted as the citys sewers fouled the inner harbour. However, once the sewerage was diverted to Bondi in the 1890s, the Municipal Council took renewed interest in harbour bathing and the 1890s and 1900s saw a rapid increase in the number of baths and swimming facilities. The City received funds from the state government to redevelop the Corporation Baths at Woolloomooloo. Opened in 1908 the new Municipal Baths, or Domain Baths as they became known, reflected the eras shift from bathing to recreational swimming with a basin big enough for competitions and carnivals. There was a six-tier diving tower and a grandstand that could accommodate up to 1,700 spectators. Andrew Boy Charlton Pool was opened in 1966 on the site of the former Corporation Baths. (City of Sydney Archives)
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 09:10:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015