Shellharbour Local History
Shellharbour is a beautiful coastal city located in New South Wales, Australia. It was officially proclaimed as a city on November 22, 2010, and today it is home to over 68,000 people. However, the history of this city dates back to the 1800s when the area was primarily used for agriculture by the local Indigenous communities.
The first European to explore Shellharbour was Captain James Cook in 1770. He named the area "Bass Point" after one of his colleagues, George Bass. Later on, the name was changed to "Shellharbour" because of the abundance of shells found in the area, which were used by the Indigenous people to make tools and weapons.
During the 1830s, the Cedars Estate was established in Shellharbour, which was one of the largest pastoral properties in the Illawarra region. The estate covered an area of over 2,000 hectares and was used primarily for grazing cattle and sheep.
In the late 1800s, the Shellharbour tramway was built, which connected the city to nearby Albion Park and the Illawarra railway line. The tramway was used to transport goods, such as timber, coal, and dairy products, which were important for the local economy at the time.
During the early 1900s, Shellharbour began to develop as a tourist destination. Many people from Sydney and other nearby towns would visit the city to enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenery. One of the most popular attractions was the Shellharbour bathing pavilion, which was built in 1914. It was the largest and most modern facility of its kind in New South Wales and could accommodate up to 2000 people.
During World War II, Shellharbour played an important role in the defence of Australia. The RAAF established a radar station at Barrack Point in 1942, which was used to detect enemy aircraft and ships. The station was manned by both Australian and American troops and was operational until the end of the war in 1945.
After the war, Shellharbour experienced a period of growth and development. New suburbs were established, and the city began to attract more residents and businesses. In 1977, the Shellharbour Square shopping centre was opened, which was one of the largest in the Illawarra.
Today, Shellharbour is a vibrant and thriving city with a diverse economy. The city is home to a range of industries, including tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It is also a popular destination for people who enjoy water sports, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
In conclusion, Shellharbour is a city with a rich and fascinating history. From its early days as a farming community to its modern role as a tourist destination and economic hub, the city has played an important role in the development of New South Wales and Australia. Today, Shellharbour is a unique and vibrant city that continues to grow and evolve in exciting ways.