Rich history of Little Manly Tidal Pool lives on

Rich in history, Little Manly Tidal Pool has had many incarnations over its 140 history, but the recent works are the best yet.

A sympathetic rebuild has seen the baths restored to their former glory with modern upgrades to benefit users and the environment.

The pool is located on the eastern side of Little Manly Cove and is abuzz with activity year-round. From people doing laps in the pool to children frolicking in the wave-less bay, families and friends enjoying a picnic nearby, launching a boat at the western end, scuba diving, snorkelling or fisherman using the rocks either side hoping to hook the catch of the day.

In January 1878 a group of residents including the Mayor of Manly approached the Minister for Lands for approval to construct two separate baths – one for men and one for women - on opposite sides of Manly Cove. Yet residents' objections forced the Council to build what was to become the Gentlemen’s Baths and what we now know at the tidal pool at Little Manly Cove instead.

Interestingly at the time, bathing in colonial Sydney was actually forbidden between 6am and 8pm (daylight hours) to ensure public decency and safety; however, due to Manly’s remoteness from Sydney, the area was initially deemed exempt from this law.

On the 21 May 1879, a ceremony to drive in the first pile was held and the baths were complete a year later.

There was a charge for admission to the ‘Crystal Baths’ as they were also known, and men generally swam naked! In a development of the times, in January 1881, women were allowed exclusive bathing between 10am and 3pm.

The baths which form part of the 140-metre-long beach, have been vulnerable to southerly storms, which has meant it has undergone restorative works several times throughout its history.

Fast forward to today, the pool enclosure still exists in the same footprint it did over 100 years ago.  but it has been rebuilt using more durable materials, which will require less maintenance, and prolong its life, meanwhile maintaining its heritage appearance.

High quality, strong netting have replaced the shark bars. They are more environmentally friendly and provides additional habitat for sea life such as sea horses.

Durable steel piles wrapped in black HDPE have been used to replace the existing wooden piles. These will last longer than the traditional timber, meaning a longer time before we disturb the sea floor and the natural environment again.

During the reconstruction, Council consulted marine scientists about the best way to protect the important sea grasses and to re-settle the endangered seahorses population local to the area.

The size of the pool remains the same at approximately 40 x 50 metres. A timber ladder and diving platform have also been reinstated at the junction of the two constructed sides.

The pool has re-opened in time for the warm weather and beach season and we’re pleased this historic place will continue to be a popular spot for locals and visitors.