Background

Full Site Overview

This is a 3D model of the full site from Fitzroy Reserve right around to White Horse Point as it existed during winter of 2024.

Dawn Fraser Pool

This 360 image shows the pool in its current state as of 2024, with Elkington Park now covered in thick forest. The lifting of the pool is visible above the old sandstone, where you can also see the original steps under the modern ones. The box factory is no longer there, covered in trees and parkland.

The Dawn Fraser Baths is highly significant as the only surviving example of fully enclosed, public tidal baths from the late-19th and early-20th centuries in Australia. This type of baths was once a common Sydney Harbour recreational and sporting facility and is a remarkable survivor from that time. It is a landmark in the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour. The first official water sport's event in Balmain was the Balmain regatta on 30th november 1849, with two of the oldest continuing sporting clubs first played in Australia at Balmain.

Historical Aspects of The Dawn Fraser Pool by Patricia Quinn

This 25 page document stored by the Friends of Dawn Fraser Pool details the various historical history, photos, the swimming and water polo club. With written extracts from the Minutes of Balmain council in 1877 - 1888.

Page of 25

Click anywhere to close

Painting

A colourful Dawn Fraser pool painting by Peter Handran-Smith a local artist given to the mayor of Leichhardt

Carnivals and Celebrations

The 75th Anniversary of Balmain suburb was celebrated early in December 1935. Elkington Park hosted an evening band recital on Thursday 5th and as the Link reports “thousands rolled up to the brilliantly illuminated park where there was a splendid performance by the NSW Fire brigade band”. The Baths were thrown open free and hundreds flocked into a carnival orgainsed by the Swimming Club. The NSW Diving Troupe provided entertainment for the spectators, along with an exhibition polo game orgainsed by the Club. The carnival that year ran a number of novelty events. During the ‘Lantern Race’ the bath lights were extinguished and competitors were required to swim 50 yards holding a lighted lantern in one hand.

Click anywhere to close

Pool signage

Click anywhere to close

Cinema on the Water

From the 80s into the 2000s the pool activities extended beyond just swimming but through cinema shows. Where the summer activity of films being shown at the pool, had more than 700 people in lilos. Complemented by pool performances by local artists at intervals.

Click anywhere to close

Generosity, Bad Behaviours and Events

The stories of the pool, with lives being saved, how the pool should be used freely by the unemployed as opposed to their lives being at risk swimming in the ocean. Physical education needing to be taught to children and the bad language reputation of patrons while families are swimming making them feel unsafe.

Click anywhere to close

Wildlife at the Pool

A variety of animals have been within the ocean pool throughout its lifespan. Some creatures you can find while swimming there today include the Smooth Toadfish, Estuary Stingray, Moon Jellyfish, Sydney Rock Oysters, Leatherjacket, Silver Bream, Brown Sea Slug, Gloomy Octopus and their eggs hidden under the platforms . As well as Salmon Fish, Blue Swimmer Crab, Striped Catfish, Flounder, Common Hardyhead, Longfin Pike fish and the Great Cormorant Bird.

Click anywhere to close

100 Year Old Chair Stolen

Click anywhere to close

1926 Turnstile and chair

This turnstile and ticket attendant's seat date from circa 1926 and were originally located near the main entry. It is now located under the stairs near the showers on the west side of the pool.


Early Turnstile

A early turnstile is also preserved and located just west of the entrance.

References