Boat Harbour (Kurnell)

Boat Harbour is a small beach located on the north-eastern side of the Kurnell Peninsula in Sydney, Australia. Boat Harbour has been classed as one of the most polluted beaches in Sydney. [ [http://www.ssec.org.au/our_environment/our_bioregion/kurnell/environment/boat_harbour.htm The Kurnell Peninsula - Boat Harbour ] ]

History

The first land grant was issued in 1815. convert|700|acre|km2 of land on the Kurnell Peninsula which also included Boat Harbour was issued to James Birnie, a whaler and merchant. He named his land ‘Alpha Farm’ and built himself a cottage. When James Birnie was declared insane in 1828, John Connell gained possession of his property. John Connell passes away in 1848 leaving his estate to his grandsons.

In 1861 the property was sold to Thomas Holt who purchased the land for £3275. Holt, originally from Yorkshire, sailed into Sydney sometime in 1842. He made his fortune during the gold rushes of the early 1850s. Holt moved to Sutherland, and further increased the size of his property holdings to approximately convert|13000|acre|km2. He erected several mansions and ran his ‘Sutherland Estate’ in the English manner. [ [http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_02_2.cfm?itemid=5051207 NSW Heritage Office Website - Listing Heritage Items - State Heritage Register - Item View ] ]

In late 2001 Boat Harbour became an Aquatic Reserve. The new reserve will place restrictions on fishing and bait collection.

Wildlife

The area contains several habitats which include platforms, crevices, rock-pools, boulders and cobbles. Some of the wildlife includes a variety of birds, such as Plovers, Ruddy Turnstone and Red-necked Stint.

Housing

There is no permanent housing located on or near the beach, though the site houses many temporary shacks made from corrugated iron or shipping containers. [ [http://azureglobe.blogspot.com/2006/12/picnic-boat-harbour-kurnell-peninsula.html City of Sydney Daily Photo: Picnic - Boat Harbour - Kurnell Peninsula - Sydney ] ]

Facilities

Boat harbour is the location of a 4WD park. People are permitted to drive on the beach with their 4WD’S. An entry fee is required and one may drive along the beach for at least two kilometres.

References