Pearl Beach, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pearl Beach Central Coast, New South Wales
Pearl Beach from Mount Ettalong, showing nearby Lion Island (New South Wales) and Pittwater in the distance
Population	536 (2016 census)
• Density	447/km2 (1,160/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	2256
Elevation	9 m (30 ft)
Area	1.2 km2 (0.5 sq mi)
Location	21 km (13 mi) S of Gosford 9 km (6 mi) S of Woy Woy 90 km (56 mi) N of Sydney
LGA(s)	Central Coast Council
Parish	Patonga
State electorate(s)	Gosford
Federal Division(s)	Robertson
Suburbs around Pearl Beach: Brisbane Water National Park Umina Beach Broken Bay Brisbane Water National Park Pearl Beach Broken Bay Patonga Hawkesbury River Lion Island

Pearl Beach is a beautiful suburb on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Central Coast Council area. Pearl Beach was officially named a suburb by the Geographical Names Board on October 25, 1991.

History of Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach has a rich history, especially for the Indigenous people who lived there for a very long time. In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales, sailed north from Sydney Cove. He explored the area known as Broken Bay, which Captain Cook had described earlier. Journals from that time show that Captain Phillip found the local Aboriginal people to be very friendly. Lieutenant William Bradley also wrote about meeting many friendly men, women, and children.

Geography of Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach is located south of Umina Beach. A ridge with Mount Ettalong, which is about 56 meters (184 feet) high, separates the two areas. To the west and south, Pearl Beach is surrounded by Brisbane Water National Park. To the east, it meets Broken Bay. Green Point, which includes the Paul Landa Reserve, is next to the southern end of the beach. The shape of the bay is a great example of a logarithmic spiral beach.

Pearl Beach Population

In the 2016 Census, there were 536 people living in Pearl Beach. Most people, about 68.7%, were born in Australia. About 88.2% of residents spoke only English at home. When asked about religion, 37.1% said they had no religion, and 20.4% were Anglican.

Swimming at Pearl Beach

The southern part of Pearl Beach is usually calm and sheltered. It is protected by a rocky point and Lion Island. This makes it a favorite spot for swimming. The northern end of the beach is known for its rougher waves. Locals sometimes call this area "the dumpers." These "dumpers" are popular for strong swimmers who enjoy bodysurfing. However, it can be dangerous during very rough surf or at king tides. Swimmers might get pushed hard onto the sand by waves. It's important to be careful and know your limits. In 2014, a young boy tragically lost his life after being swept off the shore by a large wave. Local leaders have asked for danger signs to be put up to help keep everyone safe.

Pearl Beach Environment

The village of Pearl Beach is located within a special area called the Broken Bay Entrance Landscape Conservation Area. This area is protected by the National Trust of Australia.

Awards for Environmental Care

Pearl Beach has received awards for its efforts in keeping the environment clean and beautiful:

• On November 4, 2009, Pearl Beach won the Central Coast regional award in the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge. It also won the Community Partnerships and Action Award. The community also earned a highly commended award for Environmental Protection.
• On December 9, 2010, Pearl Beach was chosen to represent New South Wales in the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beaches Award for 2010–11.

Community Groups in Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach has active community groups that help make the village a great place to live.

• Pearl Beach Progress Association: This group started in 1929. It works to improve the village and protect its natural environment. They also manage the historic Memorial Community Hall. Anyone aged 16 or older who lives in Pearl Beach or owns property there can join.
• Pearl Beach Rural Fire Brigade: This is a volunteer firefighting group that started in 1953. They are part of the NSW Rural Fire Service and are located at 39 Emerald Avenue.

Community Events in Pearl Beach

Since 2006, an event called Opera in the Arboretum has been held every March. It takes place in the Crommelin Native Arboretum. The Rotary Club of Woy Woy organizes this event. It features performances by famous Australian opera singers. All the money raised goes to charities and Rotary projects.

Residential Development Rules

Building and changing homes in Pearl Beach follows special rules. These rules are set by the local council in a plan called Development Control Plan 162 (DCP16). The main goal of DCP16 is to protect and improve the unique natural character of Pearl Beach. These rules apply to all new buildings and major changes to existing homes in the village.

Pearl Beach Infrastructure

Infrastructure refers to the basic facilities and systems that serve a community.

Road Access

Pearl Beach Drive is the only road for cars to get into the town. There is also a walking track, sometimes called Cliff Road, which was once the main Pearl Beach Road. It runs along the base of Mount Ettalong cliff. This old road is considered a Heritage Listed item. Getting car access to Pearl Beach has had challenges over the years:

• In 1925, Pearl Beach Road was built as the main road for vehicles.
• By December 1935, parts of Pearl Beach Road were closed to vehicles.
• In June 1936, the Pearl Beach Progress Association disagreed with a council plan for a new road that would not go through Pearl Beach.
• By April 1938, the community considered getting access by water instead of road. They wanted a wharf to connect with Patonga and Hawkesbury River railway station.
• In February 1939, Pearl Beach Road was closed because a section had washed away.
• In August 2010, the local council began work to make Mount Ettalong Road and Patonga Drive more stable. This work was planned to cause minimal traffic delays.

Rock Pool

Construction of the Rock Pool started in 1926 and finished in 1928. It is located at the southern end of the beach, next to Green Point. The pool has faced some design and maintenance issues over the years. However, many people still enjoy swimming there. In 2010, the rock pool was closed for four months for major renovations.

Electricity Supply

Plans to bring electricity to Pearl Beach were approved on December 31, 1936. An electrical engineer was told to start construction once enough residents had signed up for the service.

Sports Facilities

Pearl Beach has a few sports facilities for residents and visitors:

• There are two tennis courts and a small artificial turf bowling green located in Opal Close. You need to book these in advance.
• You can also do lap swimming at the rock pool, which is at the southern end of the beach.

Notable Residents of Pearl Beach

• Minard Crommelin MBE (1881–1972) was a postmistress and environmental conservationist. She lived in Pearl Beach from 1939 until 1972.