Umina Beach, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Umina Beach Central Coast, New South Wales
A residential street in Umina Beach
Umina Beach Location in New South Wales
Population	17,372 (2021 census)
• Density	2,413/km2 (6,250/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	2257
Elevation	8 m (26 ft)
Area	7.2 km2 (2.8 sq mi)
Location	16 km (10 mi) SSW of Gosford 4 km (2 mi) SSW of Woy Woy 87 km (54 mi) N of Sydney
LGA(s)	Central Coast Council
Parish	Patonga
State electorate(s)	Gosford
Federal Division(s)	Robertson
Suburbs around Umina Beach: Brisbane Water National Park Woy Woy Blackwall Brisbane Water National Park Umina Beach Ettalong Beach Pearl Beach Broken Bay Broken Bay

Umina Beach (pronounced you-MY-nuh) is a lovely suburb located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Central Coast Council area. Umina Beach is about 85 kilometers (53 miles) north of Sydney and 111 kilometers (69 miles) south of Newcastle.

Locally, Umina Beach is known as part of 'The Peninsula'. This natural peninsula also includes the towns of Woy Woy, Blackwall, Booker Bay, and Ettalong Beach. Umina Beach starts where Woy Woy and Blackwall end, around Veron Road and Gallipoli Avenue. It is the most populated suburb on the Central Coast.

Sunset at Umina Beach

What is the Geography of Umina Beach?

Umina Beach has one long, continuous sandy shoreline. This shoreline is divided into two parts by name: Umina Beach (the southwestern part) and Ocean Beach (the northeastern part). Both sections have their own Surf Life Saving Clubs, which help keep swimmers safe. The only other type of shoreline here is at Umina Point (also called Mt Ettalong). This is a rocky area made of Hawkesbury Sandstone that connects to the southwestern end of Umina Beach.

Umina Beach is located on the north side of Broken Bay, right where the Hawkesbury River meets the sea. The way Umina Beach and 'The Peninsula' were formed is due to sand building up over time. This process was affected by things like weather, plants that hold soil, and the sandstone formations you can see at places like Box Head, Barrenjoey, and Umina Point. Wave patterns and tides from the Tasman Sea, Hawkesbury River, and Brisbane Water also played a big part.

What is the History of Umina Beach?

The name "Umina" comes from an Australian Aboriginal word. It means Place of sleep.

Who Were the First People in Umina?

The Woy Woy and Umina area was originally home to the Guringai Australian Aboriginal tribe. This tribe lived in a large area. It stretched from the north side of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) up through Pittwater to Broken Bay and Brisbane Water. Their land went as far north as the southern end of Lake Macquarie.

When Did Europeans Arrive?

The first time Europeans were recorded in this region was in March 1788. Governor Arthur Phillip and his group landed at Ettalong Beach. In June 1789, a more detailed exploration of Brisbane Water happened. The group stopped at Ettalong Beach before going through 'The Rip'. This is a tricky passage that leads into Brisbane Water. On their way back, they camped at Ettalong Beach again. Then, they sailed to Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River.

How Did Umina Beach Grow?

The first time land was divided up for building homes was in 1914. This led to the development of the shops and houses you see today. Umina Beach celebrated its 100th birthday in 2014, marking a century since its beginnings.

What Schools are in Umina Beach?

Umina Beach has two public schools for students. These are Umina Public School, which is a primary school, and Brisbane Water Secondary College, which is a high school.

Umina Public School opened on February 3, 1956. It has about 800 students and 50 staff members. Currently, there are 29 classes, from kindergarten up to year 6.

What Businesses are in Umina Beach?

The Umina Beach town center has been supported by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce since the late 1980s. This group helps local businesses. The town center has larger stores and many local shops. You can find takeaway restaurants and cafes there too. Umina Beach also has several medical and specialist clinics. There is a Central Coast Council Library and two service stations for cars.

How Do People Get Around Umina Beach?

Umina Beach has good public transport with regular bus services run by Busways. These buses connect to Woy Woy railway station and Gosford. The town center is easy to get to. It has a good system of connecting roads. The main roads to access the town are Ocean Beach Road, West Street, and Barrenjoey Road.

Where Can You Play Sports in Umina Beach?

Sports Fields

• Umina Oval: This oval is located at the southern end of Melbourne Avenue. It is the home ground for four different team sports: soccer, rugby league, cricket, and tennis.
• McEvoy Oval: You can find McEvoy Oval at the western end of McEvoy Avenue. It is used for track and field athletics, touch football, and cricket.

Sports Clubs

• Club Umina RSL Bowls Club: This club is part of the Club Umina complex in Melbourne Avenue.
• Ocean Beach Malibu Club: A club for surfing.
• Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club: Located at the southern end of Trafalgar Avenue, this club helps keep the beach safe.
• Ocean Beach Surfers Association: Another group for surfers.
• Umina Beach "Bunnies" Rugby League Football Club: This team plays at Umina Oval on the Col Gooley Field. They are part of the Central Coast Division of Country Rugby League. Famous players like Mark Geyer and Cliff Lyons have played for the Bunnies.
• Umina Boardriders: A club for people who love to surf.
• Umina "Bunnies" Junior Rugby League Football Club: This is the junior team for rugby league, also based at Umina Oval.
• Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club: Located at the southern end of Ocean Beach Road, this club also helps with beach safety.
• Umina "Devils" Cricket Club: Based at Umina Oval, this club has two cricket fields. They have teams for both senior players and juniors from 5 years old.
• Umina United "Eagles" Soccer Club: This soccer club is based at Umina Oval. They have teams for senior players and juniors from 5 years old. They are part of Central Coast Football.
• Woy Woy Peninsula Little Athletics Centre: This club is based at McEvoy Oval and is for junior athletes from 6 years old.

Umina Beach is also known as the home of a unique sport called "Upball."

What Community Groups are in Umina Beach?

• Umina Community Group: This group works to make Umina Beach a better place. They speak up for the community to the Central Coast Council and other government groups.

Who are Some Famous People from Umina Beach?

• Belinda Emmett (1974–2006): An actress and singer who grew up in Umina Beach.
• Mark Geyer (born 1967): A well-known rugby league player and radio host.
• James Harrison OAM (born 1936): Famous for donating blood many times to help save babies.
• Daniel Patrick Russell: An actor.
• Dane Searls (1988–2011): A talented BMX rider.
• Eric Worrell MBE (1924–1987): A zoologist (someone who studies animals) and writer.