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Wattamolla facts for kids

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This page is about the location in the Royal National Park. For the locality in the City of Shoalhaven, see Wattamolla, New South Wales.
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Wattamolla
Wattamolla lagoon.jpg
Wattamolla lagoon, looking towards the Tasman Sea, with Wattamolla Beach in the distance and the waterfall in the foreground
Location Royal National Park, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates 34°08′15″S 151°07′04″E / 34.13750°S 151.11778°E / -34.13750; 151.11778
Length 150 m
Geology Beach
Hazard rating 4/10 (moderately hazardous)
Access
  • Wattamolla Road (transport)
  • Royal National Park Coast Track (foot)
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Wattamolla, also known as Wattamolla Beach, is a beautiful cove, lagoon, and beach. You can find it on the New South Wales coast, just south of Sydney. It is a popular spot located inside the amazing Royal National Park.

A Look Back at Wattamolla

The name Wattamolla comes from the local Aboriginal people. It means "place near running water." This name was first written down by Matthew Flinders as Watta-Mowlee. Today, we spell it Wattamolla.

Early Explorers Arrive

In 1796, explorer Matthew Flinders, George Bass, and a young boy named William Martin were exploring the south coast. They were in a small boat called Tom Thumb. On the evening of March 29, 1796, a strong southerly storm hit them. They had to find shelter very quickly.

Flinders steered their boat towards the shore. He thought he saw waves breaking near cliffs. He turned the boat towards land. They caught a large wave and "shot across a sandbar." In moments, they were safe in the calm water of the lagoon. They were so relieved that they named this spot Providential Cove.

A Rescue Mission

On May 15, 1797, three sailors from the ship Sydney Cove were spotted. A fisherman found them on Wattamolla beach. These sailors had walked a very long way. They trekked from Ninety Mile Beach in Victoria. They were trying to reach Sydney to get help for their crew.

Wattamolla Photo Gallery

  • Wattamolla panorama

    A wide view of Wattamolla. Click to see more!

  • Wattamolla - panoramio (4)

    A beautiful waterfall.

  • WattamollaMK

    Another view of the area.

  • Wattamolla - panoramio

    The calm lagoon with the beach in the background.

  • Wattamolla - panoramio (5)

    A different angle of the scenery.

  • Wattamolla - panoramio (1)

    A closer look at the lagoon.

  • Wattamolla M.K

    The sandy beach.

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Wattamolla Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.