Whale Beach

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The origin of the name Whale Beach is unknown, although it is presumed to be associated either with the shape of the northern headland, or a beaching of a whale. Whale Beach faces east to the ocean, with Palm Beach to the north and Avalon to the south.

Whale Beach was part of a 400 acre grant to James Napper in 1816. This land was virtually untouched during the nineteenth century. In 1900 it was offered for sale by the Barrenjoey Land Company in large blocks, suitable for pasture, but none of the land sold. In 1912 the land was offered again in smaller blocks and all sold. This was the beginning of development at Whale Beach. In 1913 Whale Beach Kiosk was built and supplied the needs of visitors. By 1918 Whale Beach road had been laid down and Jack Webster made further roads from 1927. Gradually several holiday homes were built. From the 1950s when transport became easier and motor cars more common, the area became a residential suburb.

Reading

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“Whale Beach Estate is situated in the Pittwater district, and extends from the harbour to the Pacific Ocean, having an extensive frontage to the latter.

Position, accessibility and natural beauty – access to surfing beaches – superb views – magnificent marine attractions.

The ideal week-end spot for surfing and rock bath bathing, ocean and harbour fishing.Secure a block for your week-end home.

Miles of superb sea and landscape.

The views of harbour and ocean from the estate are magnificent.

The land for sale is within a short distance of Palm Beach General Store. Close to Careel Bay and Clareville Wharves. Close to Clareville ocean surfing beach. Close to Clareville ocean rock bath and glorious surf of Whale Beach.

The tram is as far as Narrabeen Lakes, and owing to the enormous progress of the district should, at an early date, be extended to Newport, when all lines of communication will make it their headquarters.

The terms are easy – £2 per lot deposit and £1 for every £30 of purchase money monthly. Interest at 5 per cent. per annum.

Manly steamers connect with tram to Narrabeen, and motor car to Newport Wharf.

…The soil is of the best, and the shade trees combine beauty and usefulness.

The class of land for sale in the first subdivision. The soil will grow anything.”

Hardie & Gorman Propty and E Gyulay, Whale Beach Estate, Pittwater, in the district of extensive seascapes, 1918.

Further Reading

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Joan Lawrence, Pittwater Paradise, 1994. Pittwater Pictorial History, 2006.
Historical and contemporary information.

John Morcombe, "Reason for name still a mystery", Manly Daily, 15/9/1999.
Naming and history

Gwen Seligman, "Whale Beach-Position, Accessibilty and Natural Beauty", Peninsula News, 31/3/2000.
History.