Woy Woy - a pleasure resort

When Woy Woy was being advertised in the Sydney newspapers early in the 20th century as the pleasure resort of choice, two of the most popular picks for a holiday cottage site were Phegan's Bay or Woy Woy Bay.

A steam train north, and then a ferry trip from the railway station across Woy Woy Creek (now Woy Woy Inlet), and the family could enjoy the delights of a waterside cottage holiday.

Most of the cottages had their own wharf and many had an enclosed swimming baths.

When supplies were short, or if there was a good film showing at the Woy Woy Picture Show, the ferry would not only stop at the regular pick-up points to take the shoppers or picture-goers over to Woy Woy town, but the ferry master would keep an eye out for a wave from any of the myriad private jetties.

People just wanting to rent a cottage for a week or two might arrange their holiday with the Government Tourist Bureau, with the package including return steam train tickets, a family ticket for the ferry, and the choice of one of the purpose-built holiday homes, each with its own unique name, at Phegan's Pleasure Resort, Phegan's Bay.

This photo shows a group sitting on the edge of a private baths at Woy Woy Bay.

The photo was probably taken in the 1920s.

The Bays Historical Research Group would love to know who these happy holiday-makers are.

If anyone can shed any light on the identities of these people, please phone Brian on 4341 4295, or Dick on 4342 4090, or drop the group a note at PO Box 720, Woy Woy, 2256.

If anyone has any similar photos showing any aspect of early times at any of the Bays at Woy Woy, The Bays Historical Research Group would love to hear from you.

December 12