In the 1800s swimming in public in little or no clothing was taboo. Laws in 1870 forbade bathing in public between the hours of 8am and 7pm. Solution – the creation of segregated bathing areas.

One such pool was the Nuns Baths or Chain baths. Situated below Flagstaff Hill, it was fitted initially with ropes and then with chains and rings to keep bathers safe in the deeper parts. It became a designated swimming area for women, with men’s bathing taking place at Clarkes Hole, site of the Wollongong Gentleman’s Baths.

The proprietor of the Brighton Hotel, on the corner of Harbour Street and Cliff Road, came up with an interesting solution in 1857. The bathing machine. Literally a shed on wheels, fitted with benches on which the bather sat, it was pulled into Belmore Basin by horses.

By 1912 mixed or continental bathing was made legal in New South Wales. This change led to the construction of the Continental Baths, Wollongong’s first mixed bathing pool, which was opened in 1926.

If you have a question about this or any aspect of the Illawarra’s history the Local Studies Team can help. Email your questions to at localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au