Feel the salty breeze on your face. Welcome to Gymea Bay. This small bay on the north side of the Port Hacking estuary has a rich history. Gymea Bay’s name comes from the Gymea Lily a tall plant once abundant here. The Eora people knew it as kai’mia.
Gymea Bay wasn’t always the peaceful suburb it is today. Early settlers found a fisherman’s paradise. The opening of a railway line in 1885 made it easier to reach. Carts and coaches could finally access Gymea Bay. A wharf and boat shed sprung up. Mail and supplies were ferried by boat to houses along the Port Hacking River.
The Sutherland to Cronulla tramway from 1911 to 1931 boosted its popularity. The Sutherland to Cronulla railway followed in 1939. Gymea Bay transformed from a rural area into a recreation and holiday area. Fishing shacks and holiday homes appeared. Boats could be hired. A coach depot was built. A general store and a post office opened in 1921. Electricity arrived in 1926. Church services began in private homes. A church hall was built in 1929.
The 1920s and 1930s saw further growth. A progress association formed. A community hall was constructed. Gymea Bay Public School opened in 1935. Gymea Bay Baths were built. A swimming club and a short-lived sailing club also emerged. Kemp’s Cosy Cabins and Caravan Park offered accommodation. Shops a joinery factory and more opened near the intersection of Gymea Bay Road and what is now Casuarina Road.
But change came. The school moved in 1955. The community hall relocated too. The shops began to decline. By the 1970s many businesses closed. The boatshed ceased operation. The community’s identity faded.
In 2008 a significant event occurred. The NSW Geographical Names Board proposed a greatly expanded area for Gymea Bay. This included parts of Gymea and even Miranda. The proposal sparked controversy because of the lack of road connections between the new and old areas.
Today Gymea Bay remains a beautiful place. Its history is woven into its landscape. It’s a reminder of the evolution of a community and the enduring beauty of the Port Hacking estuary. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh air. Appreciate the heritage of Gymea Bay. Enjoy the view.