Lake Macquarie History

Swansea Heads

European History

The important opening of Lake Macquarie to the sea is at Swansea Heads. Reid's Mistake Head was named after Captain William Reid the first known white visitor in his ship "Martha" who encountered Lake Macquarie in 1800.
Reverend Threlkeld established a coal loading depot in 1842 at Swansea Heads.

In early times was called South Head.

The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Station is on Crown Land at Swansea Heads. The former Signal Master's Cottage burnt down in 2001.

Reference

Clouten, Keith 1967, Reid's mistake : the story of Lake Macquarie from its discovery until 1890, Lake Macquarie Shire Council, [Speers Point, N.S.W.]

PROUDMAN, D 2001, 'Flames destroy historic cottage', Newcastle Herald (Australia), 13 Apr, p. 14

2001, 'Vandals almost finish job', Newcastle Herald (Australia), 6 Feb, p. 4

Streets in Swansea Heads

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

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