Extract from an article written by Mr H. J. Hobson for the Bellingen Centenary in 1963.
Kindly reproduced with permission from the Bellinger Valley Historical Society.
Long before the turn of the century and up to the time travelling was made easier and faster with the advent of motor vehicles, the most popular picnic and fishing resort for residents of the Bellinger District was North Beach. It is remarkable the number of changes in the outline of the area that have taken place, particularly since 1900, due to havoc caused through encroaching sand making big inroads on to the land. Before any houses were built, North Beach actually commenced where it now finishes as far as it concerned the portion utilised for camping or picnicking. The reserve extended from Tucker’s Flat to Potts Point, but only the area from where the Mylestom General Store now stands to Potts Point was suitable for camping and picnicking. The rest of the reserve was covered with bush and undergrowth. Over the years since then the camping area has dwindled down considerably and the part of the reserve under bush has now become a residential area. The only building on the camping reserve prior to 1900 was a weatherboard shed with a large galvanised tank attached. About one acre of land was also fenced for paddocking horses. Access to this area was along what could best be described as a sandy track, very uneven, and a real menace to drivers of horse drawn vehicles when churned up by heavy traffic. Over the Easter and Christmas-New Year periods tents on the reserve would be very numerous, often exceeding 100 over the Xmas period. People came down from Dorrigo, Ebor and the New England Tablelands to supplement the local contingent. Fishing with pippies (usually very plentiful), particularly at the Bar, attracted many enthusiasts. Walks along the beach or by inland track to Bundagen were popular with the non-anglers. The main attraction however, was surfing. Crowds sporting in the breakers or congregated on the sands made the scene one typical of a Sydney beach at holiday time. About 1905, a small building was erected on the camping area and over the Xmas period for many yars was utilised as a store. The amenities provided a real service and a profitable investment to those in charge. Excursions from Bellingen to the beach were run on occasions by Mr Doepel Senior and later by his son Harry, in their large river lighters, and were always popular. With the Bellingen band and an orchestra on board to provide entertainment, the holiday-makers enjoyed themselves immensely.
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