Bonnet Bay

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HistoryIn 1827 Assistant Surveyor Robert Dixon surveyed the Woronora River where many natural features were recorded. However very little settlement occurred at this time. Along the eastern shore of the River was land acquired by local pioneer Thomas Holt for his vast estate created in the 1860s. This included the area known as the old woman's bonnet an unusual and prominent rock formation. The Woronora River became a popular spot used by oyster farmers and was leased quite heavily. One such family were the Humbleys. Land was made available for residential development in 1960-61 with the release of Green Belt land. It was not until 1964 that the suburb of Bonnet Bay was created. At this time the street names were determined and a naming pattern decided. The theme was Presidents of the United States of America 1861-1865. It began as a subdivision of land providing about 900 home sites and a shopping centre. In addition there was to be open land, sporting fields and other amenity. It was developed by Stocks and Parks Investments. The undertaking was to be in 12 stages and the estate was called Woronora Gardens. The first home sites went up for sale in 1966. While not all the amenities first thought of for Bonnet Bay were realised on the original planned scale a modest shopping centre was opened in 1980 and the suburb had its own school from 1979 which was opened by the then visiting member of the royal family Princess Anne. The cave that appears to have been the reason for the naming of Bonnet Bay still exists but is surrounded by private homes.

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