The Bonnet

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Collection SummaryThe Bonnet was a sandstone rock overhang overlooking Woronora River at the end of what is now Wigens Avenue, Bonnet Bay.HistoryBonnet Bay takes its name from a rock formation, which overlooks the Woronora River.

Variously referred to as Old Woman's Bonnet and Bonnet Rock, the cave was so named because it resembled an old-fashioned woman's poke bonnet. The caves in this area have been used throughout history as shelter. There are stencilled hand prints from indigenous people prior to white settlement. People used the caves as camping areas in the 1880's and during the depression there were a number of humpies and tin sheds erected in the area where people lived.

In a 1868 Sydney Morning Herald article, the author describes a river adventure he undertook with seven others (including his 3 boys) aboard a sloop called the Rover’s Bride: ‘All the land on the southern side of the bay and Georges River to the Woronora, and on the eastern side of the latter river to its head, is the property of Mr Holt,' he wrote. 'Between Sans Souci and the mouth of the Woronora there are a few fishermen’s and shell-getters huts, but no residence of any pretension.' The travellers later encamped at The Bonnet and despite the torrential rain and unexpected visits from local fishermen in search of ‘eatables’ and a little ‘creature comfort’, were ‘snugly bonneted’ and found the cave ‘as dry as the staunchest house in Sydney’. Sixty years later, in 1928, another summer camp, this time organised by the St George District’s Young People’s Institute Union was held at The Bonnet ‘where a large party of girls spent a very happy time enjoying a programme’ which included ‘campfire concerts, rowing, swimming and vigaro’.

The cave now stands on private property and can only be seen from the Woronora River.

Photograph

The Bonnet, near Como, N.S.W. ca. 1910

Moyse family party, Woronora River, Easter 1883

Bonnet rock formation at Bonnet Bay, ca. 1910-1930

Bonnet Rock, Woronora River with a picnic group at the entrance of the cave, ca. 1890-1900

Oral History

Marion Caesar Oral History

Details

CategoryNatural AreaGeolocation^[1]

Connections

PlacesBonnet BaySubjectsCaves -- New South Wales -- Bonnet BayBonnet Rock (N.S.W.)Bonnet Bay (N.S.W.)

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