Local author Peter Fisher was guest speaker at the Central Coast Family History Society’s (CCFHS) annual Christmas luncheon on December 2.
Fisher spoke about his forthcoming book, A History of Tourism on the Central Coast, and illustrated his talk with a selection of slides showing many district places and popular old-time guest houses.
The presentation concentrated on tourism in the northern areas, especially around Tuggerah Lakes.
Fisher’s book, soon to be released, will show the history of tourism in many of the Coast’s local holiday areas including The Entrance, Long Jetty, Terrigal, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Woy Woy and Ettalong.
It will include detailed research on how tourism developed in terms of the revolutionary arrival of the railway, improved accommodation, the effect on local businesses and community, and finally the coming of the modern age with the introduction of the motor car.
“He spoke about the influence of tourism at Toronto where a railway spur was built in the late 1890s to carry people from Fassifern station to the shores of Lake Macquarie, prompting calls for similar tourist tramlines to be built in this district,” a CCFHS spokesperson said.
“Members learned that the old Tuggerah wharf became an early centre of tourism before the mouth of Wyong Creek was permanently cleared in 1909.
“The latter made it possible for ferries and fishing boats to gain access more easily to the whole of Tuggerah Lakes, and consequently Tuggerah wharf fell into disuse.”
The new book will be released next year.