Made from wood and big enough to see from the air, the old Woodgate Beach shark-proof bathing enclosures were certainly a feature from the 1940s onwards.
On January 9, 1940 the Maryborough Chronicle published a news story about the first enclosure to open in the area.
“New Year’s Day saw another link in the progress of Woodgate forged when the recently constructed shark-proof bathing enclosure was officially opened by Mr. B. McLean. M.L.A., in the presence of crowd estimated at upwards of 1500, comprising residents from all parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett district.
“Hundreds of cars were parked along the esplanade, many having travelled considerable distances to the seashore.
“The visitors were impressed with the strongly constructed enclosure which is 120 ft. x 120 ft., consisting of substantial turpentine posts to which K wire is attached.
“The greatest depth of water in the enclosure is 10 feet,” the article read.
Three enclosures at Woodgate Beach
The first enclosure built in the 40s was one of three the Woodgate Beach community enjoyed over the years.
Burton, Lynette, donor, Woodgate, c.a 1980.
A photo recently posted to the Bundaberg Regional Libraries Facebook page had the community reminiscing about the unique structures.
“That’s the enclosure I use to swim in when I was a kid. Great times and fun was had,” Lesa Smith commented.
“My cousin and I used to sit on the outer right side corner and fish for whiting. We put our names in flat head nails on the top of the far right corner post,” Roger said.
“We swam there in the 50s, 60s and 70s!” Gwyneth Muller commented.
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It is lovely to know how things have progressed in Woodgate. Great to have photos too.
I remember these as a young kid going swimming there with my family as my grandparents live there, good old days.
We were there when we were kids and at one stage people were swimming there when the shark net was broken and sharks were just in there swimming away unnoticed, was crazy.
When swimming alone at Woodgate these enclosures made you feel safe. It was a sad day to see the one at Eleventh Ave removed. It would have been nice to have them replaced.
I remember when we all sat on the posts at full tide, the boys daring each other to jump outside the enclosure when the sharks swam by to see who was chicken…all my happy memories were made Woodgate.
I loved swimming there as a child, the best part was climbing out the back and standing on the enclosure and jumping in, no fear, it was so much fun, the first time I ever saw a seahorse I had it in my hands, the water was deep and big waves, just the best memories ever. I must not have known that sharks are bad, anyway never saw one. Woodgate is my Happy Place.