Parry's Beach Settlement

Statement of Significance

Parry Beach has been a mecca to many people over the years for camp- ing and for both amateur and commercial fishing. The beach is famous for salmon fishing and during the season people come to see the large catches of salmon hauled on to the beach. Even in earlier days, before aluminium jet boats, nylon nets and tractors, catches of four tons or more were made. Tourists are encouraged to stay in simple camping grounds heavily shaded by Peppermint trees. The larger fishing village was east of the camping grounds and had a number of fishing shacks, a netshed and two lookouts used by commercial fishermen. Only a hand- ful of these now remain. The compact shacks, included in the fishing lease, were occupied during the salmon and herring season which lasts for approximately six months. Parry Beach also has a fishing and angling clubhouse on the west side of the camping grounds.

Physical Description

Parry Beach can be accessed by a four km drive from the South Coast Highway. The Beach is part of a large bay with native dune vegetation reaching right down to the beach line. Peppermint trees dominate the bush.

History

Close to the water’s edge is a small cottage reminiscent of the fishing shacks that were used in past times by commercial fishermen during the salmon season. The shack is made from fibreboard with a gabled corrugated iron roof. It is protected from the elements by a ring of dense trees. There is a camping ground with basic amenities inviting tourists to stay under the Peppermint trees.
About 100m away, screened from view, are a collection of other buildings, the remnants of a once larger settlement of fishing shacks. A timber building is the original boatshed, and two other shacks are all that remain of the original settlement which was dismantled sometime over the last decade of the 20th century.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Some

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.