Visitors to Wattamolla would probably take some convincing this little piece of paradise in Royal National Park was proposed as a site for Sydney's second airport.
In 1971, a federal government interdepartmental committee investigated several potential sites and narrowed the choice to Richmond, Somersby, Duffys Forest and Wattamolla.
The Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Robert Cotton, was quick to say the latter two sites were neither "desirable nor satisfactory".
However, the Wattamolla option continued to have supporters, with one MP telling Parliament it was "bleak, unattractive and without any of the qualities which would make this part of the National Park one which would attract tourist activities or which would be visited by many people".
In 1973, the government chose Galston as the site for the new airport, but later dropped the idea after a huge public backlash.
Today, Wattamolla is a national park gem, attracting up to 2500 visitors on busy days.
It has also been the scene of many tragedies, including drownings and people being seriously injured jumping from the clifftop.
The name Wattamolla dates back to March, 1796, when explorers Bass and Flinders sheltered in what they called Providential Cove.
Flinders noted in his journal "but by the natives it is called Watta Mowlee", meaning place near running water.
Stephanie Bailey wrote a detailed history of Wattamolla this year for the Sutherland Shire Library Series: Local History, Local Stories.
A shorter version was published in the Sutherland Shire Historical Society quarterly Bulletin.
"If different decisions had been made at key moments throughout history, then the landscape at Wattamolla today would be completely unrecognisable from the spectacular natural vista which continues to invite and intrigue so many," Bailey wrote.
Bailey revealed, when Royal National Park was dedicated in April, 1879, the coastal area at Wattamolla was not incorporated.
This was because sections of land around the lagoon had already been sold to private owners.
In 1910, the Crown managed to purchase back 28 acres, but two blocks remained out of government control.
"Had it not been for the fortunate intervention of a generous benefactor, then these coastal blocks at Wattamolla would, in all likelihood, have been subdivided into half-acre plots and covered with newly erected weekend cottages," Bailey wrote.
"The charitable gentleman in question was Edmund James Coote, managing director of the well-known jewellery company, Angus and Coote.
"When Edmund Coote became aware of the looming development situation at Wattamolla, he moved to purchase the two privately owned blocks outright so that the estate might be preserved for posterity.
"In December, 1933, Coote presented his 40 acres of property to the National Park Trust and, once the transfer of title was finalised in February 1935, this land was integrated into the National Park.
"In recognition of this liberal gesture, the stream running through the bush to Wattamolla Falls was named Coote Creek.
"A memorial, situated on the high ground at the head of Wattamolla lagoon, was also erected.
"This structure took the form of a 21 metre tall flagpole affixed with a wide cross spar, rising from a base constructed of smooth-faced sandstone masonry.
"In the centre was a raised block which carried two commemorative tablets.
"These days, only the base of the memorial remains as the plaques had to be removed some years ago for their own protection.
"But when it was first unveiled in 1935, this monument bore a tribute to Edmund Coote, as well as to three 18th century British explorers - Matthew Flinders, George Bass and the 'boy' Martin..."
