Mona Vale
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday January 14, 2006
The naming of Sydney suburbs seems to have been an arbitrary process. It is accepted that Mona Vale was known to the local Aborigines as Bongin-Bongin. That name is still acknowledged in the bay that lies between the rock pool and the headland. There was no problem giving the next suburb, Narrabeen, an Aboriginal name, but when it came to Bongin-Bongin, someone decided that the name of Robert Campbell's 700-acre farm, Mona Vale, was more suitable.
Until as recently as the 1970s, Mona Vale was known more for its market gardens than its beaches. Consequently, it has remained something of a Cinderella with daytrippers, who tend to head towards Newport, Avalon and Palm Beach instead. The land taken by the golf course and the Mona Vale Hospital has ensured that the beachfront has remained remarkably free from high-rise clutter and overdevelopment. There are a few shops in Darley Street East - where you can enjoy a good lunch close to, but not overlooking, the beach - but beyond that there's little more than the surf club and a parking lot. A day trip to Mona Vale is about pleasant walks to Mona Vale Headland, with its impressive views to Narrabeen, wandering along Basin Beach or to the unusual rock pool at the northern end of Mona Vale Beach, or surfing in front of the surf club. To appreciate how wonderfully underdeveloped this beach is, park in Bassett Street and walk to Basin Beach through the park on the corner. Chances are you'll disturb one of the rabbits who happily live in the sand dunes and seem to survive on the council's well-mown and well-watered lawns.For more information about Sydney, check smh.com.au/travel/australia.
© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald