Historian retraces route of first car to reach Woy Woy
Tascott historian Mr Peter Fisher recently celebrated his new book by retracing the route taken by the first car to reach Woy Woy.
His book details the history of tourism across all of the Central Coast and includes a chapter on historic Woy Woy, which he said was easily one of NSW's busiest tourist spots.
With photographer Mr Jason Connolly, Mr Fisher followed the route of the Buick Six which took seven hours to drive from Gosford to Woy Woy, "exactly 101 years ago today ... and in the process changed the area's tourism forever".
The car was pictured in Woy Woy in 1923, with driver Mr VC Mackenzie and passengers shire president Mr Charles Staples and shire engineer Mr CJ Fenton.
"It is hard to overestimate how important it was that the first car got through," said Mr Fisher.
"After that, more followed and soon tourists who could afford it were flocking to the area, especially after Council graded the road and shortened the distance by taking it straight down Bull's Hill to Correa Bay."
Mr Fisher said: "That first car had it tough because they followed what had been a horse track and were forced to take the long way over Woy Woy tunnel, past Dillon's Farm and to then finally arrive at today's rubbish tip at South Woy Woy."
The book will be called A History of Tourism on the NSW Central Coast.
It includes original historical research on tourist transportation, accommodation and the promotion and business side of an industry which was not welcomed by all.
It is expected to be published in coming months.
SOURCE:
Media release, 10 May 2024
Peter Fisher, Tascott