1992: Boat Harbour is handed to the public

Thomas Holt purchased the land that encompasses Boat Harbour at Kurnell in 1861. Holt was a major landholder in the Sutherland Shire and owned the entire Kurnell Peninsula.

It meant that the beach at Boat Harbour was also privately owned, unlike other Sydney beaches. Access was only via 4WD.

In 1992, his descendants (still under the Holt family name) handed Boat Harbour to the public.

Below is an article from September 1992 announcing the news.

Source: Cramsie, D. 1992. "Beach free for all". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, September 7:4. 

There was mention of a proposed resort (never proceeded). This will be subject to a separate entry in the future.

Boat Harbour is now an Aquatic Reserve and remains pristine. Currently the reserve is managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. 4WD's can access the park but are banned from driving on the dunes at a cost of $30 per vehicle.