In February 1918, a timber plank road was completed between Perth City and the beach along the alignment of the present day Oceanic Drive Floreat. The beach where the road terminated became known as ‘City Beach’ and was formally designated as that in c1925.
In 1927, a new road to City Beach was cleared along the route of what is now, The Boulevard. This road provided access to the northern parts of City Beach, now Floreat Beach.
In 1935, the southern groyne was built at City Beach to control sand drift and help to ‘square’ the surf line to the beach.
In 1958-59 a second groyne was built at north City Beach (now known as Floreat groyne). This groyne was constructed to provide protection for swimmers at south & north City Beach as well as resolved some of the issues of erosion which had been experienced on City Beach foreshore.
This is a collection of vintage photos showing the beachscape at City Beach prior to the building of the Floreat groyne in the late 50s.
Ray Geary, Neil Chapple, Keith Kino, Tony Harbison (on ski) & Mark Whittone. Photo courtesy Ray Geary.
Note: This photo was taken from the top of the City of Perth SLSC tower on the southern groyne at City Beach looking north towards Floreat Beach and shows the old coast road (right).
The Perth City Council demolished the old coast road & rerouted traffic in the early 70s. The wooden Tea Rooms & Post Office at south City Beach were also demolished at this time.
Thanks to the photo contributors.
————————–
