Canton Beach, New South Wales

Canton Beach is a suburb located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, as part of the Wyong Shire local government area. It is part of Toukley which is a large residential and holiday town.

Canton Beach is a popular place with families, as Tuggerah Lake is reasonably shallow and there is a children's playground adjacent. Pelicans can be spotted at Canton Beach scavenging for food from tourists and picnic-ers. There is an area to launch boats from onto the large Tuggerah Lake which adjoins Lake Budgewoi. Tuggerah Lake is excellent for fishing. In mid-summer Canton Beach is reputably one of the best places in New South Wales for prawning.

The water at Canton Beach can be stagnant, as a result of both pollution of the lake itself and significant amounts of seaweed which rot in the water.

The accommodation at Canton Beach is inviting - mainly a large Tourist Park with villas. There are also lake cabins where pets are welcomed.

History

*Late 1850s - Chinese fishermen worked the Tuggerah Lakes area, in particular, what is now known as Canton Beach. While not confirmed, it is believed this is where the name is derived from. It was a base for catching and curing fish that where then shipped to Queensland, the goldfields and back to China.

*1856 - Edward Hargraves purchased Robert Henderson's holdings and built "Norahville" Wollombi Aboriginal Tribe members are known to have worked on the property. Some sources state that Hargraves "befriended" tribe members. Cattle were grazed as far as Buff Point and Elizabeth Bay.

*1903 - Lighthouse built at Norah Head after many vessels were wrecked in the area.

See also