Coal was in high demand in the latter half of the 19th Century. The increase in steam power for both manufacturing and transport and the rapid population growth initiated by the Gold Rush, were the main driving factors in establishing mines at Catherine Hill Bay.
Thomas Hale was a successful watchmaker who was advised by his doctor to move out of smogy Sydney for a healthier country life style. He bought a dairy farm near Wollongong and finding that his neighbour had a coal seam on his property, persuaded him to start a mine.
As part of this Hale built an earth ramp and railway down to a jetty on the coast near Woonona. He sent samples of coal to England, Shanghai and San Francisco and these were well received as steaming coal.
Unfortunately, his partner died and the business was discontinued. Seeking another opportunity, Hale looked for a site, with coal situated close to a sheltered anchorage and so he came to Catherine Hill Bay.
Hale's Woonona Colliery