Bicton Baths
Bicton Baths is a popular swimming location on the Swan River in Western Australia commonly used by prawn hunters, diving trainers, swimming lessons, sport, leisure and for annual events.[1]
Formally known as Bicton River Jetty, and Jetty 1248,[2] it is known to the local Aboriginal people, the Whadjuk Noongar people, as Kwoppa Kepa, meaning 'beautiful water' in Noongar.
Bicton Baths were initiated by the local Melville Amateur Swimming Club, a group who had previously utilised the jetty of the quarantine station jetty as a platform. In 1946 the Melville Water Polo Club was founded at the baths, a move which resulted in the Bicton Pool being built in 1979.
The baths themselves consist of a wooden U-shaped jetty which contains exit ladders. Bicton baths is located in a tidal gorge and is heavily influenced by ocean water inflow. It contains a variety of wildlife, including algae, anemones, crabs, dolphins, fish, nudibranchs, shrimp, sponges and starfish.[3]
References
- "Bicton Baths Shore Diver". Perth Shore Dive. 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- "Splashing Around Bicton Baths". The West Australian. 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- "Melville Water Riverpark trail points of interest". Trails Australia. 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.