Woy Woy is a popular holiday and retirement destination located 90 kilometres north of Sydney, near the Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and Brisbane Water National Park

The Guringgai (or Kuringgai) Aboriginal peoples were the original occupants of the Woy Woy area. Indeed, the name 'Woy Woy' is believed to derive from their language and translates either to 'big lagoon' or 'much water'. The Bulgandry Aboriginal Engravings near Woy Woy provide evidence of the Aboriginal presence in the area.

Governor Phillip first reached Broken Bay in 1788, returning again the next year.

The first local land grant was made in 1894, though at this time the Hawkesbury Valley was the focus of new settlement.

James Webb, a boat builder, was the district's first settler. In 1834 he purchased more land, including the future townsite, which was originally known as 'Webb's Flat'.

Small farming enterprises, timber-getting and shipbuilding were amongst the area's early industries.

Brisbane Water was surveyed and named in 1825. By 1829 there were around 100 people living along its shores.

The first recorded oyster lease in Brisbane Water was taken up circa 1884. By 1953 there were 93 such leases in the area.

Employment was also provided with the construction of Australia's longest railway tunnel in 1886-87. Ten million bricks were used to construct the Woy Woy Tunnel, which formed part of the Sydney-Newcastle railway line.

A store and post office were established in 1886 to service the workers. The railway line opened in 1888 and the station at the site was named Woy Woy.

The completion of the railway line to Woy Woy saw it develop as a holiday and fishing resort for Sydneysiders during the 1890s.

The Woy Woy Hotel (1897) was reputedly built using leftover bricks from the construction of the railway tunnel.

By 1911 there were 660 people living at Woy Woy. The Woy Woy estate was subdivided and sold in 1912-13. A permanent post office was established in 1913.

The first road to Woy Woy was constructed as part of an unemployment relief scheme in 1923.

Woy Woy's population continued to increase and reached 16,287 in 1966.

Woy Woy is now part of the City of Gosford. It is also a commuter suburb of Sydney.