Careening Cove facts for kids

Careening Cove is a beautiful bay on the northern side of Sydney Harbour in Australia. It's located near a place called Milsons Point. This cove has a long history, important to both the Aboriginal people who lived there first and the early European settlers.

What is Careening Cove?

Careening Cove is a calm and sheltered part of Sydney Harbour. It's known for its pretty views and is a popular spot for boats. The cove is surrounded by green parks and residential areas, making it a peaceful place to visit.

Who Lived Here First?

Long before European settlers arrived, Careening Cove was part of the traditional lands of the Cammeraygal people. They are one of the many Aboriginal groups who lived around Sydney Harbour. The Cammeraygal people had their own name for this special place: Wia Wia. They lived off the land and sea, using the resources of the harbour for thousands of years.

How Did Careening Cove Get Its Name?

The name "Careening Cove" comes from the early days of European settlement in Australia. It describes a special way ships were repaired back then.

When a wooden ship sailed for a long time, its bottom (called the hull) would get covered in barnacles, seaweed, and other things from the ocean. This made the ship slower and less efficient. To clean the hull, sailors would "careen" the ship. This meant they would carefully tip the ship onto its side, either by pulling it with ropes from the shore or by using the tide. Once the ship was tilted, they could reach the parts of the hull that were usually underwater. They would then scrape off all the unwanted growth and make any necessary repairs.

Careening Cove was a perfect spot for this because it was sheltered and had a good shoreline where ships could be tipped. This important activity gave the cove its unique name.