Farm Cove, New South Wales facts for kids

Farm Cove is a beautiful bay in Sydney Harbour, Australia. It's right next to Sydney Cove, separated by Bennelong Point, which is where the famous Sydney Opera House stands. Farm Cove is also known by its Indigenous name, Wahganmuggalee.

The local Indigenous people of Sydney called this area Woccanmagully. They used it for important ceremonies, like initiation rituals and a special "Kangaroo and Dog Dance."

After the first Europeans arrived in 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip set aside the land around Farm Cove. This area became part of the Government House Domain, a private space for the Governor of New South Wales. The colony's very first farm was started here, which is how Farm Cove got its name. When this farm didn't work out, farming moved to other areas. Later, in 1816, Governor Lachlan Macquarie created the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney right around Farm Cove. For many years, until the 1960s, Farm Cove was a place where Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy ships would anchor.

A very special event happened at Farm Cove on February 3, 1954. Queen Elizabeth II, who was the Queen of Australia, landed here at the start of her first visit to Australia. This was the very first time a reigning monarch had ever set foot on Australian soil.

Images for kids

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  Farm Cove looking towards the City of Sydney

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  Farm Cove.

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  Yachts out in the harbour.

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  Ships of the Royal Navy's Squadron on the Australia Station moored in Farm Cove.