Mosman Bay facts for kids
Mosman Bay is a beautiful bay in Sydney Harbour, Australia. It's right next to the suburb of Mosman, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of the center of Sydney. Many people enjoy visiting Mosman Bay. You can even get there by ferry! Three ferry stops are located in the bay: Mosman Bay, South Mosman, and Old Cremorne. They are all part of the F6 Mosman Bay ferry service.
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A Glimpse into Mosman Bay's Past
Early Days: Great Sirius Cove
Mosman Bay was once known by a different name: Great Sirius Cove. This name came from HMS Sirius, a very important ship. It was the main ship of Governor Phillip, who was the first governor of the new colony in Australia. In 1789, just two years after the colony started, the HMS Sirius was repaired in this bay. The name "Sirius Cove" still exists today for the bay right next to Mosman Bay.
The Mosman Family's Influence
In 1831, the bay got its current name from Archibald Mosman. He received a large piece of land around the bay. Archibald and his twin brother, George, started a whaling station right there in Mosman Bay. Whaling stations were places where whales were processed for their oil and other products.
They built strong buildings and stone walls along the water. Some of these old stone walls are still there today, built into newer seawalls. There's also an old sandstone building called the Old Barn. It was part of the whaling station and is now used by the local Scout group.
Boats, Clubs, and Ferries
Over the years, Mosman Bay became a busy place for boats. Charles Rosman had a boatshed next to Mosman Wharf. He rented out boats, offered places for boats to dock, and provided repair services. He also ran several small ferry services. Today, the company known as Rosman Ferries still operates, but from a different bay called Berry's Bay.
Other groups that enjoy the water in Mosman Bay include the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, the 3rd Mosman Bay Sea Scouts, and the Mosman Rowers. These clubs help people enjoy sailing, scouting, and rowing in the bay.
The Mosman Bay Aqueduct
You might notice a large arched steel structure over Reid Park at the head of Mosman Bay. This is called the Mosman Bay Sewage Aqueduct. It was built in 1904 as part of a system to manage wastewater for the nearby areas of Neutral Bay and Mosman. This impressive structure also has a pathway for people to walk across, connecting Avenue Road and Bay Street in Mosman.
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Kirawa at Mosman Wharf
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Mosman Bay around 1905, showing the old ferry wharf and a footbridge that was removed in the 1960s
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The historic Sewer Aqueduct above Reid Park, built in the early 20th century
