Smoky Cape facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smoky CapeNew South Wales |
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 Smoky Cape
Location in New South Wales
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Smoky Cape is a special piece of land that sticks out into the ocean in Australia. You can find it on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, near the town of South West Rocks. It's also part of the beautiful Hat Head National Park.
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What is Smoky Cape?
Smoky Cape is a headland, which means it's a high point of land that reaches out into the sea. It's a famous spot with a long history and amazing nature.
How Smoky Cape Got Its Name
The name Smoky Cape was given by Captain Cook way back on May 13, 1770. When he sailed past, he saw many fires on the land. These fires made a lot of smoke, which he called "smook." That's why he decided to name it "Smooky Cape." The spelling changed over time to the modern "Smoky Cape."
Aboriginal History of the Cape
The hills around Smoky Cape were very important to the Aboriginal people. They used to be a meeting place for different groups from nearby areas. It's possible that the fires Captain Cook saw were from one of these important gatherings.
The Smoky Cape Lighthouse
A tall lighthouse was planned for Smoky Cape in 1886. It was finished in 1891 and is known as the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. This amazing building was made from concrete and local granite stone. It has eight sides and stands on the highest point of the cape, helping ships find their way safely.
Discovering Fish Rock
Fish Rock is a small, bare rock that sticks out of the sea just south-east of Smoky Cape. It's a very popular spot for scuba diving because of all the different fish species that live there.
Exploring the Underwater Cave
Underneath Fish Rock, there's a long cave that is about 120 meters (almost 400 feet) long! There are also many underwater channels nearby. These areas are special because they are home to grey nurse sharks.
Protecting Grey Nurse Sharks
The area around Fish Rock is one of about a dozen places in New South Wales that are super important for the grey nurse shark. Because these sharks need protection, there are rules about fishing nearby to keep them safe.
Green Island: Another Shark Haven
Green Island is a small island very close to the coast, just north of Smoky Cape. Like Fish Rock, Green Island has also been named a critical habitat area for the grey nurse shark. This means it's another important place where these sharks live and are protected.
