The Spit, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Spit Sydney, New South Wales
Spit Bridge
Postcode(s)	2088
Location	9 km (6 mi) north-east of Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	Municipality of Mosman
Suburbs around The Spit: Seaforth Clontarf Beauty Point The Spit Spit Junction Balmoral

The Spit, Middle Harbour (pre-1900)

The Spit is a small area in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The local Aboriginal people called this place Burra Bra. The Spit is part of the Municipality of Mosman and is located on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Exploring The Spit's Landmarks

The Spit stretches out from Beauty Point into the water. It is famous for the Spit Bridge, which opened in 1958. This special bridge can open up to let tall boats, like yachts, pass through Middle Harbour.

• The Spit is also home to the Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
• You can find a marina here, where boats are docked.

A Look Back: History of The Spit

People have been crossing the waters at The Spit for a very long time.

Early Crossings and Ferries

• As early as 1834, a ferry run by Barney Kearns carried people across Middle Harbour.
• In the 1850s, Peter Ellery used a special flat boat called a punt to carry passengers.
• It cost sixpence for people and one shilling and sixpence for horse-drawn vehicles.
• If horses swam across, the price was a bit less.
• In 1889, a government steam punt took over.

Bridges and Growth

• A wooden bridge was built in 1924. This happened when electric tram lines were extended to The Spit.
• This wooden bridge was replaced in 1958 by the bascule bridge we see today.
• The new bridge was needed because more and more cars were traveling from Sydney CBD to the Northern Beaches.

Chinamans Beach History

• Chinamans Beach got its name from Chinese residents who lived there long ago.
• They grew vegetables in market gardens and made salt from the sea.
• Today, Chinamans Beach is a popular spot for families to enjoy.

Special Historic Places

The Spit has some places that are important to history. These are called heritage-listed sites.

• One such site is the Middle Harbour Syphon on Monash Crescent (East Side).