Trial Bay facts for kids
Trial Bay is a large bay located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It faces north, stretching from Laggers Point in the east to Grassy Head in the west. The bay is also near the town of South West Rocks and the mouth of the Macleay River.
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How Trial Bay Got Its Name
Trial Bay was named after a ship called the Trial. This brig, a type of sailing ship, was unfortunately shipwrecked in the bay way back in 1816. That's how the bay got its unique name!
Early Explorers and Plans
In 1820, an explorer named John Oxley visited the area. He thought that Port Macquarie would be a better place for a settlement than Trial Bay. However, he did suggest that Trial Bay could be a good spot for ships to anchor while they waited for the right winds to enter Port Macquarie.
Why a Big Harbor Was Planned
Trial Bay faces north, which means it is naturally protected from the strong southerly ocean waves. Because of this natural shelter, people have thought for many years about making it a fully protected harbor for ships. Its location, between other safe water areas like Moreton Bay and Port Stephens, made it seem like a good idea for a major port.
Attempts to Build a Breakwater
- In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people tried to build a large wall, called a breakwater, off Laggers Point to protect the bay even more. This project was an effort to create a safer harbor.
- Later, in the 1960s, an oil terminal was built near South West Rocks. This sparked new interest in developing Trial Bay into a full harbor.
- However, the government department in charge decided that building such a harbor would be too expensive and not worth the cost.
- Ships used to anchor in the bay and deliver oil through a long pipeline that stretched about 2 kilometers to the terminal. This terminal was operated by a company called Caltex. It stopped being used in 2003.
Trial Bay's Role in World War I
During World War I, Trial Bay played an important historical role. It was used as a major internment camp. An internment camp is a place where people, often foreigners or those considered a threat during wartime, are held.
