Carrington
Carrington is a mixed residential, commercial and industrial development that is physically separated from other suburbs.
It is close to the harbour and CBD, services the Port and provides affordable housing. It is accessible by Cowper Street bridge over Throsby Creek.
According to the 2006 census date there 1,796 people in 897 dwellings (in the 2001 there were 1607 people in 805 dwellings).
Sport and Recreation Facilities
Carrington is home to Pat Jordan Oval and Connelly Park. It is a favourite spot for fishing for Newcastle residents–both along Throsby Creek and along the waterfront of the Hunter River. There is a Rowing Club and boat ramp visible from the Cowper Street bridge and easy access to the Foreshore along a walking track past the Fishermans Co-op. This is also a Bowling Club and children’s play activities.
Go to sportand parks and playgrounds for more information about sport and recreation facilities.
Library
While Carrington does not have its own branch of the Newcastle Region Library, it is in reasonable proximity to branches in Hamilton and City Branch.
Go to Newcastle Libraries for more information about libraries in Newcastle.
Schools
Carrington Public School is located in Young Street, Carrington and can be contacted on 02 4969 3707.
Transport Options
Carrington is situated within easy access by bike to the CBD. There is a bus service available that runs reasonably frequently.
Go to the Lower Hunter Transport Guide for more information.
Commercial District
Bourke Street is Carrington’s main street. There are a small number of mixed businesses. Residents of Carrington are also well located to access the commercial hub of the CBD.
Residents Group
Resident Groups meet on a regular basis to discuss issues and concerns about their area. They cover a wide range of issues affecting their area in particular, or the city generally.
Go to Residents Groups for more information about meeting dates and contact details.
History
Carrington was known by Aboriginal people as the place of the mud crab "wuna-r tee". Early land use by Aboriginals was for fishing and gathering oysters and mud crabs. During the settlement of 1804, it was referred to as Chapman's Island and considered as a site for a gaol.
Carrington is a testament to the white settlers need to reshape the environment. Originally, the island was underwater at high tide and was slowly built up by ships dumping ballast and other reclamation work, which eventually saw the island grow out of the mud.
Carrington emerged as a residential suburb in the 1860's when many people moved to the island to escape the dirt and noise of the city or were forced off Honeysuckle point as a result of land reclamation for port purposes. Early access to the island was by rowboat or Punt across Throsby creek or on the Onebygamba express, a two-horse coach. There was also a footbridge from Honeysuckle at one point.
In 1887 Carrington was constituted as a Municipality and the first council meeting was held on the first of June 1888.
Carrington was rich and progressive despite its relatively small size and was one of the few areas of Crown land close to Newcastle, the rest of the land in the area was owned by large companies or private individuals. Carrington was systematically sold off as it became more valuable.
By 1900 the population was 2200. Carrington had developed as a working class suburb and had a fearsome reputation. In the 1920's steelworkers moved into the area taking advantage of the proximity to the fledgling BHP works.
The Great Depression hit Carrington with a vengeance. In 1933 Carrington had up to 58% of wage earners either unemployed or in part time employ. A shanty town called "Texas" sprung up during the depression and provided shelter for many homeless and unemployed.
