Carine

Carine, named after two swamps in the area, was largely undeveloped until the 1960s, but is now considered the heart of suburbia, with a large proportion of double-storied houses to take advantage of ocean views.

History

Originally forming part of the Hamersley Estate, which also included the suburbs now known as North Beach, Waterman and Hamersley, Carine is named after two swamps in the area.

The Carine swamps were recorded by R. Quinn in an 1865 survey of Big Carine Swamp and Small Carine Swamp. The Hamersley family, who arrived from Europe to settle in the Swan River Colony in 1837, owned the Hamersley Estate. But the majority of land at Carine remained largely undeveloped until the 1960s with only a few market gardens established in the low-lying portions around the wetlands.

Residential development

Until recently, the majority of housing within Carine has been single detached residential but, as infill development has increased in popularity, duplexes have become more common. Most of the housing has been built since the 1970s, so the area generally contains dwellings of a modern design.

The most recently developed section of Carine is to the west of the suburb—brick dominates the choice of construction materials, befitting an area considered the heart of suburbia. A large proportion of houses are double-storied to take advantage of ocean views, particularly to the west and near the Carine Open Space.

Community development

Educational needs are met with a primary school and high school, while several small local stores are ideal for daily shopping requirements.

Carine has a large amount of public open space. The most dominant is the regional open space associated with the Carine swamps containing the new skate park, 3 ovals, tennis courts and an extensive tract of natural bushland for passive recreation.

Big Carine Swamp and Little Carine Swamp are now preserved as natural wetlands.