Page 8 - Flipbook

LANDMARKS PORT MACQUARIE
Sea change
PorT MACQUArIE IS THE PErFECT LoCATIoN To EXPErIENCE HErITAGE AND HISTorY BY THE SEA KEN EASTWooD
one of the oldest towns in New South Wales, Port Macquarie isn’t just where the rainforest meets the sea – it’s a town with a richly preserved cultural heritage. Founded in 1821, Port Macquarie now boasts around 41,000 residents. Its heritage is preserved proudly in its bricks and mortar, including one of its best known features, the third oldest surviving church in the country, St Thomas Anglican Church. It has services on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Immerse yourself in history and culture
To gain an understanding of the complete history of the area, visit the excellent and extensive Historical Society Museum, situated in its heritage-listed building at 22 Clarence Street.
For a more active experience, join one of the informative heritage walking tours run by former council historian Mitch McKay (Port Macquarie Hastings Heritage, 30 Clarence Street, 0447
429 016). His tours begin at the extraordinary Glasshouse, on the corner of Clarence and Hay streets, which functions as the town’s entertainment centre and regional art gallery.
A living cultural museum, it is situated on the site of the 1823 built cottages of the convict overseers, and the first council chambers and school of arts building around 1892. Archaeological remains and artefacts uncovered during the excavation are displayed in the basement.
Other must see attractions are the 1869 courthouse, on Clarence Street and the classy Royal Hotel, restored in 1999, which provides a top spot for a refreshing ale or three.
Get out and about in nature
Despite being a busy commercial hub, Port Macquarie is threaded with peaceful green strips. In the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve, which has extensive tracks along the water, you’ll find the historic cemetery with nearly 1500 buried soldiers, convicts and settlers dating back to 1824.
To the north of town, the 9000 hectare Limeburners Creek National Park has pockets of rainforest, wetlands and wildflower laden coastal heath, plus extensive Aboriginal history and many indigenous sites.
The town is perhaps best known for its koalas,
in particular the Koala Hospital, which cares for around 250 sick, injured or orphaned koalas a year. After experiencing feeding times at 8am and 3pm, wander across Macquarie Nature Reserve to Roto House, a beautiful timber home built in 1891, where you can experience life in Port Macquarie as it was more than a century ago
IF THESE WALLS cOULD TALK: Historic roto House has been preserved as it would have been in 1891, giving visitors a rare insight into how life was lived more than 100 years ago.
6 AUTUMN 2014