Under these circumstances, Macquarie felt that it was necessary to form a new penal settlement. Macquarie favoured the site at Port Macquarie as he had been given a favourable report on the area from the Surveyor General, and its distance from Sydney made it ideal as a second place of punishment for convicts of the worst character (1).
Why was Port Macquarie chosen as a penal settlement?
Under these circumstances, Macquarie felt that it was necessary to form a new penal settlement. Macquarie favoured the site at Port Macquarie as he had been given a favourable report on the area from the Surveyor General, and its distance from Sydney made it ideal as a second place of punishment for convicts of the worst character (1).
What is Port Macquarie famous for?
Today, with its own unique heritage, Port Macquarie is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the NSW Coast. Discovered by John Oxley in 1818 and named after the Governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie, our first visitors were convicts sent to the Port Macquarie penal settlement in 1821 to serve time for secondary offences.
How was Port Macquarie abolished?
In 1828 the Commissioners of Inquiry at Port Macquarie also recommended that it cease to be a penal settlement as soon as possible. In November 1828 Governor Darling was given the authority to abolish the penal settlement at Port Macquarie and open it up to free settlement (12).
How many convicts were at Port Macquarie in 1821?
By October 1821 there were 92 convicts at Port Macquarie (5). When Captain Rolland succeeded Allman in April 1824 there were 1100 convicts at Port Macquarie (6). Most convicts were employed in government activities divided between government projects or directly for officials under supposed government orders.
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Why is Port Macquarie so popular?
Located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, boasting 17 gorgeous beaches, a lush hinterland, a diverse variety of attractions including the Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo, river cruises, and a choice of accommodation from 4.5 star luxury hotels to camping by the beach.
What is an interesting fact about Port Macquarie?
One little known fact about Port Macquarie is that the organ in St. Thomas Church is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Built by convicts between 1824 and 1828, St. Thomas' Church houses a massive, ornate pipe organ built by legendary organ company Walker.
When was Port Macquarie as a settlement?
1821Port Macquarie's short history as a penal settlement lasted from 1821 to 1832. A small number of 'specials' were retained in the colony until 1847.
When was Port Macquarie established as a settlement for kids?
In 1821, Port Macquarie was founded as a penal settlement, replacing Newcastle as the destination for convicts who had committed secondary crimes in New South Wales.
Is Port Macquarie a good place to live?
The general feel of Port Macquarie is relaxed, laidback and safe, with a palpable community spirit. It's long been a favourite of retirees and now attracts families to its welcoming shores.
Is Port Macquarie better than Coffs Harbour?
If it is to relax and just enjoy the beach, then port Macquarie is prettier and more relaxed. Coffs has better shopping and not as much of a holiday feel. But if you are looking for day trips then there are some fabulous places to visit just near Coffs like bellingen, sawtell and into the mountains behind town.
Is Port Macquarie considered regional?
PORT Macquarie will be recognised as a regional city for the first time as part of a draft blueprint for the North Coast.
What is Port Macquarie named after?
Lachlan MacquariePort Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818. The Hastings River was named after the Governor General of India at around the same time.
Is Port Macquarie worth visiting?
Port Macquarie is one of New South Wales' best-loved holiday destinations and a favorite sea-change escape. Surrounded by sparkling-clean beaches with soft, squeaky sand, it sits on the southernmost edge of the subtropics on the state's mid north coast. Sun, sea, sand, and stunning scenery are the town's top assets.
What is the population of Port Macquarie?
In the 2016 Census, there were 73,131 people in Port Macquarie. Of these 48.1% were male and 51.9% were female. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people made up 3.7% of the population. The median age of people in Port Macquarie was 50 years.
What is the Aboriginal name for Port Macquarie?
Guruk"Port Macquarie where I'm located has a traditional name, Guruk.
How old is Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie was opened up to free settlers from 1830 and remained a convict town until 1847.
How old is Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie was opened up to free settlers from 1830 and remained a convict town until 1847.
What is Port Macquarie named after?
Lachlan MacquariePort Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818. The Hastings River was named after the Governor General of India at around the same time.
How did Port Macquarie get its name?
Only three years later three small ships sailed from Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) carrying soldiers and convicts to establish a penal settlement at the mouth of the Hastings River, at the place named Port Macquarie by Oxley in honour of the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie.
Why is Port Macquarie called Port Macquarie?
Origin of Name He named the river after the then Governor of India, Lord Francis Edward Rawdon Hastings, the 1st Marquis of Hastings and, when he reached the mouth of the river, he named the site Port Macquarie after Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of New South Wales who had initiated the expedition.
Why was Port Macquarie important to the aborigines?
Port Macquarie, however, with its thick bush, tough terrain and local aborigines that were keen to return escaping prisoners in return for tobacco and blankets, provided large amounts of both isolation and hard labour to keep the criminals in control.
Who was Port Macquarie named after?
He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie .
How many people were in Port Macquarie in 1847?
In 1847, the population was 819, of whom 599 were males and 220 were female. The gender disparity was probably due to the penal station there at the time. The estimated urban population of Port Macquarie was 47,973 as at June 2018, having grown 1.8% on prior year and from 41,496 over the prior decade.
Where is the coastal walk in Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie's central business district contains two shopping centres, many specialty stores, a marina, and the starting point for the 9 km coastal walk, a scenic walking trail that travels from Westport Park, through the Port Macquarie CBD to Tacking Point Lighthouse.
What is the temperature of Port Macquarie?
74 °F. 12.7 °C. 55 °F. 1,436.2 mm. 56.5 in. Port Macquarie is a coastal town in the local government area of Port Macquarie-Hastings. It is located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, about 390 km (242 mi) north of Sydney, and 570 km (354 mi) south of Brisbane.
How many seats are there in Port Central?
The main shopping centre Port Central, sits next to the Glasshouse, a hub of culture and entertainment, boasting a 594-seat theatre, performance and art studio, gallery, Visitor Information Centre, shop and theatre bar.
Which is the least affordable market in Australia?
Port Macquarie was found to be the least affordable smaller market in Australia by Demographia's 2013 International Housing Affordability Survey.
When did Port Macquarie recover?
The town began to recover in the early 1860's upon the arrival of pastoralists and by the 1880's the town had a Catholic Church, a bank, a newspaper and local government was formed in 1887. The North Coast Railway passed by Port Macquarie in 1910 changing the way goods were transported marking the end of the town's harbour traffic.
Who named Port Macquarie?
Port Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818. The Hastings river was named after the governor general of India at around the same time. Although the area had been first noticed by Captain Cook on his voyage along the coast in 1770 and again later by Matthew Flinders in 1802, ...
Why did Captain Allman direct the convicts to establish the settlement?
Captain Allman immediately began directing the 60 convicts sent to establish the settlement, to clear the area of trees and begin farming in order to become self-sufficient. Timber supplies further south near Newcastle where dwindling providing further impetus to the clearing.
Who established the penal settlement in 1821?
The penal settlement would be established in 1821 under Captain Francis Allman who landed at the "town green" at the top of what is now Clarence Street. Captain Allman immediately began directing the 60 convicts sent to establish the settlement, to clear the area of trees and begin farming in order to become self-sufficient. Timber supplies further south near Newcastle where dwindling providing further impetus to the clearing.
Who was Port Macquarie named after?
Discovered by John Oxley in 1818 and named after the Governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie, our first visitors were convicts sent to the Port Macquarie penal settlement in 1821 to serve time for secondary offences.
What time does Port Macquarie open?
Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm (minimal charges apply) 22 Clarence Street, Phone 02 6583 1108.
What did the Birpai people do?
Relying on the land and waterways to sustain themselves, the Birpai people made temporary huts along the river and around the lakes allowing them to follow the seasonal food trail.
Is Port Macquarie a tourist destination?
Today, with its own unique heritage, Port Macquarie is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the NSW Coast.
Overview
History
Port Macquarie sits within Birpai (Biripi, Birripai, Bripi, Biripai, Birrbay) country, and the Birpai people are recognised as the traditional custodians of the land on which Port Macquarie is located. Port Macquarie was long known to the Birpai people as Guruk. The Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council provides positive support, information and responsible governance for the Aboriginal community…
Heritage listings
Port Macquarie has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
• Port Macquarie First Burying Ground
• Port Macquarie Government House Site
• Hastings Historical Society Museum
Population
In 1847, the population was 819, of whom 599 were males and 220 were female. The gender disparity was probably due to the penal station there at the time.
The estimated urban population of Port Macquarie was 47,973 as at June 2018, having grown 1.8% on prior year and from 41,496 over the prior decade. Port Macquarie is expected to be the fastest growing place in New South Wales. The town is expected to grow from an estimated 43,…
General
Port Macquarie is a coastal destination, known for its extensive beaches and waterways. The town is also known for its koala population, being the home to the Billabong Zoo (a wildlife park and koala breeding center) and the Koala Preservation Society's Koala Hospital, caring for koalas injured through bushfire, dog attacks and collisions with vehicles.
In 2016 the war memorial was relocated from Town Green to its original location at the intersectio…
Sister and friendship cities
• Handa, Aichi, Japan
Suburbs and localities
Port Macquarie's central business district contains two shopping centres, many specialty stores, a marina, and the starting point for the 9 km coastal walk, a scenic walking trail that travels from Westport Park, through the Port Macquarie CBD to Tacking Point Lighthouse. The Glasshouse, a centrally located arts, conference and entertainment centre, includes a visitor-information facility. Bus services link the town with Laurieton, Wauchope, Kempsey, Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills.
Beaches and attractions
Beaches (in order from north to south) are: North Shore, Town Beach, Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach, Flynns Beach, Nobbys Beach, Shelly Beach, Miners Beach (unofficial clothing-optional ) and Lighthouse Beach. Only Town, Flynns and Lighthouse Beaches are staffed by Surf Life Saving Clubs. Lighthouse Beach is patrolled at only the northern end. Dogs can be walked off-leash at Lighthouse Beach, south of Watonga Rocks, excluding sections at the northern end an…