History

The Society maintains and operates the Museum which displays over 20,000 items from the penal settlement, the early settlers and Aboriginal artefacts from the Native tribes and all memorabilia from the Hastings and surrounding districts.

Address: 22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Read about the european history of the port Macquarie region. Concise guide to the regional development and settlement of the area.

In 1985, a public meeting was held with representatives of Hastings Municipal Library, Hastings Genealogical Advisory Service and other interested people with a view to starting a local family historical group. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month (except January) at the Lions Club Hall.

Address: PO Box 1359, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444

Lake Innes House was the home of colonial entrepreneur Major Archibald Clunes Innes. During the 1830s and 1840s, Major Innes acquired substantial land holdings and businesses throughout the Hastings and New England areas. Lake Innes House was constructed in several stages and grew to assume the proportions of a grand country mansion. These extensive ruins comprise one of the oldest surviving brick stuctures in northern New South Wales, and present a highly significant part of Australia's convict and colonial heritage.

Address: 152 Horton Street, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444

The Museum encompasses 2 separate cottages which were originally built as pilot cottages in 1896. Now they house a wonderful collection of memorabilia and artefacts including superbly built scale models of a variety of vessels, charts, maps, paintings and an extensive collection of historical maritime photographs.

Address: William Street, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444