Port Macquarie

This morning we drove around 55km to get to Port Macquarie. When first settled it was a convict settlement where the ‘serious’ convicts were sent. We found it to be a bit like Mandurah and Bunbury combined, and probably add a dash of Busselton in too. 


We first went to ‘The Glasshouse’ which is a combined entertainment centre, art gallery and visitors centre. It was a stunning building, and we liked being able to enjoy all three of the centres in one.


In the basement an archaeological dig was displayed, where when work on the building was underway, the footings of two past building were found. Firstly an old Town Hall, and further down a former convict overseer’s house. They had artefacts that were found on display, and Max was particularly fascinated by what they found – including an old toothbrush, some toys and kitchenware.


One of the Art Gallery’s exhibitions was a collection of work from indigenous artists. Incredible stuff! A volunteer came to talk to me and later Trevor. Michael has retired to Port Macquarie from Canberra around 10 years ago. I told him how much I liked the building. He then told us about the controversy the building has caused for the town. There was a protest meeting with over one thousand people attending and the council was sacked – part of the Minister’s decision to do this was the mismanagement of the building process. Wow!


Harry really liked the lift, which had four levels. The walls and ceiling were all mirrored so, as Harry put it, “I can see a million of me!”. I hope they haven’t put video surveillance in their lift as Max, Harry and I had lots of fun crazy dancing our way up to the top floor.


We splashed out and had fish and chips for lunch on the ‘Town Green’ and watched the many people go by. We ate lunch at about 2pm, and were order number 198 for the day. Given this was only one of many cafe and other food outlets there, this gives you some idea of how vibrant the foreshore was!

This one's for my friend Renai who is a policewoman in Bunbury. How good is this station located??

I've never seen a seaplane this close before!

 This dizzy-whizzy went on for ages!

For someone with a slight build, Trevor just amazes me at how strong he is!

This church was convict built between 1824 and 1826 - years before Perth was settled. It was interesting trying to picture life "back then" with convict labour and none of the things, like electricity, water or equality that we now take for granted.