And now it appears two of the water borne icons of Port Macquarie - Port Venture Cruises and the Chinese Junk - are up for sale. But don’t fear because it appears they will stay in local hands.

Owner Brian Lambert has seen the two iconic vessels operate up and down the Hastings River for more than the last 10 years, but felt it was time to move on.

“It’s a seven-day job so you didn’t get much spare time, but it’s been good to me,” he said.

“I’ve been here for the last 17 years running the original Port Venture so I’ve got a lot of good memories. 

“But it’s time for a change and my two younger boys are getting into their sport so I’ll spend more time with them and the family.”

He said one story which he fondly remembered involved a honeymoon couple a few years ago.

“We took a group out one day which had two people in it who were obviously on their honeymoon,” he said.

“Anyway, at one point everyone got off and then returned some time later so we did a head count to make sure we had everyone and it turned out were missing two people.

“We later found them in the honeymoon position in the bushes so didn’t say anything, but when they finally returned everyone else on the boat was clapping and yahooing when they appeared,” he laughed.

Mr Lambert said there was a risk he would miss cruising up and down the Hastings, but didn’t rule out a return to the captain’s seat if the new owners needed a hand

“If they want someone to help drive the boat every now and then I’ll be happy to help out,” he said.

“Everyone tells me how they think dealing with people on holidays would be difficult, but I’d go as far as saying it’s the opposite. 

“When most people are on holidays they just want to relax and have a good time.”

Marine Broker Mark Ternen said he had received numerous calls from interested parties including those in Western Australia and South Australia.

“Fortunately - and this is what Brian and Alison wanted - it looks like it will stay in local hands. 

“We’ve narrowed it down to two possibilities who both want to continue having a hands-on approach,” he said.

“The business is already super healthy and it’s known around the country. 

“We all know about it in Port Macquarie, but other people from outside the area know about it too.

“It’s just a little magnet. People see the other princess and just prefer the Junk for some reason.”