A tour of the historic Innes Ruins is one of the features of the 2017 Heritage Festival.
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Innes Ruins is an important remnant of early settlement days in Port Macquarie and was built by Major Archibald Clunes Innes. Click here for more on the history of Innes Ruins
Education and tour coordinator with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Susan Phillips said the ruins contains rich history about the settlement of NSW, convict labour and the culture of the 1800s.
“As an added bonus, it has a very charming setting looking over Lake Innes,” she said.
“The original buildings were built by convict labour in the 1830s and 1840s for Major Innes and his wife Margaret Macleay who forged a vast colonial empire throughout northern NSW.
“This tour explores this intriguing and extensive historic site and if you are new to the area or have never been to the ruins before, this is one event not to be missed.
“You will be impressed with the rich and diverse history of the Port Macquarie Hastings area.”
The depression of the 1840s bought financial ruin to Innes, and the closure of Port Macquarie as a penal settlement deprived him of convict labour.
Following his departure, the house was occupied by a number of people over time, but was derelict by the beginning of the 1900s.
It subsequently deteriorated to its present state as a result of natural decay and vandalism.
The tour of Innes Ruins is on April 19.
The Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Heritage Festival features the theme Having a Voice.
Current events for heritage week include, grave tales, a walking tour of the Port Macquarie’s Historic Cemetery, uncovering our past, Port Macquarie's history and archaeology and the Innes Ruins Historic Site – a vanished dream.
The Heritage Festival is on from April 16 until 30. To book your place on this tour contact 6581 8111 or email council on council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au for more information.
