Previously published as The Changing Face of Port Macquarie, this newly updated version has a high quality finish, additional material and additional photographs taken by the author. The book is available for purchase from the Port Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, cost $45.

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IN the early penal colony period (1821-1830) the convicts and military personnel of Port Macquarie relied entirely on government or commissioned shipping for their survival.

The goal to make the colony completely self-sufficient was never achieved. Shipping was the only way convicts, military men and their families could arrive or depart and the only way to acquire government supplies of food, clothing, tools, building materials and other essentials.

Initially there were two government-owned wharves built, establishing the waterfront area from a point opposite the Royal Hotel around to the entrance to Kooloonbung Creek.

By 1826 there had also been constructed between them a pilot’s quarters, a bell house, a boat shed and a lime shed. The lime shed was for the production of lime to be used in mortar for the many brick constructions that were always in progress.

Large amounts of convict-cut cedar and smaller shipments of sugar, rum, tobacco and lime would leave the port bound for Sydney. Maize and other grains would be shipped out to other colonies, such as Moreton Bay in Queensland.

The lime shed was demolished in 1832 and a slaughterhouse built on the site, right on the water’s edge. Also constructed in 1832 was the first non-government wharf in conjunction with the opening up of the colony to free settlement.

This commercial wharf opened up the potential for all kinds of trade and transfers for commercial purposes.

New local businesses were quickly established and the rich grazing pastures of the New England tablelands were opened up for farming. Because there were no inland roads to Newcastle or Sydney, shipping was the only means of communication with the outside world as well as the primary means of long-distance transport and trade.

Although some stock worked its way south and down the Hunter River, or down the Macleay River to Kempsey, Port Macquarie remained the primary regional crossroads of free enterprise. In a short period of time, a range of commercial facilities were created along the waterfront, replacing the relics of the convict period.

New boat repair sheds appeared, along with warehouses and boarding houses. By 1843, a steamer carried mail between Port Macquarie and Sydney on a weekly turn around.

Food, supplies, special orders and arriving passengers would be offloaded, before pigs, cattle, vegetables, timber and returning passengers were loaded back on board for shipping to Sydney.

Not content to rely on outside shipping firms, a few local businessmen tried to begin a local shipbuilding and shipping industry. Unfortunately, their first ship, a 23-ton schooner called the Port Macquarie Packet, sank during a trial run.

The ship took with it all of the investors’ capital and all hope that had been held for the new industry. Some cried “Sabotage!” Of course, ships brought a far wider range of wants and needs for the free settlers than the bare essentials that had been required by convicts.

New farm machinery, seeds for crops, comfortable furnishings and linens, attractive clothing, sweet treats, imported spirits, mail, newspapers and many other luxury items were all in constant demand. Sometimes activity at the wharves would continue all day, with various steamers taking their turn.

Bullock teams bringing wool in huge bails down the “wool road” from the tablelands would either take their loads to the wool store or directly to the wharves. Sometimes they would queue up in front of the post office or down the main street. Other drays brought cedar or hardwoods logged from upriver for direct delivery to a waiting ship.

The logs, drums, bags and bails were moved to the holds of the ships before the drays were reloaded with various supplies for the settlers living inland.

Much of the work at the wharves was done manually, although some of the docks had derricks and some ships had cranes for hoisting their cargo. The waterfront area was frequently busy, usually noisy and always messy.