The event coincides with bicentennial celebrations marking the arrival of John Oxley to the region.

Douglas Vale spokesperson Kay Morrison says the acknowledgement of the heritage-listed bamboo is part of a theme for the open day.

"This enormous growth of bamboo is heritage listed and marks the entrance to the property," she said.

"It was planted 150 years ago as a Chinese symbol of welcome for visitors and guests to the property. 

"There were originally two plantings but with the resumption of Douglas Vale land in the mid 1900’s, the second planting has been destroyed. However, the remaining one is strong and healthy.

"In keeping with the horticultural theme, the Port Macquarie Gardening Club will be featured on the day."

The club members will display a variety of plants for the open day. There will also be a display of fresh flowers.

As part of the bicentenary celebrations, a specially written play - John Oxley’s Journey to Port Macquarie - will be performed at noon.

This play relates the story of the brave party who travelled from Bathurst to Port Macquarie and then back to Sydney and is based on the book: I Went With John Oxley by local author, Richard Grimmond.

There are eight males in the cast of the play, portraying the roles of John Oxley, George Evans, Charles Fraser and Doctor Harris. The remaining four roles are those of four of the accompanying convicts.

Local identity, Cameron Marshall, from ABC Mid North Coast, is appearing in the role of John Oxley. Other performers include actors from the Player’s Theatre, members of Port Macquarie Toastmasters and also some Douglas Vale Members.

The performance of the play is supported by a bicentennial grant from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

A final performance is at the Wauchope Country Club on October 30, 6pm.

Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard is the only one of its kind in Australia and is completely volunteer run. 

The property is situated on the Oxley Highway between Westport Primary and Westport High School. It is open to visitors every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 3pm. 

Entry is by gold coin donation and all funds raised by the volunteers on the day go toward the continual conservation and preservation of the property. 

The Douglas Vale open day is on Saturday October 20, 9.30am until 2.30pm.