The author of a book detailing specific bushranger sites in NSW and Victoria is guest speaker at a Fellowship of the First Fleeters' meeting on March 26.
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The meeting in is Taree.
Greg Powell's book Bushranger Tracks was published in 2016. A second book, detailing similar sites in Queensland, West Australia and Tasmania, will be released shortly.
He said the book plots the movements of gangs and individuals including Ned Kelly, Captain Starlight, Ben Hall and many other bushrangers from Australia's colonial past.
Bushranger Tracks is considered one of the most comprehensive records on bushranger sites published.
"The book is really a field guide where people can travel and see the areas where bushrangers lived and operated," he said.
"That could include old inns, caves, battle sites, monuments ... the talk includes information about Port Macquarie and Taree events.
"Probably the best local connections area Jimmy and Joe Governor who made their run for freedom - which lasted for some 100 days.
"Jimmy was shot in the mouth near Mount Banda Banda at the head of the Hastings River. He lived off natural honey - stolen from hives in the Comboyne area - before he retreated through Ellenborough.
"He was eventually caught near Wingham. Joe kept going but was eventually shot dead by property owners near Singleton in the Hunter Valley," he said.
Mr Powell said his talks are localised to include local landmarks and information.
Captain Thunderbolt will be included in his discussion.
The author dresses as a colonial trooper to give authenticity to his talks but also to provide a police aspect.
Mr Powell said Australians have a genuine interest in early bushranging lifestyle.
"We don't want to glorify these bushrangers but we do tend to admire them because of their bush skills and their ability to live by their wits.
"The police story is also very important," he added.
Mr Powell said his interest in all things bushranger began over 50 years ago when, as a teenager, he visited a number of sites involving the Kelly gang outbreaks in north east Victoria.
"That really sparked my interest," he said.
"I wanted to get that spirit and feel of the bushrangers by actually visiting the sites.
"By including plenty of photos, I think you get the atmosphere and better understanding of the spirit of the bushranging days.
"I think it helps make the story more real," he said.
Mr Powell is a regular visitor to Port Macquarie and said he enjoys the coastal walk and the walk around the historic cemetery.
The Fellowship of the First Fleeters - Mid North Coast Chapter meeting is at Taree Presbyterian Church Hall, 76 Albert Street on Tuesday March 26, 2pm.
Cost is $5 per person.
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