Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, 390 km (242 mi) north of Sydney, and 570 km (354 mi) south of Brisbane, on the Tasman Sea coast at the mouth of the Hastings River, and the eastern end of the Oxley Highway (B56). It had a population of 47974 in 2018, and an estimated population of 50307 in 2023.

Port Macquarie sits within Birpai (Biripi, Bripi, Biripai, Birrbay) country, and the Birpai people are recognised as the traditional custodians of the land on which Port Macquarie is located. Port Macquarie was long known to the Birpai people as Guruk. The Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council provides positive support, information and responsible governance for the Aboriginal community, while also cultivating strong links with the broader community.

Before British colonisation, large clans of Birpai people resided in and around Port Macquarie, particularly at places such as King’s Creek, Blackman’s Point, Camden Haven and Rolland’s Plains. They lived in large domed huts which provided protection against the region’s heavy rains and were capable of accommodating up to ten people.