SHINE
SHINING A LIGHT ON OUR
HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS
In celebration of
The Australian Heritage Festival
1 April – 31 May 2022
Discover the rich history of the Mid North Coast...
Tucked away in museums big and small all over the Mid North Coast are some rare treasures and some very everyday objects. However they all have a story to tell of the fascinating and varied history and changing lifestyles of the region. This rich heritage is found not only in the stories and collections of our museums but also in our buildings and landscapes.
SHINE 2022 celebrates the Australian Heritage Festival by shining a light on the special and unique heritage of the Mid North Coast region. We feature special events and showcase our local museums and Keeping Places, heritage walks, archeological sites and underground treasures, stunning lighthouses, exhibitions and more.
There’s so much to explore and discover about our creative coast!
Breaking News
Every week during the SHINE Festival we will be breaking a major news feature about heritage on the Mid North Coast.
Heritage Uncovered
Uncover archeological treasures and the hidden history of our region. From Aboriginal fish traps to gold mines and underground bunkers.
Jalumbo Keeping Place and Arrawarra Fish Traps
The Jalumbo Keeping Place at Yarrawarra Cultural Centre houses a cultural collection representing over 4,000 years of Aboriginal life on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The collection was created through the Jalumbo Cultural Heritage Research Unit established by the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Corporation and the Garby Elders.
Also nearby are the recently heritage listed Arrawarra Fish Traps - ancient stone fish traps on the Arrawarra Headland of the Coffs Coast are thought to be more than a thousand years old and were used traditionally by the Garby Elders to capture fish. During the 20th century, local commercial fishers also used the traps to store live lobsters for sale. Read more about the heritage listing announcement of Arrawarra Headland and Stone Fish Traps here.
World War II Bunkers
In Coffs Harbour you'll find remnants of our wartime history in the underground bunkers dotted around the region. The National Cartoon Gallery on City Hill is housed in one of the best known example of these structures, and is open to the public 6 days a week.
This heritage listed bunker was constructed in 1943 during World War II as the radio communication headquarters for the RAAF. The bunker originally housed radio equipment needed to protect navy ships and citizens. After the war, the bunker was used as a communication facility by the Civil Aviation Authority until 1980. The bunker then fell into disuse for many years, until some ingenious local Rotarians turned the space into the dedicated cartoon gallery that it is today.
Silo Hill - Stroud
A prominent land mark in the very historic town of Stroud along the Thunderbolt Way is Silo Hill. These eight silos were built under the direction of Captain Phillip P. King for the Australian Agricultural Company in 1841 and are able to store 10,000 bushels of grain.
Constructed from handmade bricks of local clay in a bottle shape with an entry hole at the top, the silos were successful in resisting attacks on the grain from weevil and fly moth. The silos originally had a roof over them to keep the weather out. Most of the silos are now covered up with a concrete cover and are no longer accessible. On the site you'll find two cannons originally used to defend Sydney Harbour during the Crimean War (1855-56), before being sent to Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, then finally laid to rest in Stroud in 1909.
The Overseers Cottage - Port Macquarie
In 1996 an archaeological dig on what is now the site of the Glasshouse discovered a number of State significant archaeological remnants on site. The decision was taken that rather than lose this heritage beneath building foundations they be incorporated and showcased into the new cultural centre to be built on site.
The footings of the 1823 Convict Overseers cottages have been preserved for all to see on the lower ground floor of the Glasshouse as well as the display of many objects found during the excavation of the site. These give a very real insight into the beginnings of this colonial town nearly 200 years ago.
Shipwrecks of the Mid North Coast
With an exposed coastline of treacherous seas and shifting sand bars at our many river mouths, it is not surprising there have been many ships wrecked overtime on the Mid North Coast. At times there is an opportunity to see some of these remnants. Springtide and big swells offshore, often associated with a low-pressure system along the east coast, are ideal conditions that expose shipwreck sites.
The 39-metre, 310-ton Buster ran aground on Woolgoolga Beach in 1893, when it was visiting the area to load timber to take to New Zealand. During a storm, it lost its anchor and was washed onto the beach where it has remained ever since. While the wreck had been uncovered almost annually in recent times major storms in 2021 saw much more of the hull exposed than usual, however, it was visible only for a couple of weeks before being reclaimed.
In 2022 unique weather conditions led to further exposure of the 50-year-old ferry wrecks, the Sydney Queen, Lurgurena and Koondooloo, at South West Rocks. The three decommissioned ferries were destined for the Philippines for repurposing or scrapping in January 1972. But the towline between the ferries and the towing tug Polaris was severed. The Polaris managed to get to Trial Bay where the ferries were moored, but a strong wind a day or so later swept the vessels ashore onto the beach where they have remained ever since. If you are lucky enough to see any of these wrecks please note at all times they are protected by our maritime archaeology laws and regulations.
Early Port Macquarie Utilities
As you wander the central part of Port Macquarie there is still evidence to be seen of early colonial life. This includes.
- On Clarence Street in the public forecourt area of the Glasshouse you will find a brick barrel drain of early Port Macquarie (1823) conserved and displayed under glass. This was part of an ordered system of water and waste management.
- On Munster Street there is an example of one of the early wells used in the town. This one was used by inmates of the Female factory. The convict made bricks around the rim bear various identification marks known as ‘frogs’.
- On the north side of William Street between Horton and hay Streets there are small sections left of early paving. In the late 19th century ships’ ballast stones were used to pave the sides of some of the town’s main streets to improve drainage.
Mountain Maid Gold Mine Tour
Head out to the Copeland Tops State Conservation area and discover the rich heritage of this land at the foothill of Barrington Tops. There are a variety of guided walks and tours available. The Mountain Maid Gold Mine Tour allows you to step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures of a real gold mine and discover its historic buildings and even pan for gold. Tours are generally available every Wednesday and Saturday. There is even a special Ghost Tour for the brave at heart. For pricing and tour times please call 1300 072 757 or check the National Parks website.
Our Cultural Trails
Our cultural trails are a great way to explore the heritage and history of the Mid North Coast. You'll find Aboriginal experiences, regional museums, fascinating heritage places and beautiful cultural walks right here. You can even explore our histories in the comfort of your own home with our online trails.
