The Hastings Valley Local History
The Hastings Valley is a region located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is approximately 400km north of Sydney and 400km south of Brisbane, making it an ideal location for tourists travelling between the two major cities.
The region is named after the Hastings River, which runs through the valley. The river was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after the Earl of Hastings, who was then the President of the Royal Society.
The indigenous Gathang people were the first inhabitants of the Hastings Valley. They have a rich cultural history, which is still evident in the region today. The Gathang people were hunters and gatherers and relied on the river and surrounding bushland for food and other resources. They also had a strong spiritual connection to the land and the river.
The region was first settled by Europeans in the early 1800s. The first settlers were mainly convicts and soldiers, who were given land in the area as a reward for their service. They established small farms and began to grow crops, such as wheat, maize, and tobacco.
In 1821, a group of free settlers arrived in the region from the UK. They established the town of Port Macquarie, which was named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie. Port Macquarie became an important port for shipping goods to Sydney and other parts of Australia.
By the mid-1800s, the region had begun to prosper. The discovery of gold in nearby areas, such as the Macleay Valley, brought a new wave of settlers to the region. The gold rush also led to the development of new industries, such as timber and dairy farming.
In 1887, the railway line from Sydney reached Port Macquarie. This opened up the region to more visitors and allowed for easier transportation of goods. By the early 1900s, tourism had become an important industry in the Hastings Valley. Visitors came to the area to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, including the pristine beaches and national parks.
Throughout the 1900s, the region continued to grow and develop. New towns were established, such as Wauchope and Laurieton. The timber industry also continued to thrive, with large sawmills established in the region. The dairy industry also became an important part of the local economy.
Today, the Hastings Valley is a thriving region with a diverse economy. The area is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, national parks, and the Hastings River. The region is also home to a range of industries, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Overall, the history of the Hastings Valley is a story of growth, development, and adaptation. From the early days of settlement to the present, the region has evolved and adapted to changing economic and social conditions. Today, the Hastings Valley is a thriving region with a rich cultural heritage and a bright future ahead.