Old Court House

With its dignified sandstone facade and shady verandah, the Old Court House in Port Macquarie is a beautifully preserved piece of 19th-century colonial history. Built in 1836, this elegant building served as the town’s courthouse until the 1970s and now operates as a museum run by the Port Macquarie Historical Society. Stepping inside feels like walking into a time capsule: the original courtroom, the magistrate’s bench, and the holding cells are all intact, and the museum’s collection of local photographs, artefacts, and domestic items paints a vivid picture of early settler life. It’s a compact but absorbing stop that adds real depth to any visit to the town.

Highlights & What to See

• Original Courtroom: The main courtroom is preserved as it was, complete with the judge’s bench, jury box, and public gallery – you can almost hear the gavel fall.
• Holding Cells: Explore the tiny, stone-walled cells where prisoners were held before trial; the graffiti scratched into the walls tells its own stories.
• Local History Exhibits: The museum rooms display everything from convict-era tools to vintage clothing, shipwreck relics, and photographs of old Port Macquarie – a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.
• Guided Tours: Friendly volunteers offer guided tours that bring the building’s history to life, sharing tales of famous trials, ghost sightings, and the building’s role in the community.
• Gardens & Grounds: The surrounding grounds are pleasant for a stroll, with mature trees and a picnic area – a quiet spot to reflect after your visit.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to see the museum thoroughly, especially if you join a guided tour. It’s a small site, so you can easily combine it with a walk along the nearby Hastings River or a visit to the Port Macquarie Museum (also on the same street). Most visitors find that half a morning or afternoon is plenty to soak up the history without feeling rushed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie Museum – Just a short walk away, this larger museum offers even more local history, from Indigenous culture to maritime heritage.
• Hastings River Walk – A scenic riverside path that connects the Old Court House to the town centre and the historic wharf area.
• Port Macquarie Historic Cemetery – A peaceful, tree-shaded cemetery with graves dating back to the 1820s, including those of convicts and early settlers.
• Koala Hospital – A 10-minute drive away, this world-famous wildlife hospital lets you see rescued koalas up close.
• Tacking Point Lighthouse – A 15-minute drive east, this charming 1879 lighthouse offers stunning coastal views and is a great spot for whale watching in season.

Please check official sources for current details.