The Macleay Valley Coast Local History
The Macleay Valley Coast region of New South Wales, Australia has a rich local history dating back thousands of years. The region is home to the Aboriginal Dunghutti people, who have lived in the area for over 40,000 years.
European explorers and settlers arrived in the region in the late 1700s, with the first recorded European contact occurring in 1770 when Captain James Cook sailed up the coast and named the nearby Smoky Cape. In 1818, Captain Phillip Parker King was the first European to enter the Macleay River and explore the area.
The first permanent settlement was established by the Australian Agricultural Company in 1836, which established a sheep station and a cedar-cutting industry. The cedar industry was particularly lucrative, and many of the buildings in the area were constructed using locally sourced cedar.
In 1844, Frederick Augustus Hely arrived in the region to take up his position as Police Magistrate for the Macleay District. Hely is credited with laying the foundations of the modern town of Kempsey, which he named after his friend and fellow magistrate, S.A. Kemp. Hely also oversaw the construction of the first courthouse in Kempsey, which still stands today and is one of the oldest public buildings in Australia.
In the late 1800s, the region experienced a boom in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of sugar cane and dairy farming. Kempsey became a center for sugar cane and saw the establishment of several sugar mills. The town also became a major hub for the dairy industry, with many local dairy farmers supplying milk to the nearby Nestle factory.
During World War II, the region was used as a training ground for Australian soldiers. The large-scale military presence in the area brought significant changes to the region, including the construction of numerous military camps and airfields. The influx of soldiers and their families also brought an economic boom to the region, with many local businesses prospering during this time.
In the years following the war, the region experienced significant growth and development. The construction of new roads and bridges made the region more accessible, and several new industries were established, including forestry and tourism.
Today, the Macleay Valley Coast region is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural scenery, and rich local history. Visitors to the area can explore numerous historic sites and landmarks, including the Kempsey courthouse, South West Rocks lighthouse, and the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park.
In addition to its historic attractions, the region boasts a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, surfing, and hiking. Visitors can explore the nearby Macleay River National Park, which offers stunning views and beautiful walking trails.
Despite the many changes that have occurred over the centuries, the Macleay Valley Coast region remains a unique and beautiful part of Australia, with a rich local history that is still visible in its landscapes and communities today.