The guard post for Port Macquarie

Before becoming the township it is today, Camden Haven was used as a guard post for preventing convict escape from Australia's first penal colony, in Port Macquarie.

Guarding the Port

In the early 19th century, Port Macquarie emerged as an important penal settlement for the British Empire. Its location and access to the ocean made it vulnerable to potential attacks or escape attempts by convicts. Recognizing the need for a protective barrier, the British established a guard post at Camden Haven, strategically positioned between Port Macquarie and the outside world.

Convicts at the Port Macquarie penal colony

Image courtesy of Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service 

Fortifying the Region

The establishment of the guard post at Camden Haven brought a surge of activity and investment to the area. Military installations, including fortifications and lookouts, were constructed to monitor the coastline, ensuring the security of Port Macquarie. 

Impetus for Settlement

The presence of the guard post provided a sense of security and stability, enticing  settlers to establish roots in Camden Haven. The region went on to flourish with the arrival of farmers, merchants, and tradespeople who supported and serviced the guard post and its personnel. The growing settlement contributed it's share to the region's development of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and communication networks.