Port Macquarie Rocks

Slipping into the Hastings River across the bar at Port Macquarie, we were immediately intrigued by the large number of brightly painted rocks along the groyne. What was all that about? We didn't get to the bottom of how it began but did find out that at some point the local Council had plans to paint over the myriad of messages and memorials. There was a public outcry and the rock messages remain painted and updated too.

Some rocks are dedicated to love, some to loss, others to commemorate multiple holiday visits over successive years by large family groups to the local caravan park. Still others, offer encouragement for events like the Ironman  Triathlon that is held annually. We found it intriguing. It wasn't really graffiti.
 

Walk along the rivermouth to the bar.

 

Rock art.
   

Pedestrian life is very confusing in Port Macquarie.

We never felt confident while walking around the civic heart of Port Macquarie. Were we in a pedestrian mall, a car park or in the middle of an intersection? Civic leaders have discovered a way of euthanizing their senior citizens. Confuse them, then run them over. I found myself in the middle of a traffic lane on multiple occasions but luckily this is Port Macquarie and there's no real rush.

A huge stage was being erected for an open air concert just near the marina. We would soon be entertained by classic Aussie rocker, Jimmy Barnes.

Saturday evening became a rock extravaganza with live performances from The Angels, Noiseworks and Jimmy Barnes. Jimmy screamed his lungs out, for which he's well known, and even asked the front row if they could hear him. He said he was screaming louder than Jeffery Dahmer's house guests. He might have been right!

The Bloke enjoying the event from the comfort of our own deck and at a tolerable volume.

Yes, we danced too!

   

Lots of boats anchored up close, enabling a water-based view to enjoy the entertainment on the cheap.

It was all over by 8:30PM and time for oldies like us, to turn in.