Innes Ruins

Innes Ruins Historic Site

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Innes Ruins at Innes Ruins Historic Site, near Port Macquarie, is a great place to learn more about early European settlement history in NSW.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
Innes Ruins Historic Site in North Coast
Accessibility
Medium

Innes Ruins has a charming setting looking over Lake Innes and is an important remnant of early settlement days on the north coast of NSW. Built by Major Archibald Clunes Innes, it contains rich history about the settlement of NSW, convict labour and the culture of the 1800s.

The Depression of the 1840s brought financial ruin to Innes, and the closure of Port Macquarie as a penal settlement deprived him of convict labour. Following his departure, the house was occupied by a number of people over time, but was derelict by the beginning of the 1900s. It subsequently deteriorated to its present state as a result of natural decay and vandalism.

Today, the ruins are classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Access to the site is by guided tour only.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Googik Heritage walking track, Lake Innes Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Googik Heritage walking track

    Enjoy walking, hiking or cycling along Googik Heritage walking track in Lake Innes Nature Reserve while taking in some of the great sights of Port Macquarie.

  • Perch Hole picnic area, Lake Innes Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

    Perch Hole picnic area

    Perch Hole picnic area, beside Lake Innes, is an idyllic spot for a family celebration, a romantic picnic, or to get away from it all and enjoy some solitude in the middle of nature.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/innes-ruins/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Innes Ruins.

Getting there and parking

Access to this site is via guided tour only.

Innes Ruins Historic Site’s public access gate is 8km west of Port Macquarie town centre:

  • From the Oxley Highway take the John Oxley Drive roundabout exit and turn left onto The Ruins Way.
  • Follow The Ruins Way to the southern end, turn right onto The Point Drive, and stop at the locked gate on the left.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

There is free parking in the Innes Ruins carpark.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

The boardwalk has gentle grades and no steps, and is accessible for wheelchairs, prams and visitors with limited mobility. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas, such as grassy surfaces.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.