Public Art plays a vital role in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.  The region was New South Wales’ 4th City of the Arts for 2001 to 2003. There are over 40 public artworks situated on great picnic sites, beaches and popular walking paths.  Some of these public artworks are outlined below:

Sir Edmund Barton - Centenary of Federation
This larger than life bronze sculpture commemorates Australia’s first Prime Minister who was the MLA for the Hastings and Macleay region in the years just before Federation. The sculpture was created in 2002 by Carl Merten with the services of the Phoenix Foundry. Located on Town Green at the northern end of Horton Street, Port Macquarie.

A Device for Orienting Oneself at the Centre of the Universe
This sculpture was created by Stephen Killick in 2001. The images of the sphere represent the past, present and future and aspects of civilization than can be researched in the library. The sculpture depicts Port Macquarie as the centre of the universe. Located outside the library in Gordon Street, Port Macquarie.

Folly
The name of the sculpture at Windmill Hill is a play on the original name of the area. It was originally known as Gillman’s Folly until Major Innes had a windmill built there in 1825 to grind wheat and corn for government contracts. Folly, created by Rick Reynolds in 2004 represents the wooden shaft and stone grinding wheels of the windmill which once stood on the site. Complete with picnic tables this is a popular site for wedding ceremonies. Located at Windmill Hill Reserve, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie.

Memories of Harry
Harry Thompson looked after the reserve at Shelly Beach creating a lookout, a bush track of 254 hand carved steps and a unique style of bush furniture. He was both unofficial caretaker and an artist. To recognise Harry’s contribution Stephen Killick and Stephen King were commissioned to create hand carved sculptural timber furniture including King and Queen Chairs and an entrance archway at Harry’s Lookout. This is a very popular spot for weddings. Located at Harry’s Lookout, Shelly Beach, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie.

Shelly Beach
Down at the beach Stephen Killick and Stephen King have also recreated Harry’s caravan as a picnic table and totem reflecting his unofficial title of mayor of Shelly Beach. In addition local artist, Sue Bell, ran community workshops for people to create tiles of their memories of Harry. The subsequent Spiral Path tells a playful and narrative story of Harry Thompson. Located at Shelly Beach, Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie.