The festival will run from Saturday April 12 through to Sunday April 27 and will feature over 25 activities, exhibitions and lectures that celebrate the people, stories, landmarks and collections of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

In particular, Wauchope will be showcased with a series of exciting events and exhibitions designed to highlight the township and its important history.

"Events will be happening right across NSW as part of the 2014 National Trust Heritage Festival," said Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor, Peter Besseling.

"For the 16th year here in the Hastings, we are celebrating the amazing stories of our landmarks, local people, collections and significant sites, stories which connect the present to the past and provide interesting insights into our heritage."

"Many community and heritage groups will be working together to promote our unique heritage and hold events which support this year's theme journeys," said Mr Besseling.

Leading the event organisation is Jeannette Rainbow from the Wauchope District Historical Society who believes this year's festival will be the best yet.

"The Heritage Festival continues to get bigger and better every year," said Mrs Rainbow.

"The events and exhibitions provide a chance for everyone to be part of the festival".

The program of events has been compiled and beautifully presented by the Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

"It's really a great program," said Mrs Rainbow.

"It's also really lovely to have all the local government areas represented".

Mrs Rainbow reiterated that all proceeds from the events held in Wauchope will go towards Wauchope's Centenary of Rail in 2015.

"We are really hoping of course that next year Wauchope will be the feature town in the program"

This year that title is being enjoyed by Kendall with the official festival opening ceremony being held at the Kendall Services and Citizens Club on Sunday April 13.

The events scheduled for Wauchope include a Wauchope to Wingham rail escape on the XPT, a scenic tour through the Upper Hastings Area, and a cruise from Port to Wauchope on the River Princess.

Timbertown will also be holding a free exhibition during the festival as a tribute to our pioneer timber getters.

"This annual festival is a great reminder of the rich heritage which surrounds us in the Hastings and the integral role we play in Australia's story," said Mayor Peter Besseling.

Hard copies of the stunning event booklet will be available this week or you can visit the council website and download a copy.

Go to: www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Lists/Event-Activities/2014-Heritage-Festival

For more information on the Rail Escape, Treasure Tour or Hastings River Cruise or to book please contact Jeannette Rainbow on: 6585 1895 or 0424 226 258.