He said the Oxley name is synonymous with the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

Written in the first person, I Went With John Oxley was completed in around seven months. Copies have been donated to the library and the Port Macquarie Historical Society.

Mr Grimmond said Oxley was born of aristocratic stock and was charged with searching for the fabled inland sea by Governor Macquarie.

“The governor of the day initiated the journey to source the inland sea,” he said. “There was a strong belief at the time that there was an inland body of water.

“Oxley was placed in charge of some 12 convicts and they went up the Macquarie River. However it turned into marshes and the search ended.

“The convicts must have known they were likely to receive a pardon (for their efforts) but they must have been scared. 

“I bet there were many times that they thought they would never get back. The book contains original diary notes which include some terrible conditions experienced during the trip.”

With the search over, and in order to return to European settlement, Oxley and his party decided to head due east for the coast before planning on turning south for Newcastle.

“On their way, they named Mount Seaview, spent time in and around Wauchope – they even went up Bago too – before finding their way to what is now Port Macquarie.

“He was impressed by the cedar trees and it was eventually recommended as a penal settlement. The port was surveyed in 1819 and 1820 and European settlement took place in 1821.”

Mr Grimmond says Oxley’s bicentenary deserved to be recognised and celebrated.

“I don’t think the public is aware that this is such a big event. Essentially John Oxley put Port Macquarie on the map,” he said.

The limited edition book was also presented to Richard Grimmond’s grandchildren.