Mid North Coast Fire Museum

A retired firefighter’s stories are often told around barbecues or in the corner of a local pub—but in Port Macquarie, they’ve built a whole museum for them.

Tucked inside a modest building just off the main road (referred to as 'The Shed'), the Mid North Coast Fire Museum is a passion project run entirely by retired firefighters. These veterans of the fire service not only care for the exhibits but also bring them to life with first-hand stories of firefighting in the local area.

Despite the museum’s compact size, its collection is surprisingly rich, curated with historical pieces collected by the original members that founded the local station. It includes firefighting memorabilia from across New South Wales and further afield—there’s even gear from the United Kingdom. Two fire trucks take pride of place in the display. One of them still sees action, albeit in a more peaceful capacity: on sunny days, it’s known to cruise through town, turning heads and delighting passersby.

More than just a look at the tools of the trade, this museum is a heartfelt tribute to a tight-knit community of first responders. It’s the kind of place where the walls feel like they’ve got stories to tell, and luckily, the storytellers are right there beside them.