Roto House
Roto House Historic Site
Overview
Step back in time and explore the rooms of Roto House, a beautifully preserved, late-Victorian building. If you're lucky you might spot a koala in the surrounding trees.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Where
- 2 Roto Place, Port Macquarie, NSW, 2444 - in Roto House Historic Site
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Opening times
Roto House is:
- Open daily 10am – 4.30pm, but closed on Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and Anzac Day morning.
- Roto House is staffed by volunteers, so occasionally visitors may find it closed due to unavailability of staff.
- What to
bring - Sunscreen, drinking water, hat
- Please note
- Bring your binoculars to see birds and koalas, as well as a camera.
From the moment you pass the picket fence and enter the bull-nosed verandah of Roto House, it feels as though you've stepped back in time. Passing inside the front door flanked by ruby lights, you'll enter a grand hallway decorated with cast iron lamps suspended from the ceiling.
Built by surveyor John Flynn in 1891, this 11 room weatherboard house constructed from local red mahogany was occupied by his family right up until 1979. It's still lovingly maintained by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to this day.
Volunteers are available to answer questions and show you around if you're part of a pre-booked tour group.
Weddings can also be booked here and there's plenty of space to set up a marquee. The house and gardens make a unique backdrop for any celebration, ensuring your photos will be special.
If you're just here for the afternoon, make sure the kids get to experience one of the highlights of the park; the Koala Hospital.
Take a virtual tour of Roto House captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Also see
-
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.
-
Port Macquarie coastal walk
You'll pass historic sites, stunning coastal scenery, beaches, and rainforest along the Port Macquarie coastal walk. It can be enjoyed as a full day walk or broken up into several short walks.
-
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
Close to Port Macquarie, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the gateway to your rainforest experience. Friendly staff provide information and there is a café where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch.
Map
Map legend
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/roto-house/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Roto House Historic Site in the North Coast region
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Roto House.
Getting there and parking
Roto House is in Roto House Historic Site:
- Access to the parking area and wheelchair-accessible pathways to Roto House and the Koala Hospital is from Roto Place, off Lord Street.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available for cars and buses, including several designated disabled spots. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking can be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Roto House Historic Site. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Autumn is a very attractive time in the park as the days grow crisper and the light becomes softer.
Spring
Visit the park in spring to see the busy birds and the magnolia in bloom.
Winter
Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Roto House on a cold day.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
18°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
42.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
8°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
0°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
298.2mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Amenities
Picnic tables
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
This area is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dogs and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
