Sent off our heavy Baggage for Bathurst Plains at 8 a.m. and Breakfasted at that Hour. After Breakfast, we mounted our Horses and rode up for 3 miles along the Right Bank of the Campbell River to take a view of "Mitchell Plains", which is a fine rich Tract of Land extending for a mile and a half along the River and for nearly Half a mile on each side of it; the land being very fit for small Farms, both on account of its richness of Soil on the low grounds for cultivation, and the Hills in rear thereof being excellent for Grazing.---

We saw great numbers of Water Moles in the Campbell-River at Mitchell Plains. -- We came back again the same way we went from Mitchell Plains to our last Ground at the Bridge over the Campbell River; from whence we set out in the Carriage for Bathurst Plains at 11 a.m.---

After riding about 9 miles through a very pretty wooded Country we arrived on a height which commanded a very extensive, grand, and noble view of Bathurst Plains extending on both sides of the Macquarie River for 11 miles and for nearly 3 miles on each side of it, being almost entirely clear of Timber for that extent.---

Mrs. M. and myself mounted our Horses when within a Mile of the Grand Dept on the Macquarie River, Mr. Evans the Dy. Surveyor having rode out and met us some little time before. We arrived at the Dept at 1/2 past 1 p.m. the Guard being turned out to receive us, and the whole of the People, who gave us three Cheers! -- We found here also three adult male Natives and four Native Boys of this new discovered Tract of Country, who shewed great surprise, mixed with no small degree of fear at seeing so many strangers, Horses and Carriages -- but to which they soon appeared to be reconciled on being kindly spoken to. They were all clothed with Mantles made of the Skins of Opossums, which were very neatly sewn together, and the outside of the skins were Carved in a remarkable neat manner. They appear to be very inoffensive and cleanly in their Persons. -- In size and appearance they are like the Natives on the East side of the Blue Mountains; not being either stouter or taller in stature.---

The Grand Dept at Bathurst Plains is beautifully situated on a fine commanding Eminence on the Left Bank and South side of "Macquarie River", distant 10 1/4 miles from our last stage at the Campbell River; the Road being very good and easy for a Carriage the whole of this last stage. -- The appearance of Bathurst Plains from the Dept extending for many miles on both sides of the Macquarie River, and surrounded at a distance by fine verdant Hills, is truly grand, beautiful and interesting, forming one of the finest landscapes I ever saw in any Country I have yet visited. The Soil is uncommonly good and fertile, fit for every purpose of Cultivation and Pasture, being extremely well watered, and thinly wooded.---

At this beautiful spot I have established my Head Quarters for the present; intending hereafter to erect a Town and Township here for the convenience and accommodation of such Settlers as may be indulged with Grants of Lands in this new discovered Country. -- In the mean time I shall make Excursions from hence into the interior of the country in different directions.

On our arrival I found one of my Tents Pitched here, which had been sent on before us -- and which will serve for our Sleeping tent till the others are put up in more regular order tomorrow. ---

Mrs. M. I am happy to say, has bore the fatiguing Journey over the Blue Mountains to this Place wonderfully well indeed, and has arrived here in very good health. We sat down 12 to Dinner this day at 5 o'clock in the new Government Store; Mr. Evans having joined and being now one of our Party here. -- We played Cards in the Evening between Dinner and Tea, and retired at an early hour to Bed.

3 May 1815 | 5 May 1815