New book offers rare insight into colonial company's might

Janis Winn with a rare 1828 print by an unknown artist. It features in her new book on a giant Australian pioneering pastoral company. Below: Detail from the watercolour showing the original European boat harbour in Port Stephens. Tahlee house is at top right amid bush. Pictures by Mike Scanlon

AN unusual view of the northern shore of Port Stephens has re-emerged in an historic artwork.

The rare watercolour print, dating from 1828-29, shows the original Cockrenoyo Point convict boat harbour plus a wide sweep of bay below present Tahlee House, close to the Karuah River mouth. It clearly throws the spotlight on the humble origins of Australia's largest pastoral company, which began on these very shores almost 200 years ago.