Annabella Downs is named after Annabella Boswell, a diarist and gentlewoman, was born on 16 September 1826 at Yarrows, Bathurst Plains, New South Wales, elder daughter of George Innes. In 1839, they moved to Port Macquarie to live with his brother Major Archibald Innes. Already a prolific diarist, Annabella found much to write about at Lake Innes House and the nearby settlement. The house was noted for its hospitality, aided by liveried footmen, maids, stable hands and a piper. Foremost among the many guests was Governor FitzRoy with his entourage. Lively reports of events, fashions worn, foods consumed and visitors' personal quirks duly appeared in Annabella's journal.
A knowledgeable gardener and horsewoman, Annabella was proficient in most of the domestic skills required of a countrywoman. Quick to learn, she could crack a whip as well as any stockman or churn butter. She was also a fine water-colourist and pianist. In March 1843 a giant comet appeared, terrifying local people, who were convinced it presaged the end of the world. Annabella described it as, 'magnificent—the tail is beautiful, springing upwards from the star like an aigrette of light'.