Fancy a quiet drink, or a spot of lunch - Settlers Arms

Settlers Arms

Step back into Australia's early colonial days and stop for a quiet drink at the historic pub of St Albans the Settlers Arms.

Located on the Macdonald River, a branch from the Hawkesburry River St Albans is hidden away from the world that has grown around it.

Though the local population has declined over the years since the days travellers would stop by at the Settlers Arms on their way to the North Coast following the convict built Northern Road.

The Inn's sandstone construction is a magnificant display of Australia's early colonial history and stands to remind us of the turbulent times that the Inn has experienced. At one point the Inn was reduced to a general store as the dwindling poplation and less travellers through the area made it unprofitable to run as an Inn.

In todays time the Inn stands as a reminder of the valleys past and offers a great place to relax and enjoy some food and beverages. Sit in the shady beer garden or even stay the night in the available accomodation.

The area also has camp sites available directly opposite the Inn, where you can stay and enjoy the area.

Ref: http://www.saintalbans.org.au

There are several ways to get to St Albans and the Settlers Arms Hotel, all of which offer great scenery and an amazing drive.  Two main routes from the south cross the Hawkesbury River, then wind along side the McDonald River. One option makes use of the Webbs Creek Ferry and the other takes the Hawkesbury River Ferry.

Webbs Creek Ferry

From the North you can come in via Buckety but the road when travelled recently is still dirt, whilst the other routes are all sealed. If your coming from the Central Coast probably best following Wisemans Ferry road through central mangrove.

Well worth the drive with a great spot for lunch at the end. Pub meals are available.

Stockton Beach

Looking for some 4WDing with a difference, nothing but sand, sand and more sand. Stockton Beach near Newcastle in NSW has to contain some of the biggest sand dunes outside of the desert. So grab your 4WD and explore the dunes.

Stockton offers many other adventures, from camping to fishing. You can even drive up to and check out the old wreck.

Minnamurra Rainforest

The Minamurra Rainforest is located in the Budderoo National Park about 2 hours South of Sydney. It offers a fantastic place to explore with its elevated boardwalks. For those after a longer walk option, you can walk down to the falls for that added adventure.

West-Head

If you enjoy spectacular views and love to have a refreshing swim with a bushwalk , then why not head over to West Head for a stroll. Access is best obtained via West Head road be vehicle but the road is a great palce to cycle too. From West-head road you can park at various stopping bays that offer different attractions, from Aboriginal carvings, bush walks or views over Pittwater and Broken Bay.

At the end of West Head road you can enjoy the amazing view of Broken Bay looking towards Barrenjoey Light House. From West Head road you can walk down to the water where you can enjoy a nice refreshing swim.

Blue Mountains Canyon's

The Blue Mountains in New South Wales has to be one of the best places for any adventurer. It offers many opportunities from spectacular walks, mountain biking , canyoning and more.

For the experienced canyoner there are many places waiting to be explored, but most aren't for the light hearted or ill equipped. There are many adventure tours that can take those who are less experienced but I personally prefer exploring them in small groups so you can enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Brooklyn Dam

A beautiful spot to cool off on a warm day, Brookly Dam is one of the hidden treasures high above the small fishing village of Brooklyn. Build back in the late 1800's to provide water for Steam Trains the Dam still stands offering a great home for many of the native animals.

You can reach the Dam in many ways, by either taking the longer option from Cowan train station walking via Jerusalem Bay and finishing up a Brooklyn. Where you have Hawkesburry River railyway station to get a train back. Otherwise you can also just start from Brooklyn and walk approx 2 k's to the Dam and return back the same way.

Brooklyn offers some great Fish and Chips and a well deserved rest at the Anglers Arms before heading home.

Cockatoo Island

If your struggling for ideas of your next adventure, then I would highy recommend exploring Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is located on Sydney Harbour and is a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Once a peaceful natural habitat with many trees and scrubs and home to the local Aboriginal People it became an island that would house convicts and other colonial requirements. It more recently was an island trandformed into a major ship building yard, with many of the original buildings still standing.

You can explore the two tunnels that have been cut through the sandstone directly through the island. Walk through the old buildings and explore the old dry docks whilst admiring the tall cranes that have since ceased operation. Venturing to the top of the island you can explore the old convict sector and an amazing hall, that has been restored.

For the more adventurous you can even camp or book accomodation on the island and experience all the glory after dark. There are even audio tours which give a great explantion all over the island.

Part of the old ship yard housed an art exhibit which within the old work shops of n old ship yard gave a great atmosphere.

Best of all the entrance to the island is free and just requires you to pay for the ferry ride, though the audio tours my cost something extra its well worth the effort.

Looks like they have more plans to restore more parts of the island, so who know if the admission will be free for ever.