Patonga NSW

Patonga is a river side town located directly on the Northern Banks at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. It has many opportunities for an adventure with a boat ramp, ferry wharf, sandy beach the perfect launching spot for any water based activity.

There are several ways to reach Patonga including road and even on foot walking the Great North Walk. For some people the drive by car can take many hours, especially if you were to live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. A good alternative to driving is to catch the ferry which is a spectacular trip on a great day. Have a look at Palm Beach Ferries or Sydney Scenic Cruises for some routes that cover Patonga.

Whilst in Patonga you can enjoy a refreshing ale in the beer garden of the local Patonga Beach Hotel, a coffee in the cafe or a bite of fish and chips from the general store.

Watson Bay by Ferry - Fish and Chips and the sea breaze

Looking for a lazy Sunday that it still packed with a little bit of adventure, then how about taking a Ferry Ride to Watsons Bay.

Watsons Bay is a beautiful part of Sydney, located right on Sydney Harbor in an area well know for its expensive real estate and neighboring attractions such as The Gap. Also famous for its Fish and Chips Doyles.

Watsons Bay

Getting there:- 

Travelling to Watsons Bay is more of an adventure if you travel by Ferry. A ferry service runs very regularly and can be boarded from several locations such as Circular Quay. I suggest checking the Sydney Transport Info for your best travel options.

What can I do there :-

Why not grab a feed of fish and chips and enjoy the beautiful park or sandy beach. If a sit down meal or a beer is more your fancy then try Doyles or the Watsons Bay Hotel. 

You can stroll up the hill and take in the magnificent harbor views and cliff and views from The Gap.

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.