Getting to St Albans is half the fun. From Sydney, you’ll head toward Wisemans Ferry, where you have to cross the Hawkesbury River via a vehicular ferry. There’s something about that five-minute float across the water that officially signals the start of “country time.”
Once across, the drive into the Macdonald Valley is stunning. The road winds alongside the river, flanked by dramatic sandstone cliffs and lush green paddocks. By the time you pull up to the pub’s golden stone walls, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the days of Cobb & Co. stagecoaches.
The Vibe: Peacocks and Sandstone
The Settlers Arms isn’t your typical suburban “renovated” pub with neon lights and loud TVs. It is pure atmosphere.
- The Beer Garden: Massive, leafy deciduous trees shade a sprawling yard filled with heavy wooden tables. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for three hours and completely lose track of time.
- The Locals: Don’t be surprised to see a few peacocks wandering between the tables or a horse tied up at the hitching rail.
- The History: Inside, the walls are thick, the ceilings are low, and the original fireplaces roar during the winter months. You can almost feel the stories of the bushrangers and pioneers who once drank at the same bar.
On the Menu: Country Comfort
The food here is exactly what “country pub” fare should be—honest, generous, and hearty.
- The Classics: Their Chicken Schnitzel is legendary in the Hawkesbury, often cited as one of the best in the state.
- The Mains: You’ll find thick-cut steaks (like the 300g Scotch Fillet), grilled barramundi, and homemade beef burgers that require two hands to finish.
- The Entertainment: If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, there’s almost always live music in the garden—usually acoustic acts or jazz bands that perfectly match the relaxed, sun-drenched setting.
