About Us
The Settlers Arms Inn has a long history of local Hawkesbury and Macdonald Valley people buying and running the Inn with their families and local hired help. The Inn was built by John Sullivan who also became its first Licencee. He and subsequent publicans and their wives catered to the ever growing patronage of locals as well as travellers heading up to the Hunter Valley and beyond. Before the railway and highway crossings over the lower Hawkesbury River, the closest northern approaches to Sydney were through St Albans and Wisemans Ferry.
Built beside the Macdonald River in the village of St Albans, the Inn has endured many bushfires and floods in the valley and yet still remains as a community hub beloved by generations of locals and visitors alike. Visitors include former Prime Ministers as well as celebrities of stage, film, television and radio.
I
Ian Burns-Woods, the current Publican has owned and run the Inn with his wife and family for over thirty five years. During that time, he has written several books exploring the myths and history of the Macdonald River valley. He has so many stories to tell to those who would be willing to listen over a beer or glass of wine, especially with music playing in the background.
Now, at over 80 years of age, he is looking to retire.
The Inn is on the market and is available for immediate sale.