Dotted with historic pubs that have operated for over 200 years, the Hawkesbury region is soaked in history and ready to be explored.
A day trip to the Hawkesbury will take you back in time as you visit the heritage pubs that have served thousands of locals, travellers, and passers-by over the years.
This tastefully designed heritage pub in the heart of Richmond is a great place for a pub feed and a good time with friends. Retaining the historic character and charm of its 170-year-old history, the Royal Richmond Hotel is fitted with spacious dining areas, a new cocktail bar, and a glasshouse-style bistro.
What we love most is their commitment to sourcing their produce locally. Making the most of their location in the Hawkesbury food bowl you can taste the freshness of their house made sausages, meats, and salads.
Opened by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1815, the Macquarie Arms Hotel is Australia’s oldest inn and sits in Thompson Square Windsor. Macquarie established the town of Windsor as permanent town with investment into public buildings and roads. The Macquarie Arms Hotel was one such building and was appointed to be built as an inn to service the growing area.
To this day, this Georgian hotel is a great stop for lunch, afternoon drinks, or dinner. Try their hearty pot pie as you sit back in this well-used local favourite.
Sitting on a site that has continuously operated as a hotel since 1840, the Tates Hotel as it is known today is a stylishly renovated local pub reminiscent of changing eras – which means they certainly know how to do a classic pub feed.
We love their innovative use of out-indoor space with a spacious beer garden made for memorable get-togethers. Sit out here and enjoying a parmy and the beautiful building exterior that preserves this hotel’s history – a great match.
Radiantly positioned next to the meandering Macdonald River, the 1836-built Settlers Arms Inn will take you back in time as you stop for a sunny lunch in their backyard setting.
During the nineteenth century, this was a popular stopover for horse and carriage coaches travelling to and from Sydney and Newcastle. And today, the hotel remains a great place to stop along the scenic St Albans daytrip loop around the Macdonald valley.
Tuck into a home-style pub feed and don’t miss their much-loved Settler’s Arms Wagyu Beef pie or their date and ginger pudding. Take time to slow down, watch the chickens and maybe even spot a peacock or two.
The Wisemans Ferry Inn Hotel is an impressive pub overlooking the Hawkesbury River since it was built by the town’s namesake Solomon Wiseman in 1827.
Today, the pub includes Cobham Hall Museum which is a snapshot of what the town and inn once was – all contained in the rafters of the hotel.
Spend an afternoon on the spacious bistro deck with a picturesque view. From here, you can treat yourself to their generous menu featuring local and Australian produce. We recommend any of their beef steaks to top off a sunny afternoon.
The buildings that line the streets are often full of history only discovered once you take a step inside. A daytrip to the Hawkesbury is about discovering this fusion of heritage charm and contemporary cuisine – and pubs are always a good place to start.