Macdonald Valley

The community of St Albans and Wisemans Ferry

Forgotten no more...

Much has been written about the Macdonald Valley. "Shortly after the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788 Governor Arthur Phillip explored the northern coastline and discovered Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. In July 1790, the Governor returned to Broken Bay and was rowed up the Hawkesbury River for some distance. Sighting the Macdonald River he named this 'First Branch'. He spent two days in the lower reaches of 'First Branch' before continuing upstream to discover the Colo Rover or 'Second Branch'. Later these two rivers were sometimes referred to as the 'Lower' and 'Upper' Branches." (The Forgotten Valley, M.Hutton Neve, 1978)

"In 1841 the Valley had an approximate population of nearly 1200 men, women and children....at 1901 the total being reduced to 486. The 1966 census revealed that only 79 'head' were in the Valley, but at 1971 the census count showed a doubling to 149, some of the newcomers being 'foreigners' who, tired of the tensions, teh noise and the pollution of city life, have found a haven of peace and rural serenity wherein to retire."

The Secret River by Kate Grenville, is set in the early nineteenth century, on what then the frontier between British colonists and Australia's indigenous people: the Hawkesbury River. The character William Thornhill, was inspired by Kate's great-great-great grandfather Solomon Wiseman who was an illiterate Thames bargeman transported to Australia in 1806 for stealing a load of timber. Within a few years he was pardoned, and “took up land”, as the euphemism goes, on the banks of the Hawkesbury.

The census data of 2016 shows the population of St Albans as 158. This is boosted, mainly at weekends,
by people visiting second homes and day-trippers.

Dyarubbin and Gunanday

These long, winding and ancient rivers have been home to the Darug and Darkinjung peoples for millennia, and their culture is intrinsically connected to the rivers. Dyarubbin is the Hawkesbury River; Gunanday, the Macdonald River.

St Albans

The home of the Settlers Arms, the Church of St Alban the Martyr, the School of Arts Hall, the Pickled Wombat restaurant, the RFS, and
St Albans Park (which hosts some sculptures by Halifax Hayes). There is a village market every month at the 'barn yard'.

Wisemans Ferry

With the oldest ferry crossing still in operation in New South Wales, Wisemans Ferry is a charming village with a supermarket, petrol station, post office, chemist, Ferry Artists Gallery, Bowling Club, Heritage Valley Café, and the Wisemans Inn Hotel.

St Albans Common Trust

St Albans Common, on which commoners (local home owners) can keep livestock, is managed under a trust. Regular events and musters are hosted on the Common.

Macdonald Valley Association

The Macdonald Valley Association partners with valley locals to undertake funded projects that will improve the lives of its residents.

Village Market

A monthly market featuring local artists and fresh local produce, e.g. fruit, vegetables, honey, fresh bread, etc. (© Luke Kelly Artwork)

Yanada

An idyllic bush retreat offering a welcome respite from city life in a tranquil and intimate environment.

Bandusia

Bandusia is a country-style retreat featuring more work by Halifax Hayes. It is the preeminent permaculture centre in NSW.

The Pickled Wombat

Restaurant/café under new management, opening soon with the promise of great coffee, snacks and meals.

HALIFAX