THEME PARKS GLEN WILLIAM

A former courthouse building (1869) is the site of a local history museum which focuses on Clarence Town as a terminal of navigation and river port. It's collection encompasses shipbuilding, exploration, maps, documents photographs, memorabilia, household items, timber-getting, agriculture and the history of the settlement of Williams River. In addition to the above, a native cottage garden is in the process of being established, together with a replica pioneer settlers cottage about to be constructed, materials on site, containing names, photographs (where available), and information on Pioneer Settlers; all surrounded by native trees. In this manner there will be provided a background to Clarence Town's heritage and a support to the Historical Museum.

To experience a truly memorable and unique holiday experience, why not book your ticket on one of Carriageway Resort's fully-restored red rattler train cabins! That's right, they've taken the historic Australian icons and converted them in to uncommon accommodation. Each features a queen bed and bunks catering for up to six people in comfort and one-of-a-kind style - just perfect for a family holiday. You get the run of a whole carriage! Each cabin is fully-self contained with a screened veranda to take in the view and includes a kitchenette, bathroom and lounge/dining area. Sleeping in a red rattler is a memorable experience for adults and children alike....

The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary was established in 1990 to care for rescued donkeys. Specifically, it offers shelter, food, refuge and care for abandoned, neglected, mistreated or ill donkeys. The sanctuary is at Glen William, approximately 30 kilometres south of Dungog in the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley. They would love to have you visit them and the Sanctuary has long been a favourite among groups. ...

Wallarobba Hall was built in 1936 and therefore is a typical Hall of that era. A supper room is adjacent to the main hall area with a new kitchen with basic kitchen facilities. They often hold functions at the hall. Toilets are new. The hall has a ramp and disabled toilet facilities. There is a clay tennis court at the rear of the hall. ...

The area which became known as Clarence Town was first settled by white settlers following the visit of Lieutenant Colonel Paterson who travelled up the river now known as the Williams River in 1801. The area was originally known as Erringhi ('place of wild duck' in the local dialect) but the name was changed to Clarence Town in 1832 after the Duke of Clarence, who in 1883 became King William the fourth. The ship building industry began to grow, as timber in the area was plentiful. Many ocean going vessels were loaded with timber for destinations in many parts of the world. The earliest economic activity in the Clarence Town area was cedar cutting, performed with convict labour from 1801. Clarence Town is located 20 kilometres south of Dungog. The village grew around the early river ports, which were used to transport timber from the area to Maitland, Newcastle and beyond. The village of Clarence Town was surveyed and proclaimed in 1823. The Clarence Town river port and ship building industry quickly began to grow, as timber in the area was plentiful and of good quality. Clarence Town’s location was determined by the fact that it was the head of navigation of that river and had a natural river crossing existing at the site of the present bridge. This was the William IV, a replica of which was built for Australia’s Bicentenary. In the absence of proper roads, Clarence Town became the head of navigation for goods transported further north to Dungog and Gloucester by bullock wagons and drays. Many historic buildings still remain but the main attraction of town is the Williams River. Its wide banks and calm conditions make it popular....

The boat ramp at Bridge Reserve (adjacent to the Williams River Holiday Park) at Clarence Town is a great spot to access the Williams River. One option is to travel upriver under the historic “Brig ‘O Johnson” Bridge and continue north along the Williams River towards Rowlands Falls. Your journey upstream will be through farmland and there is abundant of bird life to see. Clarence Town has a shipbuilding industry where Australia’s first ocean-going steamer was built. An important part of the regions economy in days gone by. The early establishment of relatively small farms on the river, and the ease of river transport led to rapid growth. Along with tobacco factories and steam driven flour mills, one of the earliest National Schools was founded here in 1849 - Source History in the Williams River Valley....