Patonga had a long First Nations history prior to the arrival of the English.
Rock carving of two people found at Patonga
Rock carving of a turtle found at Patonga
There are many examples of rock art in the Patonga bushland including rock engravings, cave art, hand stencils and grinding grooves.
The ridgetops between Patonga and Pearl Beach were once the site of a Bora ring, an Aboriginal initiation and ceremonial site, but unfortunately most of the stonework marking the site was removed by people collecting bushrock and destroying the sites.
Patonga is on the New South Wales Central Coast, surrounded by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay.
Patonga is believed to mean ‘oyster’ in the local Guring-gai language. It probably referred to the Sydney Rock Oyster which abounds in the area.
It is not known whether this was the Aboriginal name given to the place or a name given by European settlers at a later time.
The First Nations peoples in this region are the Garrigal or Garrugal clan, residing on both sides of the Hawkesbury River.
Patonga is well known as a sleepy fishing village, and a place to ‘get away from it all’.
European settlement of the area occurred around the 1860’s, and some time later, a fisherman named Robert Robson resided in the area.
During the Great Depression of the 1930’s, people were attracted to Patonga because they could live cheaply off the land. The creek and the calm bay provided abundant fish.
Patonga was popular with day trippers and access to Patonga was only by boat, until 1937 when a road was built from Umina.
Oyster farming is the main local industry in the area, and Patonga Bay is still occupied by fisherman who supply to the Sydney Fish Market daily.
Excursion Streamer at Patonga Wharf
Original fibro houses
Patonga today is a haven for artists and nature lovers.
Local artist Jocelyn Maughan OAM paints local animals and birds on the garage doors of Patonga - see how many you can spot!