21. Australia Hotel
There was only one hotel in the area during the great coal boom era that sold Tooheys beer. That hotel is your next stop, and the halfway mark in your walk. The Australia hotel was built in 1923 by Joseph Sumner, who was a former deputy at Abermain No. 2 Colliery and originally called Sumner's Australia Hotel. It was famous for its “black beer” which miners would stop in for on their way home. At times, it was also famous for the greatest volume of beer sold in Cessnock at a single establishment.
Much of the 1920s is left in the building after extensive refurbishment by the current owners who have also purchased a huge collection of coal mining memorabilia which can be seen around the pub and restaurant.