Past adventure.
 

ADVENTURE REPORT
Blessed with glorious weather yesterday 18 keen Adventurers (Johan, JennS, Marian, Gina, Geoff, Sandra, JenA, Sue, Lisa, Marina, Terry, Alex, Mary-Lou, Bruce, Pam, Rob, Cathy & myself) converged on the little village of Wisemans Ferry from the north, south and west. From the Meetup Point on the southern shore of the Hawkesbury River the high escarpment on the opposite bank loomed very large. I’m sure many wondered how it would be scaled, transversed, and descended on this 12.5km loop walk that followed in the footsteps of early surveyors, engineers, guards and hundreds of convict labourers who built this difficult section of the Great North Rd over 187 years ago.

Despite the rough and steep track at the start we were rewarded at the top with amazing views up and down the river and over the village far below. The track evolved into a pleasant country lane, then an amazing hand crafted road down Devines Hill. The construction feats and engineering challenges were admired as were the stories of the convicts, their conditions, and back stories as we returned along this World Heritage listed section.

A filling pub lunch, drinks, live band and conversation were enjoyed afterwards at the Wisemans Inn supposedly haunted after the tragic death of Solomon Wiseman’s wife Jane, but that’s another story.

It was a great day, great location, great company !!!

Yours in adventure Nick

ADVENTURE DETAILS
A great 12.5km loop walk along bush tracks and then the historic convict-built road. 4 to 5 hours. Panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River. Easy to medium difficulty walk, starting with a 45min climb up to the ridge top, across, then downhill along the unused heritage listed road. Lunch at a nearby café afterwards.

Meet at the Convict Trail Kiosk opposite the car ferry. The kiosk opens at 9am for those who need a coffee and cake fix. There is plenty of parking behind the kiosk. Click the Meetup Point button for directions. From there we’ll travel by foot across the river on the ferry and then up and around the hill opposite.

Lunch options are the Heritage Valley Café or the Wisemans Inn Hotel both opposite the petrol station back in the Wisemans Ferry village.

Note mobile phone coverage is very limited in Wisemans Ferry. Don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks. We’ll probably stop twice along the trail.