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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit are found in each of the tabs below
Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit
Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.9 km N of Wisemans Ferry
Length: 9.9 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 9.9 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Dharug National Park
Climb: 547 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 547 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Moderate

A great walk with a mixture of historic remnants of the Old Great North Rd, and some beautiful views over the Hawkesbury river and other valleys. Most of this walk follows parts of the convict built road, and a number of information signs along the way give a good insight into the construction and history of the road, making the walk more interesting. The last section of the walk, along Wisemans Ferry Rd, has some great views of the cliffs above. The historic Thomas James bridge, just before the end of the walk, is the oldest in-use bridge on mainland Australia. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
Hangmans Rock
Int of OGNR and Shepherds Gully Rd
Int of OGNR and Finchs Line
Finchs Line Lookout Int
Finchs Line Lookout Int
Finchs Line Sth viewpoint
Walk Bikes Signpost
Int of Finchs Line and Wisemans Ferry Rd
Wisemans Ferry Gosford Approach
Thomas James Bridge
Starting point for this hiking track: Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Gunderman 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91313S 
 Lower Portland 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-90312S 
 St Albans 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-90312N 
 Gosford 1:100 000 Map Series 9131 
 St Albans 1:100 000 Map Series 9031 

Photo Gallery

 
The Wisemans ferry end of the Old Great North Road
 
The Wisemans ferry end of the Old Great North Road +
 
Heading up the Old Great North Road
 
Heading up the Old Great North Road +
 
Interesting cliffs along the OGNR
 
Interesting cliffs along the OGNR +

 
The well formed OGNR
 
The well formed OGNR +
 
A rock cutting on the OGNR
 
A rock cutting on the OGNR +
 
High retaining wall on the Devines Hill ascent.
 
High retaining wall on the Devines Hill ascent. +

 
Old rock drill marks on the Old Great North Road
 
Old rock drill marks on the Old Great North Road +
 
Drainage culvert under the OGNR
 
Drainage culvert under the OGNR +
 
Drainage culvert outflow on the OGNR
 
Drainage culvert outflow on the OGNR +

 
Retaining wall support.
 
Retaining wall support. +
 
Convict Rock graffiti
 
Convict Rock graffiti +
 
Curved retaining wall
 
Curved retaining wall +

 
Hangmans Rock
 
Hangmans Rock +
 
Old quarry site on the Old Great North Road
 
Old quarry site on the Old Great North Road +
 
Retaining wall near the top of Devines Hill
 
Retaining wall near the top of Devines Hill +

 
Drainage culvert information display
 
Drainage culvert information display +
 
Across the top of Devines Hill
 
Across the top of Devines Hill +
 
Glimpses through the trees
 
Glimpses through the trees +

 
Part of Finchs Line of Road
 
Part of Finchs Line of Road +
 
Low retaining wall on Finchs Line of road
 
Low retaining wall on Finchs Line of road +
 
The trail along Finchs Line
 
The trail along Finchs Line +

 
Tussock grass along Finchs Line
 
Tussock grass along Finchs Line +
 
Views from Finchs lookout
 
Views from Finchs lookout +
 
Scenery along the way
 
Scenery along the way +

 
Abandoned building stones on Finchs Line road
 
Abandoned building stones on Finchs Line road +
 
Along Finchs Line road
 
Along Finchs Line road +
 
View from Finchs Line
 
View from Finchs Line +

 
Views from Finchs Line over Wisemans Ferry
 
Views from Finchs Line over Wisemans Ferry +
 
Viewpoint on a rock outcrop along Finchs Line
 
Viewpoint on a rock outcrop along Finchs Line +
 
Scenery along Finchs Line
 
Scenery along Finchs Line +

 
Views from Finchs Line
 
Views from Finchs Line +
 
Along Finchs Line
 
Along Finchs Line +
 
Old retaining wall on Finchs Line
 
Old retaining wall on Finchs Line +

 
Track along Finchs Line
 
Track along Finchs Line +
 
Ferns surrounding Finchs Line road
 
Ferns surrounding Finchs Line road +
 
Along Wisemans Ferry Rd
 
Along Wisemans Ferry Rd +

 
Reflections across the Hawkesbury
 
Reflections across the Hawkesbury +
 
Cliffs above Wisemans Ferry Rd
 
Cliffs above Wisemans Ferry Rd +
 
The historic Thomas James Bridge
 
The historic Thomas James Bridge +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 10km
Time 4 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.8km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 2.5km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (1.2km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 4.7km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk Wisemans Ferry Dialacar provides a taxi style mini-bus service based in Wisemans Ferry. The cost is typically about $1 per km (ex Wisemans Ferry). They will pick-up and drop-off from Sydney or the Central Coast and will happily drop walkers off or pick them up from tracks in the area. The cost for a pick-up from Gosford and drop off near Wisemans Ferry would be approximately $150 (please call for up-to-date pricing) and the minivan can carry up to 13 passengers. Phone: 0448 122 374
Drive to Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Wisemans Ferry Alt = 11 m
Wisemans Ferry village is on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, NSW. The town, and nearby car ferry, is named after Solomon Wiseman, a former convict who received a land grant in the area and established the ferry service. The town is a popular day trip and weekend destination from Sydney. There are several good spots to eat in town, including bistros at the Wisemans Ferry Inn and the Wisemans Ferry Bowling club, and takeaway food from Bush Bites cafe. The Riverbend Restaurant can be found in the 'Retreat at Wisemans' for finer dining. The area has some great walking and interesting history surrounding the convict built Old Great North Road. More info

Old Great North Road Alt = 34 m
The historic Great North Road was built using convict labour between 1826 and 1836 (this section south of Wollombi was completed in 1832). The road formed a link between Sydney and the Hunter Valley, including Newcastle. There are visible remnants of the original work in bridges, retaining walls and other structures along the way. The 'Convict Trail Project' has member groups involved in the conservation of historical remnants along the road. The Convict Trail Project and the NPWS have erected information signs at various points to illustrate the history. The Convict Trail Project has an excellent website for further reading. More info

(0 km) Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR to Hangmans Rock
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.09 km Time = 31 mins
Climb = 127 m Descent = -49 m
From the car park and intersection on Wisemans Ferry Rd (about 500m west of the car ferry), the walk passes around a gate, passes an information sign, and follows the 'Old Great North Road' up the hill. This section of the walk winds up the hill, passing numerous cuttings and retaining walls built with convict labour. There are several information signs on the way, making the walk more interesting. The walk then arrives at the signposted "Hangman's Rock".

Hangmans Rock Alt = 111 m
Hangmans Rock is beside the historic Old Great North Road, near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. This beautiful sandstone cave/overhang has some steps and a bench seat cut into it and is part of the history of the convict built OGNR. It is uncertain what purpose the spot served, but stories that convicts were hanged through the hole in the roof of the cave appear unlikely to be true, despite giving a name to the atmospheric spot. More info

(1.09 km) Hangmans Rock to Int of OGNR and Finchs Line
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.12 km Time = 27 mins
Climb = 94 m Descent = -16 m
Continue straight: From Hangman's Rock, the walk follows the management trail gently up the hill. The trail bends back and forth as it gently climbs. Another information sign indicates the probable site of a stockade to hold the "more troublesome convicts". A little further along, the walk passes around a gate and reaches the intersection with "Shepherd's Gully Road". There is another information sign at this intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Finchs Line 500m' arrow along the management trail, soon passing a culvert information display. The trail continues further up the gentle hill to reach the signposted intersection with the 'Finchs Line'.

(2.2 km) Int of OGNR and Finchs Line to Finchs Line Lookout Int
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.83 km Time = 39 mins
Climb = 82 m Descent = -74 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Finchs Line' arrow along the management trail. This long meandering section is quite interesting with a nice variety of forest scenery and remnants of the road construction. There are also frequent glimpses of the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township through the trees. The walk eventually comes to an unmarked intersection with a bush track (with the management trail bending to the left).

(4.03 km) Finchs Line Lookout Int to Finchs Line Lookout
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 49 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -39 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track gently down the hill a very short distance to arrive at an informal, unfenced lookout with stunning views across Wisemans Ferry and the Hawkesbury river.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn sharp right to continue along this walk.)

Finchs Line lookout Alt = 157 m
This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is just off the walking track along the historic Finchs Line Road, near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. There are beautiful views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township from here.

(4.03 km) Finchs Line Lookout Int to Finchs Line Sth viewpoint
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.18 km Time = 27 mins
Climb = 40 m Descent = -97 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail steeply up the hill. This section of walk meanders for a while, passing an information sign about the 'Abandoned' works on the Finchs Line, before coming to a series of spots on the right with beautiful views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township. The walk continues along these viewing spots to the large rock outcrop, on the right, just as the trail bends to the left and heads away from the cliff line.

Finchs Line viewpoint Alt = 128 m
This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is on the trail along the historic Finchs Line Rd near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. The viewpoint sits on a beautiful outcrop of boulders and provides stunning views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township.

(5.21 km) Finchs Line Sth viewpoint to Walk Bikes Signpost
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 966 m Time = 25 mins
Climb = 79 m Descent = -63 m
Continue straight: From the rock outcrop, the walk follows the management trail away from the cliff line. The trail switches to the other side of the ridge and offers some beautiful views across the valleys behind. The trail starts to drop reasonably steeply and arrives at a junction with a bush track, marked with a sign indicating bikes must be walked.

(6.17 km) Walk Bikes Signpost to Int of Finchs Line and Wisemans Ferry Rd
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.23 km Time = 32 mins
Climb = 42 m Descent = -189 m
Turn left: From the signpost, the walk follows the bush track as it zigzags down a steep hill, along the path of Finchs Line road. There are some beautiful views away from the track and a lot of ferns, grasstrees and vines surrounding the track. After winding down the hill for quite a while the walk arrives at the intersection with Wisemans Ferry Rd, signposted with 'Finchs Line Walking Track' (about 1.8km east of the car ferry).

(7.4 km) Int of Finchs Line and Wisemans Ferry Rd to Thomas James Bridge
Track: Moderate - road
Length = 2.41 km Time = 46 mins
Climb = 80 m Descent = -40 m
Continue straight: From the intersection (about 1.8km east of the car ferry), the walk follows Wisemans Ferry Rd, immediately passing a noticeable sandstone gateway to the left. The road continues, with the Hawkesbury river to the left, and some great views of the cliffs to the right, for quite a while before reaching the northern end of the car ferry (Wisemans Ferry), signposted as the 'Gosford Approach'.
Continue straight: From the northern end (Gosford approach) of Wisemans Ferry, the walk follows Wisemans Ferry Rd, keeping the river to the left. The walk soon arrives at the historic Thomas James Bridge.

Thomas James Bridge Alt = 43 m
The historic Thomas James Bridge is on Wisemans Ferry Rd, NSW. This is the oldest in-use bridge on mainland Australia (Tasmania has older bridges) and is one of several convict built bridges along the Old Great North Road. The bridge was built during 1830 (the timber deck is more recent) and was named after the overseer of 'Road Party 25' which built the bridge. More info

(9.81 km) Thomas James Bridge to Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
Track: Moderate - road
Length = 95 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -16 m
Continue straight: From the bridge, the walk follows Wisemans Ferry Rd gently up the hill for a very short distance and arrives at the car park and intersection with The Old Great North Road (about 500m west of Wisemans Ferry crossing).

Catch the bus from Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk Wisemans Ferry Dialacar provides a taxi style mini-bus service based in Wisemans Ferry. The cost is typically about $1 per km (ex Wisemans Ferry). They will pick-up and drop-off from Sydney or the Central Coast and will happily drop walkers off or pick them up from tracks in the area. The cost for a pick-up near Wisemans Ferry and drop off at Gosford would be approximately $150 (please call for up-to-date pricing) and the minivan can carry up to 13 passengers. Phone: 0448 122 374
Drive from Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

Catch a bus to Wisemans Ferry Dialacar
Wisemans Ferry Dialacar provides a taxi style mini-bus service based in Wisemans Ferry. The cost is typically about $1 per km (ex Wisemans Ferry). They will pick-up and drop-off from Sydney or the Central Coast and will happily drop walkers off or pick them up from tracks in the area. The cost for a pick-up from Gosford and drop off near Wisemans Ferry would be approximately $150 (please call for up-to-date pricing) and the minivan can carry up to 13 passengers. Phone: 0448 122 374 Get Timetable
From the end of the walk

Catch a bus to
Wisemans Ferry Dialacar provides a taxi style mini-bus service based in Wisemans Ferry. The cost is typically about $1 per km (ex Wisemans Ferry). They will pick-up and drop-off from Sydney or the Central Coast and will happily drop walkers off or pick them up from tracks in the area. The cost for a pick-up near Wisemans Ferry and drop off at Gosford would be approximately $150 (please call for up-to-date pricing) and the minivan can carry up to 13 passengers. Phone: 0448 122 374 Get Timetable

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Mill Creek camping ground
Ten Mile Hollow campground


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Castle Tarpaulin Warehouse 14/ 10 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill (02) 9899 3959 39.3 km
BCF Australia Pty Ltd 354 Manns Rd , Gosford West (02) 4322 5833 32.6 km
Camping World Shop 18, 482 Pacific Hwy, Wyoming (02) 4324 6515 34.1 km
Mannings Sports 172 Mann St , Gosford (02) 4325 1617 33.6 km
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQ 596a Church St , North Parramatta (02) 9630 2888 46.8 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Devines Hill and Finchs Line circuit
Click to re-center search
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 30 km (to the ESE)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 30 km (to the SSE)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 39 km (to the WSW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
41 km (to the SSE)
3 VMB2 Tower Street BATEAU BAY 44 km (to the E)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 9 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Dharug National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Named after the traditional custodians (the Darug People), this park has much history and some great sandstone formations. The wildflowers in spring add a wonderful touch of colour to the bushland. The Old Great North Road including its quarries, bridges and other features improves access and provides a great deal of interest for visitors. Close to Sydney and Gosford, it feels like stepping back in time when visiting this park.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.


Yengo National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Yengo National park is a large and seemingly remote park. The park stretches from Wisemans Ferry to near Singleton. The park is bound by Putty Rd (and Wollemi NP) on the west. The park has been subject to logging in the past, particularly around Mount Yengo. Much of the park is difficult to access, increasing the sense of wilderness. Yengo NP is part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area and is home to sections of the Old Great North Road.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Alex Portnoy - PO Box# 1048, B - Finches Line - Steep Descent IP:121.91.20.xxx | 2010-04-29 16:15:32
Be aware of the STEEP Descent at Finches Line, and also of big boulders that will need to be circumnavigated.

It twists and bends for quite a time, and you think the walk will never end!

Apparently there is some Convict Graffitti on the track, but I couldn't find it myself.

Finch, the road Designer, obviously had rocks in his head when he designed this Road, as humans can barely navigate it, let alone horses and buggys in the 1800's.

Alex Portnoy
PO Box# 1048
Bondi Junction
NSW 1355
Alan Monroe - On a nice Winter's Day IP:125.254.73.xxx | 2010-07-21 06:05:47
A very pleasant walk on a beautiful winter's day.

Took just 3 hours, which included spending some time taking video.

Just beware of cars on the first section of the road back to the ferry, but as the ferry only comes in very 15-20 minutes, just wait for them to pass.
Alan Monroe - Video of the walk IP:125.254.75.xxx | 2010-11-25 23:22:23
The video can be viewed on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGT2BSEYn8
Fiona - Beautiful Spring Day IP:120.22.212.xxx | 2011-09-10 09:37:25
Loved this walk..did it in two and half hours, lovely wildflowers along the way and the historial interest and great views made for a great walk.
Dave & Sonya - Great Walk IP:157.155.224.xxx | 2012-11-05 00:48:26
Also loved the walk, Took 3.5 hours on a 27 degree day, would suggest people take lots of water if doing it in warmer months & also watch out for the black snake we came across half way along finchs line.
Bernie devine - Good walk IP:101.117.113.xxx | 2013-12-29 10:01:27
2.5 hours. Short walk. The ridge line was boring with no views. 2nd lookout by far the best.
Annette - Good walk IP:155.143.2.xxx | 2015-07-19 11:06:30
I walked this route on a cool winter's day in 3 hours with 500ml of water, which was sufficient. The last 1.5km back to the starting point is walked along a very narrow car road (Wisemans Ferry Road), without any sidewalks - not fun on a Sunday - it gets pretty busy! Apart from that, a nicely laid out route and beautiful viewpoints and information stops.
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