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)
Cross sectional view 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
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).
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Catch the bus to Int of Wisemans Ferry Rd and OGNR
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
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
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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
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
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
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 8 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.
Dharug National ParkLink 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 feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Yengo National ParkLink 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 feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
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.
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.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
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
There is free parking available.
Catch a bus to Wisemans Ferry Dialacar 
not too much longer now :)