This walk follows a section of the Old Great North Road along the borders of the rugged Yengo and Dharug National Parks, to then visit more historic sites in Dubbo Gully. This is more of a historic journey than you typical bushwalk. There is a campsite at Ten Mile Hollow providing a comfortable place for the night before visiting the Historic Clare's Bridge. Soon after Clare's Bridge this walk leaves the old Great North Road to follow Donny's Track down into Dubbo gully were you get to explore this historic farming area before walking out to Upper Mangrove. This walk is mostly on wide trails and therefore can also be done as a mountain bike ride.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Great North Road and Dubbo Gully 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
27km
Time
2 Days
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
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
15km of this walk has short steep hills and another 8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (3.9km) is very steep.
Quality of track
Around 18km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 9km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
12km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 10km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (6km) is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
15km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 10km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (2.3km) requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 27km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 16km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 12km 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
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 Shepherds Gully Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 720 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 69 m
Descent = -12 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.
Devines Hill
Alt = 173 m
Devines Hill is a historically significant area on the Old Great North Road, near present day Wisemans Ferry, NSW. There are substantial remnants visible here, including cuttings, retaining walls and quarry sites. There were 3 main road lines built at different times to climb the hills just north of Wisemans Ferry, starting with Finchs Line to the east, followed by the Devines Hill ascent and then Shepherds Gully, to the west. Information signs in the area provide some interesting historical background and the 'Convict Trail Project' has an excellent website for further reading. More info
(1.81 km)
Int of OGNR and Shepherds Gully Rd
to
Int of OGNR and Finchs Line Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 398 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -4 m
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
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Hair-pin bend Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 5.51 km
Time = 1 hr 57 mins
Climb = 237 m
Descent = -212 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Old Great North Road east, gently uphill in the opposite direction to the 'Devines Hill' sign[1], keeping the valley to the left. The trail soon narrows a bit and meanders along the top of the ridge, bending left to head north east. The trail continues to wind along the top of the ridge until about 180m passed a rock platform (above and to the left of the old road) the trail comes to a three way intersection with the 3 Mile Trail (on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the old Great North Road east, initially keeping the valley to the right as the trail narrows significantly. The trail bends around a spur then widens and narrows a few times before crossing a flat rock platform 600m from 3 Mile trail. About 300m past the rock platform the trail bears right (ignoring the faint trail to the left, marked with a square boulder) and winds around the side of the hill for just shy of 400m to come to the other end of the same faint trail (overgrown on the left). Here the rocky trail heads up the hill to come to soon come to a large clearing. On the other side of the clearing the trail narrows again and cross a few particularly narrow saddles to then head down another short and fairly steep rocky section of trail just after a right hand bend. Here the trail narrows again and is fairly flat for about 400m will valley views to the left. The trail then bends right and heads down hill coming to a distinct left hand hair-pin bend part way down the hill.
(7.71 km)
Hair-pin bend
to
Int of WCT and OGNR Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 4.06 km
Time = 1 hr 31 mins
Climb = 215 m
Descent = -168 m
Turn left: From the bend, this walk heads downhill along the Old Great North Road initially keeping the valley to the right. As the trail rounds the gully it starts to climb and heads alongside a wire fence marking a short re-vegetation detour that crosses over the ridge. Now with the valley on the left the trail works its way along the side of the hill as it widens and narrows a few times, as well as passing a couple of short rocky section. About 1km from the end of the detour, the trail comes up to a pair-pin bend (up to the right, with some nice valley views to the left). Here the walk follows the old road around the sharp bend and up the hill. Now with the valley on the right, the narrow trail winds through the tall trees along the ridge and soon after crossing a wide saddle to the other side of the ridge the trail comes to a 'Dharug National Park No Camping or Fires' sign[2]. From this sign the trail continues up along the ridge for about 1km passing a few rocky sections, (and a faint trail to the right) to come to clearly signposted intersection with 'Western Commission trail' on the right. There is also 'Welcome to The Old Great North Road' information sign[3].
(11.77 km)
Int of WCT and OGNR
to
Eastern end of Eight Mile Trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.08 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -35 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Old Great North Rd' arrow east, downhill along the clear trail. The trail meanders for a while, passing some lovely rock formations and some old road guttering. The walk then comes to an intersection with a clear but unsignposted management trail (on the left).
(12.85 km)
Eastern end of Eight Mile Trail
to
Southern end of the Wat Trail Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 779 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -41 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR as it head downhill, bending to the right (keeping the valley on the right). Soon, there are some nice views to the left and the trail heads uphill. Near the top of the hill, this walk ignores the '144-147' trail (on the right) and heads across the sandstone cutting. As the trail bends around the gully, there are some cuttings in the rock on the right. Where the trail bends sharply right, there is an intersection with the gated Wat track (on the left).
(13.63 km)
Southern end of the Wat Trail
to
Wat Buddha Dhamma Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -84 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR trail downhill, following the '142.3' sign (keeping the valley on the left). The trail levels out as it passes a 'Severe Bends' sign, facing the other way. About 200m past this sign, the walk comes to a 'Drinking Water' tank and the 'Wat Buddha Dhamma' Monastery.
Wat Buddha Dhamma
Alt = 166 m
The Wat Buddha Dhamma is a Monastery about 600m south of Ten Mile Hollow Campsite, on the Old Great North Road. The Monks provides a water tank and toilet for people passing by. The monks welcome guests and requests that visitors dress modestly (no shorts or revealing clothing), and that visitors are encouraged to share in the life with the monks. More info
(14.94 km)
Wat Buddha Dhamma
to
Ten Mile Hollow Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 616 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the 'Drinking Water' tank, this walk heads north east along the OGNR, initially keeping the monastery to the left. Soon the trail passes a couple of other driveways for the monastery and heads past a small pine plantation (on the left). Before long, the trail leads to a 'Y' intersection with the 'Simpson Track' at the 'Ten Mile Hollow' campground.
Ten Mile Hollow
Alt = m
This large, open campsite is found next to the Old Great North Road, at the top of the Simpson Track. The campsite is great for people walking or cycling in the area. There is fairly new hybrid toilet, a few fire circles and plenty of places to pitch some tents. There is a water tank next to the toilet - if this is empty, there is sometimes water in Ten Mile Hollow creek a short distance north along the OGNR (otherwise the Wat Buddha Dhamma, about 600m south along the OGNR, provide a water tank for visitors). Treat water before drinking.
The area was formally a stockade (a camp) for the convicts who built the road in c.1830. Later the area was named 'Snodgrass Valley' and plans to build a town were developed, neither the name nor the town proved popular (even at 2 pounds an acre)[4]. Solomon Wiseman (of Wisemans Ferry fame) was given 100 acres to build an inn, however it is not clear if the inn was ever built. More info
(15.55 km)
Ten Mile Hollow
to
Clares Bridge Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.21 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -6 m
Veer left: From Ten Mile Hollow, this walk follows the 'Clares Bridge' sign[5] along the OGNR, as it soon bends to the left. The trail narrows and comes to an old bridge (with a timber base). The walk crosses the bridge (and Ten Mile Hollow Creek) and heads around the gate. The walk follows the overgrown management trail through the bush for a while, coming to a white wooden barricade. Heading around the barricade, the walk comes to a clearing and signpost just before Clare's Bridge[6].
Clares Bridge
Alt = 174 m
Clare's Bridge, on the Old Great North Road, is about 1km north of Ten Mile Hollow camping area. This, and a number of other bridges, were built during the construction of the old road. Clare's Bridge is the most visually spectacular of the bridges. The second oldest bridge on mainland Australia (The oldest being Thomas James Bridge), it is built of sandstone blocks and has a wonderful, sweeping retaining wall. The sweeping design gives full view of the craftsmanship to those passing by. Much work has been done by NPWS and Gosford Council to restore the bridge. There is no deck on the bridge, however it is still an impressive structure and a fascinating piece of history. More info
(16.76 km)
Clares Bridge
to
Int of the OGNR and Donnys track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 794 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 75 m
Descent = -27 m
Continue straight: From the 'Clare's Bridge' information sign[7], this walk follows the track down to cross the gully, keeping Clare's Bridge to the right. On the other side of the gully, the track rises to meet the management trail again. The walk continues along the OGNR up the hill, away from the old bridge. The track winds around the hill and comes to an intersection with the Wat track (on the left, signposted with '125,126 142-168'). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the OGNR up the gentle hill, keeping the valley to the right. Soon, the trail leads to a large clearing and four-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to 'Clare's Bridge'[8].
(17.56 km)
Int of the OGNR and Donny's track
to
Donny's View Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 3.88 km
Time = 1 hr 27 mins
Climb = 136 m
Descent = -217 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Donny's Track' sign[9] along the only trail that heads steeply downhill. The trail soon bends right and starts to flatten out, then after a left-bend, the trail straightens out for about 700m. Soon after passing an overgrown trail (on the right), the main trail bends left and crosses a wide gully and often-dry creek. The trail then bends right and starts to wind up the hill, passing a few cuttings. About 300m after passing under the power lines, the trail comes to an intersection with the signposted '138 137' track (on the left) and a view to the power lines. Here, the main trail bends right and continues uphill more gently. Soon, the trail crosses a saddle and starts to head down the other side of the ridge. The trail then heads down through a sharp left then right bends, then comes to another right-hand bend and an unfenced rock platform with views into the valley, Donny's view.
Donny's View
Alt = 136 m
Donny's View is an informally named vantage point partway up Donny's Track. The unfenced rock slabs provide a view over Chaselings Run valley and swamp, down to the old Ten Mile Hollow Road. Found on the bendy section of the management trail, this view provides a good excuse to stop and take a break. To the north is a view of the high tension power lines that span this section of the park
(21.44 km)
Donny's View
to
Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donny's track Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.54 km
Time = 43 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -170 m
Continue straight: From Donny's view, this walk follows the old road down the hill, keeping the filtered views of 'Chaselings Run' to the left. The trail passes the base of some high-cut cliffs (on the right) and some rusty guard rails and soon comes to a locked gate. The walk passes around the locked gate and the 'Dharug National Park' sign[10], then follows a rusty guard rail to a right-hand bend. The trail then winds down the hill and, soon after passing between two old fence posts, the trail bends sharply left and passes to two more old gate posts. The trail then gently winds down the hill and comes to an intersection with the old Ten Mile Hollow Road and a sign pointing back up 'Donny's Track'[11].
(22.98 km)
Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donnys track
to
Fairview Homestead Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 929 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -24 m
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill. The walk soon passes around a gate and continues a little further, passing around a swampy area to the left and immediately arriving at an intersection near a gate. The trail behind the gate leads to an old abandoned house and shed, which could provide some shelter. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk passes around the gate and follows the management trail steeply up the hill. The trail soon arrives at an old, abandoned house. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Fairview
Alt = 33 m
Fairview (550 Ten Mile Hollow Rd, Mangrove Creek) is a property with a homestead, built in 1922 by Alfred Andrews. The homestead and adjoining slab hut are now fenced to protect them, however the large corrugated iron shed on the south side is still open. The homestead was once a popular rest area for people traveling the North Road, via the Simpson track. The home was privately owned until 1973 when Gosford City Council acquired the land to protect the catchment area. The home was rented until 2002, when the tenants moved due to the threat of bushfires. The building is now in poor condition and the 'Friends of Fairview' are exploring ways to save the building and restore the history of the valley. Save FairviewMore info
(22.98 km)
Int of Ten Mile Hollow Rd and Donnys track
to
Upper Mangrove cemetery Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 742 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -27 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill. After a short distance, the walk passes a large grassy clearing to the right and a swampy area to the left. The trail meanders along the valley for some time before arriving at a historic cemetery, on the right.
Upper Mangrove Cemetery
Alt = 15 m
The Upper Mangrove Cemetery is on the western bank of Mangrove Creek, near the junction with Newmans Creek. The cemetery was part of St Thomas' Church of England, however the church building was destroyed in the 2002 bushfires[12]. Exploring the cemetery gives a glimpse into the history of the valley. You will find the stone remembering Alfred and Amanda Andrews who built 'Fairview' in 1922 and read of the loss of Leslie Starkey's parents in 1913. On the other side of the road, up the hill, is the remains of of the old St Thomas' Church building[13]. More info
(23.72 km)
Upper Mangrove cemetery
to
Int of Dubbo Gully Rd and Upper Mangrove Creek Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.11 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -36 m
Continue straight: From the cemetery, the walk follows the management trail (Ten Mile Hollow Rd) up the hill, leaving the cemetery on the right, and soon passes under some high voltage power lines. The walk then meanders along the road for some time, passing some old orange trees on the right and an old '134' sign on the left. Some distance later, the walk crosses an old timber bridge and arrives at the signposted intersection with the 'Upper Mangrove Creek Rd' (with a shorter bridge to the left).
(24.83 km)
Int of Dubbo Gully Rd and Upper Mangrove Creek Rd
to
Dubbo Gully Rd car park Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 2.49 km
Time = 1 hr 2 mins
Climb = 277 m
Descent = -104 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill (now Dubbo Gully Rd). The trail winds up the hill for a long while through some beautiful scenery, including some great rock formations and overhangs. The walk then passes around a gate and continues a little further up the hill to reach a small car park on the left (on Dubbo Gully Rd, a short distance off Waratah Rd, about 4km west of Mangrove Mountain).
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
Sorry there are no public transport options from the end of this walk
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.
Mcpherson State Forest Mcpherson State Forest is a forest found west of Wyong on the NSW central Coast. The forest surrounds Mangrove Creek, just south of the Dam and boarders with Yengo National Park. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.