Photo: Tirin at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Wisemans Ferry is a historic settlement on the Hawkesbury River, offering a charming glimpse into early Australian colonial life with its iconic river crossing, heritage pubs, and serene natural surroundings. It's a perfect stop for those exploring the Hawkesbury region, blending history with outdoor adventure.
Highlights & What to See
- Historic Wisemans Ferry: Take a ride on the oldest continuously operating cable ferry in Australia, crossing the Hawkesbury River since 1827.
- Settlers Arms Inn: Enjoy a meal or drink at this historic sandstone pub, built in 1836, with a lovely beer garden overlooking the river.
- St. John's Church: Visit the charming 19th-century stone church and cemetery, reflecting the area's early convict and settler history.
- Hawkesbury River Kayaking: Paddle along calm river stretches, spotting birdlife and enjoying the bushland scenery.
- Dharug National Park: Explore nearby bushwalking trails, including the Great North Walk, which passes through the park.
Suggested Time to Spend
Half a day is sufficient to experience the ferry, explore the village, and enjoy a meal at the pub. If you plan to hike in Dharug National Park or kayak, allocate a full day. Combine with other Hawkesbury towns for a longer itinerary.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Mangrove Mountain: A scenic drive through bushland with lookouts and walking tracks.
- St Albans: A historic village with a pub and the Macdonald River, popular for canoeing.
- Hawkesbury River: Explore other ferry crossings and river towns like Brooklyn or Windsor.
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park: Head south for Aboriginal rock art and stunning river views.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Mangrove Mountain — Katia de la Luz / CC BY 2.0
- St Albans — Thebusofdoom / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Hawkesbury River — Tim Starling / CC BY 2.0
- Windsor — Winston M. Yang Wyp at en.wikipedia . / CC BY 2.5
- Dharug National Park — Tim Keegan from Lake Macquarie, Australia / CC BY-SA 2.0