Great River Walk: Wisemans Ferry to Mangrove Bridge

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At Hawkesbury River (-33.38017,150.9880031)
Mode	Car
Finish	At the intersection of Oyster Shell Road & Wisemans Ferry Road, Lower Mangrove. (-33.4155977,151.1501615)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start (from, Wisemans Ferry) by heading north-east along Old Northern Road. The Wisemans Ferry Park, park is at the start. The Convict Road Kiosk café, café is at the start. ✔ Mo-Su 08:00-14:00,PH 08:00-14:00. There is a parking area is at the start. There is also another parking area nearby. There is a parking area is at the start. The Public Toilet Wisemans Ferry Park, toilet is at the start. 🔗 toiletmap.gov.au Universally Wheelchair accessible. ✔ 24/7. There is a shelter is at the start. There is a shelter is at the start. There is a shelter is at the start. After another 20m, pass a parking area (10m on your right). After another 10m finda ferry wharf (30m on the left). Then almost immediately come toa ferry wharf. Then catch the Wisemans Ferry Crossing. You will also find a café, parking area, toiletand a shelter here. After another 150m, pass the Wisemans Ferry, a point of interest (on your right). Wisemans Ferry Wisemans Ferry is a car ferry, crossing the Hawkesbury river near the town of Wisemans Ferry in NSW. This is apparently the oldest, still operating, ferry crossing in NSW, possibly Australia. The ferry is named after Solomon Wiseman, a former convict who became a wealthy landowner in the area and established the ferry crossing. The original crossing (est. 1827) was about 2km downstream from the present site (est. 1829). The free ferry operates 24hrs/7days with maintenance closures from 10am to midday on the first Thursday of each month. After another 100m finda ferry wharf (20m on the left). Then almost immediately come toa ferry wharf. There is a toilet here. After another 20m, pass Public Toilet Wisemans Ferry Crossing (10m on your right). 🔗 toiletmap.gov.au Universally Wheelchair accessible. ✔ 24/7.
	Then (at the 3-way intersection, with & Wisemans Ferry Road) turn left, to follow Wisemans Ferry Road.
	After another 20m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Wisemans Ferry Road & Settlers Road) continue straight, to follow Settlers Road. After another 550m, cross the hardened Thomas James Bridge. Thomas James Bridge 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.
	After another 90m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Settlers Road & Old Great North Road) bear right, to follow Old Great North Road. After another 10m, head around the gate. Then almost immediately, pass the Old Great North Road, a (historical) (on the left). There is a artwork here. Old Great North Road 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. After another 10m you will find the 1 Welcome sign. After another 30m you will find the Indigenous outline artwork (5m on the left). After another 60m pass a artwork (on the left). After another 50m you will find the Australian convict sites sign (on the left). After another 50m you will find the Why Devines Hill? sign (on the left). After another 50m you will find the 3 Culvert and table drain sign (5m on the left). After another 150m you will find the 4 The large rock cutting sign.
	After another 650m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road. Then almost immediately, pass the Hangmans Rock, a (historical) (on your right). Hangmans Rock 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.
	After another 350m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road. After another 350m, head around the gate.
	Then (at the 3-way intersection) bear right, to stay on Old Great North Road. After another 70m, pass the Devines Hill, a (historical) (on the left). Devines Hill 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.
	After another 350m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road. Then continue straight again after another 1.9km. After another 1.9km, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road.
	After another 1000m, (at the 3-way intersection) take the right fork, to stay on Old Great North Road.
	After another 350m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road. Then continue straight again after another 6.3km. After another 6.3km, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road.
	After another 1.1km, (at the 3-way intersection) bear right, to stay on Old Great North Road.
	After another 800m, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Old Great North Road. After another 1.3km, pass the Wat Buddha Dhamma, a building (15m on the left). Wat Buddha Dhamma 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.
	After another 650m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Old Great North Road & Simpsons Track) bear right, to follow the Simpsons Track. After another 30m you will find the Ten Mile Hollow campsite (30m on your right). 🔗 nationalparks.nsw.gov.au There is a toilet here. After another 30m, pass a toilet (40m on your right). After another 2.4km, pass the Simpsons Cave (on your right). Simpsons Cave Simpsons Cave is an informal name given to a sandstone overhang on the Simpson Track, about 2.5km east of the junction with the Old Great North Road. The cave is perched high on the side of the old road and looks north over Ten Mile Hollow valley. The cave has an outward sloping floor and is best viewed from the track.
	After another 2.3km, (at the 3-way intersection) bear right, to stay on the Simpsons Track. Then almost immediately, pass the Convict Trail plaque and log book, a clearing (5m on the left). Convict Trail plaque and log book In a large clearing at the end of of Ten Mile Hollow Creek is a boulder with a 'Convict Trail' plaque. The inscription provides information on the area and the historic old Great North Road and Simpson's Track. Behind the boulder is a metal box housing a log book, waiting for your entry. After another 1.6km, pass the Inn of the Damned, a (historical) (10m on the left). Inn of the Damned Just near this rusty old car is the site of 'Ghost House' used in the film 'Inn of the Damned (1975)'. With the tag-line "Murder... Mystery... Madness..." this movie is a western come horror flick about "mysterious vanishing of guests from a hostel deep in the Australian rain forests of Gippsland, Victoria in 1896, run by the Straulles, an Austrian couple". You will probably enjoy the walk more than the movie :)
	After another 550m, (at the 3-way intersection) bear right, to stay on the Simpsons Track. After another 10m, pass the Mangrove Creek bore field (10m on the left). Mangrove Creek bore field The Mangrove Creek bore field is a large series of clearings beside Mangrove Creek near the Weir. The bores are part of a series of 7 groundwater systems providing over 9 million litres of drinking water to the Gosford and Wyong communities. The Mangrove Creek Bore field supplies about 1.27 million litres a day. For visitors, the bore fields are an open flat and grassy area with chaged bores and a reminder to take special care to avoid contamination of the environment. After another 4.3km, cross the wooden bridge, over the Sugee Bag Creek.
	After another 500m, (at the 3-way intersection, with Simpsons Track & Oyster Shell Road) continue straight, to follow Oyster Shell Road. Then continue straight again after another 1.7km. After another 1.7km, (at the 3-way intersection) continue straight, to stay on Oyster Shell Road.
	After another 4.4km you come to the end at the intersection of Oyster Shell Road & Wisemans Ferry Road, Lower Mangrove.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	34.4km
Time	10 hrs to 2 days

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 16.6km from the start.

Shelter: There are 3 on route, they are on average part with the largest gap being .

Toilet: There are 3 on route, they are on average 8.3km part with the largest gap being 16.3km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	0m	Public Toilet Wisemans Ferry Park
Shelter	0m	[shelter]
Shelter	0m	[shelter]
Shelter	0m	[shelter]
Toilet	350m	Public Toilet Wisemans Ferry Crossing
Campsite	16.6km	[campsite]
Toilet	16.6km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
  
  Sunday 18 May
  
  18°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers along the coastal fringe, medium chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm near the coast in the afternoon and evening. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Daytime maximum temperatures between 15 and 19.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:20am to 1:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Monday 19 May
  
  12°C → 19°C
  Rain.
  95% chance of rain
  7 → 40mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. Heavy falls possible from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm near the coast. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 18.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 20 May
  
  14°C → 19°C
  Rain.
  95% chance of rain
  15 → 70mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. Heavy falls possible. The chance of a thunderstorm near the coast. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 19.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Wednesday 21 May
  
  14°C → 20°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 15mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 14 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 20.
  
  Thursday 22 May
  
  11°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Friday 23 May
  
  13°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Saturday 24 May
  
  14°C → 21°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Dharug National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program
  W National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Dharug National Park (NP), Koolewong Flora Reserve (FR), Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Wollemi SCA, Yengo NP from Monday 19th May – Sunday 1st June 2025.
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Please contact the local Bulga NPWS area office for more information on 02 6574 5555
  
  Closed areas: Area closed for conservation works
  Some parts of this park are closed from Monday 31 March to Friday 29 August 2025 while conservation works are being undertaken on Devine's Hill. The closed areas are:
  
  Devine's Hill section of the Old Great North Walk
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Signage installed on closed section. For more information, contact the Wollemi - Yengo Area Office - (02) 6574 5555.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Yengo National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program
  W National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Dharug National Park (NP), Koolewong Flora Reserve (FR), Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Wollemi SCA, Yengo NP from Monday 19th May – Sunday 1st June 2025.
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Please contact the local Bulga NPWS area office for more information on 02 6574 5555
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast

Alerts