Wiseman's Ferry MTB Tour
Located 85 km from the centre of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry is not so much a town as a fascinating relic on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. It is a bit of an obstacle course to reach the ferry. The traveller leaves Sydney, passes through the outer suburb of Dural, continues for a seemingly endless distance along a ridge until they drop down to the banks of the Hawkesbury River.
The settlement was named after the convict Solomon Wiseman, a journeyman lighterman, who arrived in Sydney on 20 August 1806. In 1817 he was granted 200 acres on the banks of the Hawkesbury River where by 1821 he had established an inn called the 'Sign of the Packet'. In 1826 he built himself a handsome two-storey residence, Cobham Hall, which he later used as an hostelry calling it The Branch Inn.
During this time the main land route from Sydney to Newcastle was via Windsor, along to Wisemans Ferry and up the Putty Road to Singleton. In 1826 a new route via Castle Hill gained popularity and, as a result of this, Solomon Wiseman built a punt and was granted a seven year lease on the rights to transport goods and travellers across the Hawkesbury River. This is how this small village got its name.
Based at Del Rio Resort, our tour will take us on a journey as we absorb the views of the Hawkesbury River. As we head for the mountains, we cross the river on the ferry (placing an absentee vote along the way!) and head up into the mountains on the Old Northern Road built by 19th century convicts. This was the original road between Sydney and Gosford and as you ride the road and observe the terrain, you wonder how it was ever traversed. The first couple of hours see us forging our way up the mountain side on open fire trail crossing hand built bridges (admiring the stone work the convicts utilised to build this road on a mountain side), single track through the forest and some rocky trails (never more than 100m long) which is easily walked or ridden for the more adventurous.
We have refreshment stops along the way before we enjoy a glorious down hill run to Ten Mile Hollow for lunch. This is a beautiful grassed area in the forest where we can relax in the shade and enjoy lunch. For the fitter or more adventurous, you may take a side trip over the bridge for a short blast up and down the mountainside. This is purely optional and you may just wish to stretch out and enjoy the serenity instead.
After lunch it is back up the hill and we now follow the fire trail across the ridge tops admiring the views of this remote part of the world. Then finally a down hill run to the river road and a short 3km run back to the ferry. Crossing 2 ferries we are back at the Resort, showered and off to the local Wiseman's Ferry pub for a hearty Saturday night dinner and a few ales along with a few tall stories as well.
Sunday sees us head off in the opposite direction as we meander through the mountains on trail enjoying the views. Less technical riding and more cruising is in order for the day. We arrive back at the Ranch, shower, pack, enjoy a barbecue and reflect on the weekend's adventures before heading home in the afternoon.
Included:
Dates: TBA
Venue: Del Rio Resort, Webbs Creek
Cost (per person):
Register: Click here to register for the 2 night twin share option, or contact us if you'd like to book for the other options
For more information, give us a call on 0427 207 937 or email us! Looking foward to seeing you there!
