Hawkesbury Heartland

Only 80km from central Sydney is one of the most attractive and interesting tourist destinations in New South Wales, yet it remains unknown to the great majority of visitors to Sydney as well as to many of its inhabitants.

Set amongst magnificent river and mountain scenery the district around Wisemans Ferry is associated with the earliest days of European settlement and is rich with Aboriginal culture.

The sparkling waters of the mighty Hawkesbury River run between immense sandstone cliffs backed by national parks containing a great variety of plant and animal life. Eagles soar overhead, wallabies graze on valley pastures and parrots fly into the bush.

Hidden in the bush close to Wisemans Ferry is the convict-built Old Great North Road. Originally built as the road from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, it is one of Australia’s least known engineering marvels.

The journey through the “Forgotten Valley” from Wisemans to St Albans and beyond provides a unique insight into the lives of pioneer settlers in a setting of undisturbed picturesque landscapes. No other place so close to Sydney offers the visitor such a memorable experience of journeying back in time, yet for most of the year the traveller will move along roads and tracks as uncrowded as they were 150 years ago. Enjoy the area while it remains Australia’s best kept secret.

There is also a wide choice of recreational activities available in the area. These range from simply relaxing on the riverbank to bushwalking, camping, boating, waterskiing, tennis, golf and bowls. Try your hand at fishing or see sheep-shearing demonstrated at a local farm.

The area is home to a number of local artists who run galleries in Wisemans Ferry and St Albans with workshops held throughout the year. For the gourmet traveller there is an abundance of good restaurants and a wide selection of accommodation.

Hawkesbury River Heartland

Cattai - Cliftonville - Colo - Lower Portland - St Albans - Wisemans Ferry