Hi there, Maxxis Man here – and hoping you’ve been keeping safe and well while things have all been in lockdown. With some of the recent restrictions now easing up just in time for the school holidays, it’s the perfect time to get off the couch and head out to enjoy some of the AMAZING places in our own Australian backyard! And, better still, we’re lucky enough to be able to easily visit many of these wonderful places and get home again — all in one day.
So, if you’re a Sydneysider needing a little inspiration, take the ride with me to the very scenic Wisemans Ferry, North-West of the city on the Hawkesbury River – with heaps to keep the kids (big and small) busy! Dust off the esky, check those tyre pressures and get ready for a long overdue, super-relaxed day at this waterside destination — so conveniently close to home.
Some directions to get you started
As you may know if you’ve done it all before, getting to Wisemans is an easy drive from many parts of Sydney – however, we always suggest travelling off peak to avoid the traffic and enjoy the countryside as you go. Here are some basic directions from a few different starting points, as well as estimates of how long your trip will take:
- From North Sydney, find your way onto the Old Northern Rd (approx 1 hour 15)
- If you’re coming from Campbelltown – take the M7, then Old Northern Rd (approx. 1 hour 30)
- If Penrith’s your starting point (via Windsor), wind your way onto Wisemans Ferry Rd for a 70-minute trip
- From Hornsby, Wisemans really is just around the corner! Your travel time will only be about an hour (probably even less) via the Old Northern Rd.
Let’s talk tyres
When it comes to your wheels, with Maxxis car tyres or SUV tyres you really can’t go wrong! Rugged, reliable and up for any mission or adventure, Maxxis’ range and quality ensures there’s always a good choice for your vehicle and purpose! If your vehicle’s a family-friendly SUV (which would a comfortable and stylish way to get to Wisemans with your whole team) – Maxxis RAZRs are a winning fit!
Why Wisemans?
We say, Why not…? There’s so much to love about Wisemans! Steeped in both Aboriginal and colonial history, Wisemans is named after a former convict Solomon Wiseman who later became a merchant and landowner in the area. The town in Hawkesbury’s heartland is both interesting and beautiful, surrounded by sandstone cliffs — and of course, is home to NSW’s oldest operating ferry crossing.
Along with the river itself, Wisemans has no less than four national parks right on its doorstep including the Dharug, Yengo, Cattai and Marramarra – offering a wide range of opportunities for bushwalking, mountain biking, bird-watching, canoeing and other awesome outdoor activities. Dharug is the site of the Old Great North Road that once connected Sydney and Newcastle, with 1.6 km of the road accessible to visitors who wish to walk it.
On the river and near the ferry, Wisemans Ferry Park is a wonderful spot for a picnic — with BBQ’s and a kid’s playground all on site. As part of the Wetlands Complex, it’s also home to many birds and other native wildlife and plants.
Being on the water and a picture-perfect location, other Wisemans activity options are naturally endless. Hire a boat or kayak, take a ferry ride (this is a must do!), visit the Ferry Artists Gallery, treat yourself to a famous pie from the Wisemans Ferry Grocer, visit one of the local farms for some fruit (or veggie) picking of whatever’s in season, or settle down at the pub for some fish n chips with a stunner of a water view!
What to know before you go
It’s wise (excuse the pun!) to do a check of your vehicle and tyres before taking a trip – even if (like with this one) you’re not going too far. Plus, if you haven’t used your car much recently, it’s especially vital to check the tyre pressures and make any adjustments if it’s loaded up or towing a trailer or boat along for the day. While restrictions are lifting, things are still changing daily, so if you’re planning to eat at one of Wisemans’ restaurants or go to the gallery, visit the local museum or take part in another activity, call ahead to book or check the website for current opening times. And very importantly, don’t forget to observe social distancing and good hand hygiene – remembering to take your hand sanitiser along for the ride.
