Devines Hill and Finchs Line Circuit

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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 the intersection of Settlers Road & Old Great North Road (-33.375215,150.9848525)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Special (Wisemans Ferry Dialacar provides a taxi style mini-bus service based in Wisemans Ferry. The cost is typically about $1 per km (ex Wisemans Ferry). They will pick-up and drop-off from Sydney or the Central Coast and will happily drop walkers off or pick them up from tracks in the area. The cost for a pick-up from Gosford and drop off near Wisemans Ferry would be approximately $150 (please call for up-to-date pricing) and the minivan can carry up to 13 passengers. Phone: 0448 122 374)
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to Peats Ridge Road Offramp then drive for 3.8 km Keep left onto Cooks Road and drive for another 2.8 km Keep left and drive for another 1.4 km Keep right and drive for another 410 m Turn sharp left onto Popran Road and drive for another 6.4 km Turn left onto Wisemans Ferry Road and drive for another 33.5 km Continue onto Settlers Road and drive for another 630 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car park and intersection on Wisemans Ferry Rd (about 500m west of the car ferry), the walk passes around a gate, passes an information sign, and follows the 'Old Great North Road' up the hill. This section of the walk winds up the hill, passing numerous cuttings and retaining walls built with convict labour. There are several information signs on the way, making the walk more interesting. The walk then arrives at the signposted "Hangman's Rock".....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Settlers Road & Old Great North Road Start heading along Old Great North Road (a vehicle track). Find the gate at the start. Find the Old Great North Road at the start. 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 1.1 km continue straight, to head along Old Great North Road. After another 10 m find the "Hangmans Rock" (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 345 m continue straight, to head along Old Great North Road. After another 345 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 6 m (at the intersection of Old Great North Road & Shepherds Gully Road) veer right, to head along Old Great North Road. After another 105 m find the "Devines Hill" (on your right). 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 315 m (at the intersection of Finchs Line & Old Great North Road) turn right, to head along Finchs Line (a walking track).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Finchs Line Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 1.9 km turn left, to head along Finchs Line. After another 1.2 km find the "Finchs Line viewpoint" (20 m on your right). Finchs Line viewpoint This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is on the trail along the historic Finchs Line Rd near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. The viewpoint sits on a beautiful outcrop of boulders and provides stunning views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township. After another 700 m come to the viewpoint.
	After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Road & Finchs Line) continue straight, to head along Wisemans Ferry Road (a road).
	After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Wisemans Ferry Road. After another 1.9 km pass the toilet (10 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Wisemans Ferry Road & Old Northern Road continue straight, to head along Wisemans Ferry Road. After another 550 m cross the Thomas James Bridge (about 20 m long) Then find the "Thomas James Bridge" (5 m on your right). 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 60 m pass the car park (9 m on your left). After another 15 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Finchs Line Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 40 m find the "Finchs Line lookout" (6 m on your left). Finchs Line lookout This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is just off the walking track along the historic Finchs Line Road, near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. There are beautiful views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township from here.
	After another 4 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 45 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Devines Hill and Finchs Line Circuit

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	9.9 km
Time	4 h to 4 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
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	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 9.3 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	9.3 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Wisemans Ferry
Wisemans Ferry village is on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, NSW. The town, and nearby car ferry, is named after Solomon Wiseman, a former convict who received a land grant in the area and established the ferry service. The town is a popular day trip and weekend destination from Sydney. There are several good spots to eat in town, including bistros at the Wisemans Ferry Inn and the Wisemans Ferry Bowling club, and takeaway food from Bush Bites cafe. The Riverbend Restaurant can be found in the 'Retreat at Wisemans' for finer dining. The area has some great walking and interesting history surrounding the convict built Old Great North Road.

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.

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.

Finchs Line lookout
This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is just off the walking track along the historic Finchs Line Road, near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. There are beautiful views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township from here.

Finchs Line viewpoint
This informal, unfenced (and unnamed) lookout is on the trail along the historic Finchs Line Rd near Wisemans Ferry, NSW. The viewpoint sits on a beautiful outcrop of boulders and provides stunning views down across the Hawkesbury river and Wisemans Ferry township.

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.

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Gosford Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  27°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h tending westerly 25 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures 22 to 27.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:40am to 3:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 7 [High]
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  10°C → 24°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid 20s.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  8°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 24.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  9°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming westerly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning then becoming west to northwesterly and light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 19 and 24.
  
  Monday 23 September
  
  9°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Tuesday 24 September
  
  11°C → 27°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Wednesday 25 September
  
  14°C → 29°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Dharug National Park alerts
  Fire bans: Total Fire Ban
  A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  
  Closed areas: Devines Hill closed
  Devines Hill, Old Great North Road will be closed from 06:00am Tuesday 22 October to 5:00pm Friday 25 October 2024 while conservation works are being undertaken.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program
  NSW 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 26th August 2024 – Sunday 8th September 2024.
  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
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ground baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 20th May 2024 to Sunday 6th October 2024.
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will take place in Dharug National Park (NP), Koolewong Flora Reserve (FR), Manobalai Nature Reserve (NR), Parr State Conservation Area (SCA), Wollemi FR, Wollemi NP, Wollemi SCA, Yengo NP.
  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 Wollemi Yengo NPWS area office for more information on 02 6574 5555.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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