Old Great North Road

You'll discover a piece of Australian colonial history on the Old Great North Road near Wisemans Ferry, where this short 1.3 km trail takes you along an original section of the convict-built highway that connected Sydney to Newcastle in the 1800s. The trail offers a unique blend of historical significance and accessible off-road driving, making it perfect for those wanting to explore heritage routes without requiring extensive 4WD experience or technical skills.

As you traverse this relatively flat route, you'll encounter the weathered remnants of early infrastructure carved into the landscape by convict labour. The surrounding bushland provides pleasant scenery typical of the Central Coast region, with eucalyptus forest and glimpses of the historic Wisemans Ferry crossing nearby. The gentle terrain means you can focus on soaking in the historical atmosphere rather than concentrating on challenging driving conditions.

Before heading out, note that this trail is largely unexplored on Newtracs, so you'll be among the first to document your experience. While the terrain presents no steep grades or technical obstacles, you should still ensure your vehicle is in good working order and carry adequate water and supplies. The historical nature of the site means treating it with respect—stay on designated routes to preserve this important piece of Australian heritage for future visitors.