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  • Great North Rd Convict Trail / Howes Valley Trail - D/C+ grade scenic drive

Great North Rd Convict Trail / Howes Valley Trail - D/C+ grade scenic drive

  • 27 May 2023
  • 08:30 - 17:00
  • Wisemans Ferry

This trip is a scenic drive that starts at Wisemans Ferry then follows the Macdonald River towards St Albans. The historic cemetery is worth a stop as some first fleeters are buried there. 

Along the trail we can stop to check out a few of the remains of convict built structures and road sections before heading into the Yengo National Park. We will head for the Finchley Lookout for some amazing views and then head out via the Howes Valley Trail to Putty Rd.

For anyone who has the 4WD Treks Close to Sydney book from Boiling Billy publications, this is Trek 4. 

The standard is generally easy and suitable for beginners and non-Wrangler drivers, although the Howes Valley Trail is a bit rougher and rockier in places. Low range is not required but airing down a few psi is a good idea.

Anyone keen to make a weekend of it can easily continue to the Hunter Valley for the wineries or find a campsite to overnight and do some additional trails on Sunday. 

You will need a UHF radio to stay in touch with the convoy. Some sections of the trail are narrow and there are some contra-flow controls in place around some recent landslides.

The trip from Wisemans Ferry to Putty Rd is approx 125kms and takes about 5  hours. The round trip from Sydney will be over 400kms depending where you live.

Meeting point: 8.30am in the park just opposite the ferry - Google Maps. There are two ferries at Wisemans, so when you get to the bottom of the hill, turn right to stay on Old Northern Rd and follow it to the end.


Trip leader: Julian Olencewicz - 0425 277 721


Bring a radio, camera for the scenery, pack a lunch and appropriate clothing for the weather.


Limit of 9 Jeeps, including the trip leader.





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