The Great North Road Convict Trail

Attraction
The Old Great North Road
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Park alerts

Dharug National Park

4 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 7:05 pm

  • Fire bansUntil 31 Mar 2027

    Park Fire Ban - Wollemi-Yengo Reserves

    A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:

    • They're under direct control of an adult
    • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
    • There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

    However the following campgrounds are exempt:

    Dharug National Park

    • Mill Creek Campground

    Mount Royal National Park

    • Youngville Campground

    Yengo National Park

    • Blue Gums Campground
    • Mountain Arm Campground
    • Yengo House
    • Finchley Campground
    • Mogo Campground

    If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

About

The Great North Road Convict Trail, surveyed in 1825 and completed in 1836, was constructed using convict labour. Up to 720 convicts - some in chains - worked on the road, which spanned 264 kilometre, connecting Sydney to the settlements of the Hunter Valley. It features spectacular and beautifully preserved examples of stonework, including buttresses, culverts, bridges and twelve-metre high retaining walls.

Only 43 kilometres of the road remains undeveloped and relatively intact. Running through and alongside Dharug National Park and Yengo National Park, this section has been named the Old Great North Road. It goes from Wisemans Ferry in the south to Mount Manning (near Bucketty) in the north, and includes the oldest surviving stone bridges in mainland Australia. The road is closed to motor vehicles but makes a great walk over two or three days - or an exhilarating day's cycle.

Dharug National Park · Yengo National Park · Sydney and surrounds

Old Great North Road – World Heritage walk highlights a historic convict-built road with scenic river views, via Finchs Line, in Dharug National Park.

Difficulty
Grade 4 · Hard
Distance
9km loop
Time
3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min

What to bring

  • Drinking water
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen

Plan your walk

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

Where you'll be

Wisemans Ferry

Wisemans Ferry NSW 2775