For Pioneers At Heart
Sun Herald
Saturday October 19, 1996
WISEMANS Ferry may be just a short drive from Sydney but it seems like a world away.
On the banks of the Hawkesbury River, it is an area rich in history and charm.
Once perceived as an area predominantly for water skiers and campers, over the years Wisemans Ferry has become much more.
Besides the beauty of the river and natural surrounds, the history of the Old Great North Road makes it a must-see.
The road was built between 1826 and 1836 but disused soon after as it was deemed a failure by the authorities.
About 500 convicts, mostly repeat offenders, shed blood, sweat and tears to finish the project and the road today has many information points to chronicle their toil.
Most of the convicts worked in shackles and although many escaped, many of those escapees returned. Their return was reflective of the harsh, rugged surrounds of the Hawkesbury.
Wisemans Ferry is named after one of its early settlers, Solomon Wiseman, who was transported to Australia in 1806 in irons for stealing timber. He arrived with his wife and two sons, was released into her care and began building a business empire. In 1811 he bought his first ship.
Within a few years he was operating a small fleet carrying coal, produce and timber between Newcastle and the Shoalhaven.
He bought parcels of land along the Hawkesbury and took out an inn-keepers licence at Lower portland head (now Wisemans Ferry).
A shrewd businessman, he won the contract to feed the convicts who worked to build the Old Great North Road. Wiseman died in 1838.
LODGING
THE Wisemans Ferry Country Retreat is in the heart of Wisemans Ferry and is ideal for a pleasant family break.
It is about three years old and has been well-maintained. It has a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, children's play area, tennis courts and conference areas.
Maryanne and Russell Woodrow have managed the retreat for about a year.
There are 28 double rooms and two suites - with spas - most of which overlook the golf course.
The restaurant is superb with fresh, delicious food served buffet-style for breakfast and a la carte in the evening. The menu changes daily. Expect culinary delights such as King Island sirloin, timbale of trout, prawns and scallops, trout almondine and lemon parsley butter.
LOCATION
WISEMANS Ferry is overlooked by the Dharug National Park.
The area is a haven for water skiers and families but also offers a relaxing break away for gourmands and history buffs.
Many of the area's earliest pioneers are buried in the Wisemans Ferry Cemetery.
The post office, on the main road, was opened in 1857.
Last year saw the retirement of the postmistress, Helen Andrews, who had worked there since 1944.
There is also St Mary Magdalene Church built early this century using stone from the original church built between 1841 and 1847.
One thing not to miss is a ride on the vehicular ferry, the oldest operating ferry in Australia.
LOWDOWN
Address: Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry. Approximately 1< to 2 hours drive from Sydney.
Bookings: (045) 66 44 22.
Price: There's a weekend escape package for two for Friday and Saturday night starting from $195 per person.
Included is two nights' twin-share accommodation, buffet breakfast on both mornings and dinner both evenings. For an extra $15 guests can use the golf course.
Children: There's a playground, swimming pool, barbecue area and games room.
Wheelchair: There are toilets for the disabled in the restaurant and there is a guest room for disabled people.
Value for Money: ****
Good points: A relaxing hideaway, with great food, friendly staff and plenty of amenities.
Bad points: While the rooms and surrounds are extremely well looked after, they border on looking sterile.
Ratings: ***** excellent; **** good; *** average; ** fair; * bad.
© 1996 Sun Herald
