Wisemans Ferry to Wollombi Gravel

The Wisemans Ferry to Wollombi Gravel Ride is a brilliant point-to-point cycling adventure linking the Hawkesbury with the Hunter Valley through historic St Albans, remote gravel roads and spectacular sandstone country. Starting at Wisemans Ferry, the adventure begins with a crossing of the Hawkesbury River before heading north along Settlers Road towards St Albans. This opening section delivers some beautiful gravel riding, following the Macdonald River beneath sandstone cliffs and through quiet bushland. Historic St Albans makes a perfect first stop before the route continues north along Wollombi Road. From here, things become increasingly remote as the road winds through the valley, with creek crossings, forest, sandstone formations and long stretches of gravel creating a genuine backcountry feel. Eventually the route climbs away from the valley towards the Great North Road, part of the historic convict-built route originally constructed to connect Sydney with the Hunter Valley. From here, riders continue towards Laguna and Wollombi, eventually rolling into one of the Hunter Valley's best-known historic villages. At around 80km point-to-point, this makes a fantastic big day on the gravel bike, but it can just as easily become part of a longer bikepacking adventure. Stay overnight around Wollombi, continue further into the Hunter Valley or build the route into a multi-day journey linking Sydney, the Hawkesbury and Hunter by bike. Expect a mixture of smooth gravel, unsealed country roads and sealed sections, along with sustained climbing as you travel north. Conditions can vary considerably after rain, so the ride can feel very different depending on when you tackle it. For riders searching for gravel riding near Sydney, this is a cracker — historic roads, remote valleys and some seriously good gravel, all connecting two destinations that are worth visiting in their own right. RTS Tip: This is a point-to-point ride, so organise your return transport or accommodation before setting out. Services become limited once you leave St Albans, and mobile reception can be patchy through the valleys. Carry sufficient food and water, repair gear and offline navigation, and check current road, ferry, weather and fire conditions before leaving.