Wisemans Ferry in Top 100
Date: 16-Apr-09
Author: Cassi Tonkin
The secret is out....and Wisemans is celebrating!
Ask a local and you would expect to get a biased answer "Wisemans Ferry is one of the best places to visit in Australia." But now its official - the historic hamlets claim to fame has just been formerly recognised by the Australian Traveller magazine. In there recent 100 Best Towns in Australia, Wisemans Ferry celebrated with 89th position.
How you might ask did the good people at Australian Traveller decide upon these Top 100 towns - they asked a simple question "Regardless of where the town is located, would you recommend a good friend drive an hour out of their way specifically to visit this town?" - The lucky answer for many Sydneysiders is that Wisemans Ferry is only an hour's drive away!
On the edge of the Hawkesbury River 1hr north of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry is a popular destination for visitors escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Established by convict Solomon Wiseman in 1817, the town is well known for its quaint ferry services that run across the river to St Albans, the Hunter Valley and Gosford. Originally created to transport goods to Sydney and convicts working on the Great Northern Road, the ferry now caters to sightseers who cross the river.
Ask local historian and long time Wisemans Ferry resident Heather Winch and she will agree; "It's a well deserved honour - we've got so much to offer people of all ages. The Convict Road is unique and has been nominated for World Heritage listing. The scenery is magnificent, there's an abundance of wildlife and it's truly a wonderful place to live - I've been here for over 40 years now."
The Australian Traveller's description aptly sets the scene that awaits guests to the valley; "the area could be mistaken for a fairytale hideaway, set around by the Dharug, Yengo, Cattai and Marramarra National Parks that offer plenty of activities, be it walking, riding or exploring the convict past of the region."
The chairman of the local tourism group, Barry Topple said he was "agreeably surprised to find out we made the list. We know it's special but to be recognised as one of the top 100 towns in the whole of Australia is fantastic news".
The question remains simple "how could this small historic town not be in out Top 100?"
Cassi Tonkin
Wisemans Ferry & St Albans Tourism
