3. Finchs Line

A view from Finchs Line across the Hawkesbury and Macdonald Rivers, and Wisemans Ferry (allow 3-4 hours to complete the circular walk) Constructed in 1828 this is the original ascent on the northern side of the Hawkesbury River. Follow the road up Devines Hill to the top gate, and turn right for 1 km. Finchs line is signposted, and leads to the right. The next few kms follow the original road used by vehicles maintaining the northern telegraph line. The road emerges on the top of the escarpment, providing magnificent views over Wisemans Ferry, along the Hawkesbury River, and to the Blue Mountains in the distance. Bolts in the rocks here were used to secure wires to the large poles which held the telegraph lines once suspended across the river at this point. The track then turns away from the river, but about 1km later re-emerges at another spectacular lookout. It then circles behind another hill, providing great views over Roses Run. The track then descends the hill in a series of sharp zig-zags, which leave one wondering how these corners would have been negotiated by a bullock team! Finchs Line emerges on the main road about 2 km east of the present ferry crossing.

​The Devines Hill and Finches Line part of the Great North Road is one of the 11 Australian Convict Sites that are World Heritage Listed as a group listing.