hero media

The epic 86km ride that blends bush, history and big views

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
Swap city streets for sandstone culverts, convict carvings and bush solitude on this legendary mountain bike ride from Wisemans Ferry.

If you’re after a bike trail that feels bigger than the pedals beneath you, the Old Great North Road bike ride delivers. Set in Dharug National Park in the Central Coast region, this is no ordinary spin through the bush. The 86-kilometre return route traces part of a convict-built road from the 1820s, now protected as one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.

As you pedal upwards, the story of the past reveals itself. Enormous buttresses rise along the roadside, culverts tunnel beneath the track and sandstone walls stand as silent witnesses to an era when labourers toiled with chains and picks. It’s a ride through history as much as through wilderness.

How hard is it?

the Ten Mile Hollow Camping Area in the Dubbo Gully Loop Trail in Dharug National Park.
Many riders turn around at Ten Mile Hollow campground. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW)

Make no mistake, this is not a gentle spin through the bush. The Old Great North Road bike ride is rated hard, and with good reason. Steep climbs demand stamina, rocky sections test balance and the sheer scale of the ride requires preparation. The full return can take up to two days, and water along the way must be boiled or treated before drinking.

For those not ready to take on the whole stretch, shorter options make the experience more accessible. Many riders turn around at Ten Mile Hollow campground, about halfway along, or take on the 28-kilometre Devines Hill loop, a circuit that still packs in impressive stonework and wide views without the full commitment.

What you’ll see

The view of the Hawkesbury River and mountainouslandscape from Devines Hill on the heritage listedDevine's Hill Loop in Dharug National Park.
Enjoy Hawkesbury River views. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW)

What sets this ride apart is the combination of challenge and atmosphere. There are moments of true solitude, where the bush closes in and the only sounds are your tyres crunching over gravel and the calls of birds. Then, just as suddenly, the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views across the Hawkesbury. The mix of natural beauty and built heritage makes it one of the most rewarding rides in NSW.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Tips for your ride

Mountain biker, Devines Hill, Dharug National Park
The Old Great North Road bike ride is a hard trail. (Image: John Yurasek/DCCEEW)

Start at Wisemans Ferry and follow signs to the trailhead.

Carry water and food – there are tanks along the way, but you’ll need to treat or boil any water.

Allow time – a full return ride can take up to two days.

Look after the heritage – some fragile sections request that you walk your bike to protect the stonework.

If cycling isn’t your thing

Dharug National Park signage on the heritage listed Devines Hill Loop in Dharug National Park.
Do the Old Great North Road World Heritage walk if cycling isn’t your thing. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW)

If tackling the trail on two wheels feels daunting, there’s another way to experience its history. The Old Great North Road World Heritage walk is a nine-kilometre loop that takes around four hours on foot. It leads through many of the same engineering feats and scenic outlooks, offering a more contemplative way to step back in time without the same intense burn in your legs.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
View profile and articles
Orphaned wombat thumbnail
Central Coast

You can meet this orphaned baby wombat on the Central Coast

Sunny was found alive in his mother's pouch after a fatal road strike and is now being hand-raised by Australian Reptile Park keepers.

Read more
Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
Central Coast

How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

Read more
The Grand Saddles Lodge
Central Coast

The Central Coast’s new luxury lodge has private villas, plunge pools and a piano bar

The Grand Saddles Lodge opens this spring, bringing 20 private villas, an Art Deco piano bar and a native-botanical day spa to the Central Coast bush.

Read more
Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
Central Coast

The new Central Coast hike with camping, workshops and a bush sauna

A new two-day guided hike is coming to the Central Coast in April, and you’ve got one chance to experience it.

Read more
hero media

After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    Continue
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.