Local tips/advice series from the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre

In every community, certain local treasures capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike. We tell it all in our “We’ll tell you where to go!” series.

If you're planning a trip through our picturesque Hawkesbury Region, hopping on one of its ferries is a novel and relatively unique experience.

The ferries regularly spark inquiries at our Visitor Information Centre and it’s probably one thing that confuses visitors the most, so let’s explore our ferry’s most frequently asked questions as well as the safety and ferry user etiquette.

How much do the ferries cost?

Vehicle ferries are a free service to use. As you leave the ferry take a moment to wave a cheerful thanks to the ferry master - it also costs you nothing but will leave you both with smiles as you embark on the next leg of your journey.

What time do the ferries depart?

Ferries run on demand, they do trips back and forth across the river during their operating times. Think of them like a moving bridge taking vehicles back and forth.  If the ferry is not waiting for you to board, it won’t be long and it will be across to collect you.

How long does it take?

The ferries vary because the width of the river is different at each crossing, but they range between 3 and 5 minutes. This means your minimum wait time for the ferry could range from six to 10 minutes, it will be longer if the que is longer and not all cars can fit on the ferry. Always allow additional time for crossing the ferries. Keep in mind everyone else is in the same situation and being impatient will get you nowhere faster. During peak holiday periods, such as long weekends, ferry wait times can be significantly longer than usual. Ferry users to plan accordingly by allowing extra time for potential delays. Ensure you have enough petrol, water, and snacks to stay comfortable during the wait.

Can I walk onto or take my bicycle across a ferry?

You can take the ferries as a pedestrian or with a bicycle. Ensure you stay within the areas designated and follow instructions from the ferry master.

Can I use a ferry on a motorcycle?

Sure can! Bikers use the ferries all the time, they love the roads that lead to the ferries and beyond.

Can I take my caravan, trailer or truck on a ferry?

Yes. Generally larger vehicles will be directed to board in the centre of the ferry, always follow the ferry masters’ instructions to board.

What do I need to know about boarding and disembarking from a ferry?

Vehicles should board in order of queuing and disembark in the same order unless instructed otherwise by ferry master.

Where do I pull up on the ferry?

Unless instructed otherwise the boarding order should be middle vehicle all the way to the front, then left side all the way to front, right side all the way to front, next car middle and continue keeping all vehicles close together to ensure as many vehicles as possible can be boarded on each journey.

Can I get out of my car?

No. You must stay inside your vehicle whilst on the ferry.

What else should I know?

Turn your engine and headlights off whilst waiting for and travelling on the Ferry. For the safety and comfort of others do not smoke whilst on the ferry or play loud music that may interfere with others comfort. Look for signs at each ferry crossing for advice on what to do and always obey instruction from the ferry master.

While  we try our best to ensure all information is up to date, changes may occur in operational times and regulations. Break-downs, flooding and high river levels can also impact ferries. Please refer to the Live Traffic NSW for the up-to-date operating status of ferries.

Selfies and dashboard view pictures on the ferry are a thing! #discoverthehawkesbury

Sackville Ferry

Located just north of Sackville on Sackville Road, this ferry connects Windsor and Wisemans Ferry with a quick three-minute crossing. A ferry has been operating at Sackville since around 1870, when a hand-operated punt was introduced to transport one vehicle or several passengers at a time. The ferry connected farms on the northern banks to the southern side, allowed children to cross the river to attend school and assisted in transporting produce. Motor-driven cable ferries began service in the 1930s and have been upgraded multiple times since. Next to the ferry ramp, you can see the remains of Churchill's Wharf, constructed in the 1830s, near the current ferry crossing by ex-convict Edward Churchill (1775-1852). The wharf served steam-powered vessels that navigated the river delivering produce into Sydney and providing goods and services to local communities along the way.

Operating times - 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Scheduled maintenance closure - The first Wednesday of every month between 12.45pm and 3:00pm

Trip duration - 3 minutes.

Capacity - 15 cars

What is across the Sackville Ferry?

Headed to Wisemans - Andersons Farm (seasonal), Dargle Farm, scenic back road options to Wisemans Ferry via either River Road or Wisemans Ferry Road/Old Northern Road.

Headed to Windsor - Tractor 828, Ebenezer Church, Wineries, Australiana Pioneer Village.

Lower Portland Ferry

For those traversing the junction of the Hawkesbury and Colo Rivers, the Lower Portland Ferry is a scenic delight. At one time there were two ferries here, one in the current location another which crossed the Colo. Both were operated by the same ferryman, so wait times were often longer if someone was crossing using the other ferry. The retired ferry is on display at the Australiana Pioneer Village after being replaced by the large concrete bridge known by locals as “The bridge to no-where” which opened in 1969.

Operating times - 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week. Note: There are 2 daily ferry master break closures from 10am to 10:30am and 6.30pm to 7pm where the ferry does not operate.

Scheduled maintenance closure - The second Wednesday of every month between 9am and 11am.

Trip duration - 3 minutes.

Capacity - 8 cars or 42 tonnes.

What’s across the Lower Portland Ferry?

It links River Road to West Portland Road. Lower Portland ferry crosses the Hawkesbury River where it meets the Colo River in Lower Portland. It connects the roads linking Windsor and Wisemans Ferry.

Crossing from West Portland Road- Paradise Café, scenic way to Wisemans or scenic drive to Sackville ferry crossing.

Crossing from River Road – Back to Windsor and the Putty Road.

Webbs Creek Ferry

At Wisemans Ferry, the Webbs Creek Ferry offers a five-minute crossing of the Hawkesbury River, just south of the Macdonald River junction. The Webbs Creek ferry crosses the Hawkesbury River between the community of Wisemans Ferry and a point just south of the junction with the Macdonald River.

Operating times - 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Scheduled maintenance closure - The first Tuesday of every month between 9.30am and 12pm (for scheduled maintenance).

Trip duration - 5 minutes.

Capacity - 24 cars.

What’s across the Webbs Creek Ferry?

From Wisemans Ferry - It’s a perfect starting point for a round trip to historic St Albans, following the charming Macdonald River. Or head along Bicentenary Road, Juniors, Bridge to Nowhere, West Portland Road and return to Putty Road. Please note: Greens / Bicentenary Road not being suitable for long vehicles with trailers, or vehicles with trailers due to hairpin bends.

To Wisemans Ferry- Back over to Wisemans Ferry township.

Wisemans Ferry

Wiseman’s Ferry is the oldest ferry crossing still in operation in New South Wales.

The Wisemans Ferry, operating 24/7, is a cornerstone of the Hawkesbury River crossings. This ferry has been serving travelers since 1827, started by Solomon Wiseman, the namesake of the village. The crossing takes about four minutes but be prepared for up to 10 minutes of waiting. The Wisemans ferry crosses the Hawkesbury River just east of the junction of the Macdonald River at the village of Wisemans Ferry. Wisemans Ferry is named after Solomon Wiseman who settled here after receiving a land grant from Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1817.  He was responsible for the first ferry service in 1827, which served the farmers and settlers of the district. He is also the inspiration for The Secret River, a novel written by his great-great-great granddaughter Kate Grenville.

Operating times - The main ferry operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. A second ferry operates on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Trip duration - 4 minutes.

Scheduled maintenance closure – Regular maintenance is handled by a second ferry, so there’s no interruption in service.

Capacity - Main ferry - 24 cars. Smaller ferry - 15 cars.

What’s across the Wisemans Ferry?

Located east of the Macdonald River junction, it’s your gateway to the northern shores, including Spencer and Mangrove Mountain. Keen bushwalkers can cross here to embark on adventures up Devine’s Hill and along the historic Great North Road. Bushwalkers wanting to trek up Devines Hill and the Great North Road should use this crossing. Coming back the other way it will bring you into the township of Wisemans Ferry.

Each of these ferries adds a unique touch to your journey through the Hawkesbury Region, making your exploration both enjoyable and picturesque. Whether you're driving, riding, walking, or cycling, these crossings provide a memorable way to experience the area's natural beauty and historic charm.

Call into the Hawkesbury Visitor Information Centre for a free map showing suggested drive routes, it specifically shows the locations of the 4 ferries, great to visualise your planned journey.