Dedicated in August 2000, the Les Darcy Monument celebrates the achievements of one of Australia’s greatest boxers. Set back from the New England Highway in a grassy park in front of the East Maitland Bowling Club, the statue can be easy to miss.
The statue stands on a marble platform, surrounded by plaques which show his achievements. A great place to relax on your way through town because of the grass and shady trees.
Les Darcy Statue
Les Darcy Statue
Sir Paul Edmund de StrzeleckiMemorial
Located near the Les Darcy Memorial, the Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki Memorial celebrates Strzelecki, a famous explorer, scientist, and philanthropist. Erected by the local Polish community, because of his contribution to early exploration work in the area. It’s interesting to see because of Strzelecki’s contribution to early Australia.
Strzelecki Memorial East Maitland
Old Land and Survey Office
Opposite the Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki Memorial is the old Land and Survey Office. Placed on a corner in a prominent position, makes the building stand out, because of its size and red brick construction. Built in the Federation Free Classical style and designed by W.L Vernon, it’s an interesting building to see if you are in the area.
Situated in the western suburbs of Newcastle, the Minmi cemetery, records the early history of coal mining in the district. Time and weather have faded many headstone to the point where they can no longer be read. This adds to the atmosphere of the area however, as it gives you a feeling for its age.
Dating from the mid-1800s some of the graves record the tragic deaths of workers in the coal mines, showing how dangerous it was. Well maintained and easily accessed, this was an interesting place to visit.
GravesAn Old Weathered HeadstoneSome of the GravesThe Cemetery
Located on the New South Wales Central Coast and North of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry is a historic town connected to the Great North Road.
Hawkins LookoutWisemans Ferry
Travelling north from Sydney, the road passes through some wonderful scenery with very tight windy roads in places. Just outside Wisemans Ferry is Hawkins Lookout which provides great views over the mountains and the Hawkesbury River. We made a quick stop here to admire the views before continuing on to the town.
The Hawkesbury River From Hawkins’ Lookout
Convict Trail Memorial
Near the ferry landing is a carpark with a cafe and memorial site. The memorial commemorates the building of the Great North Road and the ferry crossing. We relaxed here for a while with a snack and coffee after the drive, before boarding the ferry.
Convict Trail Memorial
The Ferry
The ferry master will direct you when it is safe to drive on board and park in the marked spaces. Once parked, turn off your engine and enjoy the short ride to the other side. Use of the ferry is free, so no payment is necessary.
The Ferry on the Hawkesbury River
The Great North Road
The entrance to the Great North road is to the left of the ferry crossing. There is only limited parking available, with no dedicated car park. In busy times this will be a problem and you may need to walk some distance to get there.
The Great North Road was built by convict labour between 1825 and 1836 to link Sydney to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Information Boards
Information boards, convict silhouettes and examples of tools, provide context for what you are looking at. This enables a greater understanding of what the convicts endured because you can visualise them working on the road or in the stone quarry.
Convict Trail
Great North Road Information Plaque
Information Plaque at the Quarry Site
Great North Road Information Plaque
Convict Silhouettes at the Quarry Site
Convict Shackles on Display
The Road
The road surface is well maintained and although it goes uphill is not a difficult walk if you take it slowly. Remember to take water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat, because there is not much shade.
The dry stonewall buttresses on the downhill side of the road are of excellent workmanship, especially when you consider the conditions the convicts were working in.
The Great North Road
Stone Retaining Wall on the Great North Road
Stone Retaining Wall on the Great North Road
The Great North Road
Sites Along the Way
Along the walk, there are several sites of interest. The first is the remains of a large quarry, where stone was quarried for use in the road. Tools on display here show how primitive the work was and how difficult it would have been.
The second spot is called Hangman’s Rock, although is doubtful if this is what it was used for. Steps are cut into the rock, enabling you to climb up for a better look.
The Quarry Site on the Great North Road
Hangman’s Rock on the Great North Road
What Did We Think?
We stopped at Hangman’s Rock and returned to our car, although you can continue to Finches Line Walking Track which will bring you out south of the Ferry crossing. This is a part of Australia’s colonial history and it is great that the site has been preserved and presented so well for visitors. This part of the Great North Road is only a short walk, but lets you see some important historical sites. We enjoyed the walk and the history on display.
If you are interested in the Great North Road, read our post on the northern section.
