The tiny Central Coast community of Gunderman has come into its own, with new signage letting travellers know it is a township worth exploring.
River Cares President Robyn Downham said Gunderman was nestled between the towns of Spencer and Wisemans Ferry and had much to offer, catering to all age groups.
She is urging Coasties to explore the tiny township on the southern fringe of their own local government area.
“You can go bushwalking, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating or water skiing on the mighty Hawkesbury River (from Gunderman),” Downham said.
“You can enjoy a family picnic or dine at the local Wombat Café.
“Or just minutes away at Wisemans Ferry there is a famous historic pub, a bowling club, and the Heritage Valley Café – or you can go further down the Hawkesbury River to Spencer and enjoy the breathtaking views while dining at the Spencer Thai or the new Anchor Café.
“The Wombat Café is located 10 km from Wisemans Ferry on Wisemans Ferry Rd or 14.6km from Spencer.
“It offers friendly country hospitality and delicious homestyle cooked meals made fresh daily.”
Downham said the café, which opened in August 2019, had a wide selection of classic meals and was renowned both locally and throughout Sydney for its homemade pies, sausage rolls, cakes and pizzas.
“This Summer the Wombat Café will be officially opening its new deck (seating up to 20 people comfortably) overlooking an amazing country vista with the backdrop of the Hawkesbury River and the distinct sandstone cliffs,” she said.
Downham said there was a plethora of airbnbs in Gunderman as well as the Rosevale Caravan Park – a 20ha property with camp sites and cabins on the Hawkesbury River.
“Surrounded by national parks, horse studs and magnificent sandstone cliffs, this makes a great escape to unwind from the hustle and bustle of busy life,” she said.
“You can relax on the lush green grass and watch the beautiful sunsets, or stretch by the fire under the million stars and enjoy the serenity of the night.”
Downham said there was much of historic and cultural significance in the tiny community.
“This includes the Lower Hawkesbury Wesleyan Chapel site at 6445 Wisemans Ferry Rd, (known for) its association with the development and practice of Wesleyan Methodism and also for its association with early European settlement along the Lower Hawkesbury,” she said.
“The stone chapel built in 1855 is a rare example of a place of worship for the Wesleyans in this area during the 19th century, not to mention the fact that this is the oldest intact usable stone chapel of this era in the Lower Hawkesbury.
“The Chapel is now home to the Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society (DLHHS) formed in 1983.
“The major aim of the society is the research, collection, presentation and preservation of the history of Wiseman’s Ferry and surrounding areas following initial settlement and the ongoing involvement and support of the local community in such tasks.
“The DLHHS holds meetings on the last Saturday of every second month (March, May, July, September, November) and excursions are arranged on alternate months including the world heritage-listed Convict Trail, Finch’s Line, the original crossing location of Wisemans Ferry, Half Moon Farm, and visits to the sites of local Aboriginal rock art and engravings.”
Gunderman adjoins the Dharug National Park with the national heritage listed Convict Trail/Great North Road built between 1826 and 1836 on its doorstep.
“The Convict Trail is a significant part of this region’s story and is currently used for many purposes including recreational activities, events and heritage tourism,” Downham said.
“This is a great walk starting at Devines Hill with a mixture of historic remnants of the Old Great North Rd such as stone walling, culverts, quarries, buttresses, chiselled and blasted rockfaces and hand-hewn drains.
“These structures are all convict-built.
“Popular trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running includes the Finch’s Line via Settlers Rd, which is a 10.8km loop, taking an average three hours to complete and is beautiful any time of the year.
“Or there’s the 8.2km Mill Creek Circuit which begins and ends from the parking and picnic area at the end of Mill Creek camping ground.
“The Western Commission 23.8km Track near Gunderman is generally considered a challenging route.
“This trail is great for mountain biking and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.”
Downham said the area was home to an array of Aboriginal sites with a diverse display of archaeological evidence including extensive groups of rock art.
“This attests to the long occupation of the region by Aboriginal people and the complex Indigenous society with cultural connections to land that continues today,” she said.
Source:
River Cares