The Convict Trail: A Historic Journey from Raymond Terrace to the Hunter Valley

Sujay Vasist
4 days ago
2 min read

If you're looking for a drive that offers more than just pretty views, it’s time to take the "Road Less Travelled." Starting from our pick-up zone in Raymond Terrace, you can follow a trail that was hand-carved into the Australian bush nearly 200 years ago: The Great North Road (The Convict Trail).

This isn't just a commute; it’s a trip through an 18th-century engineering masterpiece. Here is how to spend a day exploring the heritage and hidden gems of the Hunter hinterland.

Stop 1: Breakfast in Historic Raymond Terrace

Before you hit the trail, start where the history began. Raymond Terrace was gazetted in 1837 as a vital river port.

The Local Pick: Grab a coffee at The Rectory Tea House. This stunning 1840s heritage property is the perfect place to fuel up before your drive. Take a quick walk past the mid-19th century architecture with its iconic lacework verandahs on King Street.

Stop 2: The Victoria Hotel, Hinton

Just 15 minutes from the Terrace, cross the bridge into Hinton.

The Highlight: You'll find the Victoria Hotel, built in 1840—one of Australia’s oldest continually licensed pubs. It sits at the junction of the Paterson and Hunter Rivers, where wheat and wine were once shipped to the world. It’s a quintessential country pub that sets the mood for the rugged road ahead.

Stop 3: Wollombi & The Great North Road

From Hinton, navigate your way toward Wollombi via Tourist Drive 33. This road follows the path built by over 3,000 convicts (often working in irons) between 1826 and 1836.

What to look for: As you drive, keep an eye out for the original sandstone culverts, retaining walls, and "pick-dressed" rock cuttings.

Wollombi Village: This is the heart of the trail. Stop at the Wollombi Tavern for their famous Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice or explore the 1839 Post Office and St Michael's Church. It’s a village that has barely changed since the 1800s.

Stop 4: The Convict Relics at Bucketty

A few minutes north of the Bucketty intersection, look for Ramseys Leap. You can see (and drive on!) a 100-metre long dry stone wall, hand-built in the 1830s. It’s a literal connection to the past that most tourists drive right over without noticing.

Why the MG ZS is the Perfect Partner for the Trail

The Convict Trail involves winding country roads and some steep, sandstone-bordered passes.

Adaptive Cruise Control: Our MG ZS models make the drive through the winding hinterland effortless, allowing you to focus on the scenery.

Apple CarPlay: Signal can be spotty in the valleys, so having your maps pre-loaded via CarPlay in our modern fleet ensures you won't get lost in the 1830s.

Panoramic Views: The large windows and elevated seating of the ZS give you the best vantage point for spotting those historic stone bridges and rock cuttings.

Want to walk the path of the early settlers? Pick up your car in Raymond Terrace this weekend and head inland for a day of history and discovery.