Directions & Driving

 

The total distance by car from Start to Finish is approximately 142 kilometres. This is based on the assumption that landcrews call in at Checkpoint A (Cattai National Park - Park fees apply), Checkpoint D (Ulinbawn Ski Park, Sackville North) and Checkpoint I (NSW Water Ski Gardens, Wisemans Ferry) and then proceed back onto Old Northern Road, then the M1 to go to the FINISH. 

Because of road conditions we strongly recommend against proceeding across the river at Wisemans Ferry and going to the FINISH via Spencer. We also recommend against going down Galston Gorge as this road can be dangerous at night with a number of hairpin bends

Stopping at Checkpoint A is optional for landcrews. NB : Landcrews cannot access their paddler and paddlers cannot stop at "A", unless in an emergency ,

It is mandatory that landcrews be available to help their paddler(s) at :

START :  Macquarie Park, 1 Wilberforce Road, Freemans Reach (Windsor)

Checkpoint D : Ulinbawn Ski Park, 968 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North, 

Checkpoint I : NSW Water Ski Gardens, 2916 River Road, Wisemans Ferry. 

FINISH : Deerubbin Reserve, Peats Ferry Road, Mooney Mooney.

We suggest that you review the route online before the night of the Classic.

Because of the time frame involved and the difficulty in getting sleep at checkpoints, it is a good idea to ensure there is more than one driver in the landcrew. Try to ensure the driver gets some sleep while parked at the major checkpoints.

As fuel is difficult to obtain during the night, ensure that your vehicle's tank is full before leaving Windsor. Filling before arriving at the start is advisable.

Driving at a steady pace will enable landcrew to reach the major checkpoints and prepare for their paddler in plenty of time.

Care is required on roads which are often narrow with sharp curves as they wind from the ridges to the river and vice versa.

When driving from Checkpoint Sackville (D) to Wisemans Ferry (I) it is suggested landcrews return to the main road (old Northern Road) via Maroota. This avoids the narrow, winding, gravel sections of River Road as it follows the river. 

Please TAKE CARE and help make the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic safe and enjoyable.

Have a rest at the FINISH or cheer other competitors home to the FINISH. 

Sufficient parking is available at the START, Checkpoint A (optional for landcrews), Checkpoint D, Checkpoint I and FINISH. Landcrew are advised to have carry bags or a backpack for carrying equipment to paddlers as parking may be some distance from the riverfront.