Haven’t taken your dog on a ferry yet? Come try this Wisemans Ferry day trip—it’s the perfect lazy adventure with your furry mate, especially in Sydney’s prettiest season! The weather’s warm, the skies are bright blue, and the drive north along Old Northern Road feels like a total dream. Let me walk you through our day, full of little joys and warm moments you won’t want to miss.

First stop? The iconic Glenorie Bakery, a must-visit spot famous for their award-winning beef pies—voted Sydney’s best more than once, and for good reason. We rolled up bright and early, grabbed a flaky, juicy beef pie (the pastry was perfectly crisp, and the filling was so tender, I could’ve eaten two!) and a coffee. It is pet friendly, so bring your mate.

As we continued along Old Northern Road, we stumbled upon the sweetest little surprise: self-service stalls selling free-range eggs and fresh local fruits and veggies. No sellers, no cash registers—just a wooden table with crates of produce, a sign with prices, and an honesty box for payment. It was such a warm, heartwarming sight—this quiet trust between strangers, where you take what you need and leave the right amount of money. I picked up a dozen free-range eggs (they looked so fresh!) and a handful of ripe tomatoes, and it felt like a little gift from the local community. My pup even stopped to sniff the crates, like he was approving our finds too.

After a leisurely drive, we finally reached Wisemans Ferry Park—and it’s even better than I imagined. Nestled right on the Hawkesbury River, this park has everything for a perfect day out: electric BBQ facilities (bring your own wood!), a cute children’s playground, plenty of picnic spots, and even a kiosk on site. We took a short walk with my leashed pup along the riverbank, and he loved watching the water glisten in the sun. If you’re into fishing, you can even bring a rod and cast a line—we didn’t have ours this time, but next time, we’re definitely packing it!

The best part? Driving our car right onto the Wisemans Ferry to cross the Hawkesbury River. It’s such a unique experience—slowly gliding across the river, wind in our hair, with the stunning sandstone cliffs in the distance. My pup sat on the car seat, nose out the window, watching the water go by—he was so curious, and it was the cutest thing ever.

Once we crossed the river, we headed to the tiny, charming village of Spencer for lunch—and I have to recommend The Anchor, hands down. This cozy spot sits right on the Hawkesbury River, with outdoor seating where we could bring our leashed pup (he curled up at our feet, totally relaxed). We sat by the water, feeling the gentle breeze on our faces, and ordered fresh local produce and seafood—their menu is all about celebrating the region’s best ingredients, and every bite was delicious. It’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, sipping a drink, watching the river, and forgetting all about the city.

As the afternoon wound down, we headed back across the ferry, my pup fast asleep in the back seat (tired from all the sniffing and exploring!). Today was exactly what I needed—slow, simple, and full of joy. From the warm honesty of the roadside stalls, to the flaky beef pie, the beautiful ferry crossing, and the relaxing lunch by the river, it was a perfect dog-friendly day trip.

If you’re looking for a laid-back adventure with your furry friend, add Wisemans Ferry to your list. It’s not too far from Sydney, but it feels like a world away—full of charm, natural beauty, and those little moments that make life feel good. Thanks for coming along on our day out—see you next time, fellow paw parents! 🐾