FOOD & WINE in Wisemans Ferry & Spencer

Spencer Village Store

Address: 628 Wisemans Ferry Road, Spencer
Phone: 02 4377 1123
Hours: Open daily - summer hours, open until 6pm

Spencer is a sleepy hamlet on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and can be reached by car or boat. The locals affectionately call Spencer, "The Hub of the Universe" and the Spencer Village Store certainly is just that. Located across the road from the wharf, the "Store" is an amazing amalgamation of general store, café, petrol station, internet connection and every item you overlooked when packing for your weekend trip.

A steady stream of customers arrive to purchase milk, batteries or insect repellent on a mid-week day when we stopped for lunch. We can't refuse the "best burger on the River" and we place our order, a Mexi-burger. A massive burger is served - along with a knife to cut it in half. I can finish only half! For only $10, this is quite a meal.

At Spencer Store, you can purchase beverages, including beer, and head on over to the Dunkirk Hotel to imbibe. We won't totally give away the secret to the Dunkirk, but it is the only pub in Australia without a bar. This will give you a "river storey" to share back at the office.

The Retreat at Wisemans Ferry — Riverbend Restaurant

Retreat at Wisemans Ferry - Your hawkesbury Escape

Address: 5564 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry
Phone: 02 4566 4422
Call for hours

The chef at Riverbend purchases many of his ingredients from local Hawkesbury suppliers. Food is fresh and tasty and seasonal - we sampled a patio lunch on a perfect spring day. Thus Riverbend, while reducing the number of "food miles" travelled to reach the plate, offers an interesting menu that changes with the seasons of Hawkesbury produce.

The setting is perfect for a casual lunch on the patio or an upmarket dinner with linens and candlelight!

Wisemans Ferry Inn & Hotel

(Steak House Bistro)
Address: 1 Old Northern Road
Phone: 02 4566 4301

The Inn, formerly the home of Solomon Wiseman, was built in1826, only a year after Wiseman established his ferry. Wiseman had a somewhat dubious history which followed him, even after his death in 1838 - he was a bit of a local scallywag.

Today, the entrance and verandah are somewhat obscured by enormous leafy trees; locals and visitors appreciate the shade on a hot summer day. The dining deck off the Bistro area has a great view - a perfect setting for a hearty steak or substantial slice of rare roast beef. A display case (chilled) lets you take your pick of a great meat selection - look at the unusual names on each selection. In the chilly months, a fire roars in the huge stone fireplace in the Bistro and games for kids are located nearby. TAB and EFTPOS facilities are available.

Cafés and Quick Bites

We love Wisemans for its village ambience and friendliness. Our first trip into the Hawkesbury left a lasting, pleasant impression. Waiting for the ferry, we noticed a little foodie kiosk and hurried over to grab a beverage before the boat docked. The takeaway has since changed owners and names, but the Convict Road Kiosk is still one of our favourites in the Hawkesbury:

Convict Road Kiosk

Address: Old Northern Road (adjacent to the big ferry dock), Wisemans Ferry

Great, great burgers! Big and juicy, served with chips. An array of savoury pies are also on offer. There are several picnic tables out front, and many more in the park. And watching the ferry come and go is a plus.

Bush Bites Café

Address: Shop 9, Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry
Phone: 02 4566 4766
Hours: Open daily in summer, 7:30 am-6 pm; Winter hours vary

Bush Bites is a typical resort café - a menu of quick items, geared to takeaway, but with tables for those who wish to linger. We see locals here for their afternoon coffee, gathering to share the local news - gossiping, dare we say!
Boaters and skiers often order the "Rosie's Chickens" for an early evening dinner on the water. Whatever your activity in Wisemans, Bush Bites is a convenient stop-off. The service is friendly and they work hard to get our orders out quickly.
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