Getting to Wisemans Retreat

We’re scattered across the country, but we belong together — and we’ll help you make the journey.

As this retreat is new to us and may feel unfamiliar, we want to support your journey as best we can by providing practical information about getting there. Travel will look a little different depending on where you’re coming from, so the details below are designed to help guide you along the way.

Travelling via Sydney Airport?

Friday 21 August – Sydney Airport to Wisemans Retreat

  • Shuttle departs approximately 6:00pm from Sydney Airport.

  • The departure time has been chosen to accommodate interstate arrivals (including Western Australia) while helping us avoid Sydney peak-hour traffic.

  • Emma will be at Sydney Airport from approximately 12:30pm onwards. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you're very welcome to join the small group gathering at the airport while we wait for others to arrive.

  • When booking flights, please allow sufficient time before the shuttle departure, including a buffer time in case of flight delays.

  • If your flight is delayed or cancelled on the day, please contact Emma as soon as possible so we can keep the shuttle company updated.

  • If you intend to use the shuttle, please email me at eghazarian@cofchrist.com.au as soon as your flights are booked with your:

    • Airline

    • Flight number

    • Arrival time

Sunday 23 August – Wisemans Retreat to Sydney Airport

  • The National Gathering program concludes at approximately 3:00pm.

  • The shuttle bus will depart Wisemans Retreat at approximately 3:30pm for Sydney Airport.

  • When booking your return flight, please allow sufficient travel time between Wisemans Retreat and Sydney Airport, particularly to account for possible Sunday afternoon traffic or unexpected delays (such as road incidents), before your flight departure.

If a shuttle is not available, alternative options from Sydney Airport include train/car pooling or hire:

  • Catching train at Sydney Airport - Central Station - Cherrybrook Station. Estimate time 1hr. Estimate cost $25

  • From Cherrybrook Station, car pick-up and drive to Wismans Retreat. Estimate time 40-45 min

  • Allow approximately 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Sydney Airport to Wisemans Ferry direct, depending on traffic.

Travelling South via Northern NSW?

If you’re driving south, your journey to Wisemans Retreat includes crossing the Hawkesbury River via the historic Wisemans Ferry. There is no bridge at this point, so all vehicles use the ferry, which operates regularly throughout the day. The crossing takes only a few minutes and is free of charge.

Please allow a little extra time in case of short queues, especially on weekends. Visit Ferry at Wisemans and Webb's Creek for ferry details and operating times.

Estimate travel time:

  • Forster, NSW - Wisemans Retreat- 4 hours

  • Newcastle, NSW - Wisemans Retreat - 1 hour