Fernbank Creek: Wine, bush trails and water access

Fernbank Creek combines water access and fishing with horse rides along bush trails and the world of Cassegrain Wines. This mix offers different ways to shape your visit: a trip on the water, time in the saddle, or a visit that includes wine tasting and landscaped green spaces. If you’re looking for a hotel, first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Water access and fishing

Oakes Crescent Old Ferry Ramp is a boat ramp at the end of Oakes Crescent in Fernbank Creek. If you plan to launch a watercraft there, check the local conditions before setting out.

The council plan published in 2025 classifies Fernbank Creek Old Ferry Ramp as a local area for watercraft access and fishing. This classification may be updated. If you’re including this access point in your plans, check the conditions in advance.

Horse rides along bush trails

Port Macquarie Horse Riding Centre offers horse rides across the grounds of Cassegrain and along the surrounding scenic bush trails. Booking is required. If the ride is an important part of your day, plan it in advance rather than treating it as a spontaneous extra. Water access and horse riding offer different experiences: one is a booked horseback ride, while the other involves using a boat ramp or fishing.

Wine, dining and events at Cassegrain

At the Cassegrain Wines Cellar Door, visitors can taste the full range of Cassegrain wines. The restaurant is right next door and also serves Cassegrain wines. Tasting and dining are therefore neighbouring but separate parts of the visit. The natural amphitheatre is also part of the grounds. It is regularly used for corporate events, entertainment events and private ceremonies. Check individual event dates before your trip: regular use does not indicate which event will take place during your stay.

Roses, lawns and a picnic area

A picnic area with barbecue facilities sits between rolling lawns and rose bushes. More than 2,000 rose bushes stand at the entrance to Cassegrain Wines. The grounds are defined not only by their wine offerings but also by their landscaped surroundings. The roses at the entrance, the lawns and the picnic area give the visit a different focus from wine tasting alone. If you’re planning to spend time at Cassegrain beyond wine-related activities, you can also make time for the gardens and picnic area.

A special connection to Chambourcin

Cassegrain was the first winery in Australia to grow and produce Chambourcin commercially. This historical connection adds a specific aspect of the winery’s history to its current visitor offerings. For wine enthusiasts, the appeal lies not only in the opportunity to taste the range: the history of commercial Chambourcin growing is also part of what makes Cassegrain distinctive.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

If several of these experiences appeal to you, keep their different requirements in mind when planning: the horse ride must be booked, local conditions matter at the ramps, and event dates should be checked individually.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Temora, West Ryde, Sunshine Bay, Shoalhaven Heads, Nabiac, Dorrigo, Marulan, Strathfield

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.