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Putty Road: Wilberforce to Singleton, Hawkesbury and Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives New South Wales, Australia Sydney and the Blue Mountains

Putty Road: Wilberforce to Singleton

Putty Road, Wilberforce Road, Windsor Road · Wilberforce → Singleton

Sweeping108 mi3 hr6,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,700 ftOne way
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The drive

The Putty Road is a long rural road between the Hawkesbury and the Hunter Valley, 173 km (107 mi) from Wilberforce to Singleton. It runs between two large national parks, Wollemi on the west and Yengo on the east, and passes through Colo Heights, Howes Valley, Putty, Milbrodale and Bulga on its way north.

The road follows the old Bulga Road, opened in 1823 as the first road linking Sydney to the Hunter Valley. The bends come in a steady run through forest and farmland, narrow and winding in places, with a total climb of about 6,500 feet over the day. It ends in Singleton as John Street, after sharing about 2 km with the Golden Highway near Mount Thorley.

It is popular with touring motorcyclists and cyclists as well as drivers, and the road is hazardous in wet weather. Allow around 3 hours.

Along the way

  1. Wilberforce (Putty Road)
  2. Colo Heights
  3. Howes Valley
  4. Singleton (Putty Road)
Elevation
6,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,700 ft
WilberforceSingleton
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
WilberforceSingleton
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Fuel stops are few. Fill up before Wilberforce; riders also use the service station at Colo Heights.
  • Motorcyclists and cyclists are common, especially on weekends, and the road is slippery and hazardous in the wet.
  • Roadworks with portable traffic lights can slow the road on weekdays, so allow extra time.
  • The towns along the road are small and far apart.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Live Traffic NSW.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Putty Road take?

Wilberforce to Singleton on the Putty Road is 173 km (107 mi) and takes about 3 hours without stops.

Where can I get fuel on the Putty Road?

Fuel is limited on the Putty Road. Riders use the service station at Colo Heights near the start, and a roadhouse at Garland Valley is listed on a club ride sheet, so fill up at either end and check what is open.

Is the Putty Road good for motorcycles?

Yes. The Putty Road is a well-known motorcycle road, narrow and winding in places and very scenic, but it is hazardous in wet weather and crashes among riders have been a long-running concern.

What is the history of the Putty Road?

The Putty Road follows the old Bulga Road, which opened in 1823 as the first road linking Sydney to the Hunter Valley.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

All 25 drives in New South Wales, Australia ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Putty Road: Wilberforce to Singleton, from Wilberforce to Singleton