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Hat Head National Park
Attraction
Park alerts
Hat Head National Park
2 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 5:05 pm
- Closed areasUntil 6 Nov 2026
Smoky Cape Lighthouse viewing platform temporary closure
Smoky Cape Lighthouse viewing platform will be closed from Tuesday 13 October 2026 for 2-3 weeks to allow replacement of viewing platform balustrades. Access to the lighthouse itself will be restricted, however the lighthouse cottages, toilets, walking tracks and picnic area will remain open.
About
Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.
There is a choice of campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach, or you could stay at the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers' cottage with its stunning coastal views, be sure to take a guided tour.
There are lots of walking tracks to choose from, excellent fishing and whale watching. Birdwatchers can look for black swans and spoonbills in the park's wetlands, hawks and eagles soaring above beach cliffs and shorebirds like curlews and plovers around the beach.
The area at a glance
Arakoon National Park
Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming.
Hat Head National Park, near Kempsey, is a place of exceptional beauty. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping or a quiet picnic.
There is a choice of campgrounds, including campsites right by the beach, or you could stay at the Smoky Cape lighthouse keepers’ cottage with its stunning coastal views, be sure to take a guided tour.
There are lots of walking tracks to choose from, excellent fishing and whale watching. Birdwatchers can look for black swans and spoonbills in the park’s wetlands, hawks and eagles soaring above beach cliffs and shorebirds like curlews and plovers around the beach.
- Walks
- 7
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Picnic areas
- 2
- Places to stay
- 1
Plan your visit
Access, facilities and practical details.
Best times to visit
Spring
A birdwatcher's delight as the heath shrubland bursts into a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and birds come from all around, listen out for the guttural call of glossy black cockatoos.
Summer
Take a coastal bushwalk to experience wildflower displays amongst the banksias.
Winter
Spot humpback and southern right whales migrating to northern waters between May and July.
Places to discover
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Places to stay (1)
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottagessleeps 8
Walks in this area
- Jack Perkins walking track
Grade 3 · Moderate · 2km return · 30min - 1hr
Plants and animals
Animals
- Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea)
- Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
- Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Plants
- Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
- Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Frequently asked questions
11 questionsNearby places
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Before you go
Opening
Usually open · check alerts
Vehicle entry
$8 per vehicle per day
Nearby towns
South West Rocks (5 km) · Kempsey (32 km) · Crescent Head (51 km)
Get in touch
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteKempsey office
02 6561 6700npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au247 Old Station Rd, Verges Creek NSW 2440
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm
Where you'll be
Hat Head NSW 2440