Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park is a wild and beautiful stretch of coastline on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, offering a raw, untamed landscape of sweeping beaches, dramatic headlands, and lush coastal heath. It's a place where the bush meets the sea in spectacular fashion, perfect for those seeking solitude, wildlife, and unspoiled nature. The park's centrepiece is the 60-metre-high Hat Head itself, a striking sandstone headland that provides panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding national park.

Highlights & What to See

• Hat Head Lookout: A short walk from the car park leads to this viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the coastline, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse: Located just north of the park, this historic lighthouse (built in 1891) sits on a dramatic headland and offers guided tours and a nearby walking track with whale-watching opportunities (May–November).
• Gap Beach & Hat Head Beach: Two stunning, often deserted beaches ideal for long walks, swimming, and fishing. The park's beaches are patrolled in season, but always check conditions.
• Coastal Walking Tracks: The Hat Head Walking Track (6 km return) meanders through coastal heath and along cliff tops, with chances to spot wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife.
• Korogoro Point: A great spot for whale watching and for viewing the rugged coastline from a different angle.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day exploring the park's main sights, including the lookout, a short walk, and time on the beach. If you plan to hike the longer trails or combine with a visit to Smoky Cape Lighthouse, allocate a full day. For those who want to truly immerse themselves, camping at the park's basic campground (Hat Head Campground) allows for a night under the stars and early morning beach walks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A vibrant coastal town 50 km north, with excellent cafes, a historic settlement, and the Koala Hospital.
• South West Rocks: A charming seaside village 20 km north, famous for its historic Trial Bay Gaol and the nearby Arakoon National Park.
• Crescent Head: A laid-back surf town 30 km south, known for its long left-hand point break and relaxed vibe.
• Kempsey: The nearest major town, with supermarkets, fuel, and the historic Kempsey Museum.

Please check official sources for current details.