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Smoky Cape campground

Hat Head National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Smoky Cape campground.

Getting there and parking

From Kempsey:

  • Take the South West Rocks Road toward South West Rocks
  • Just after the Spencers Creek bridge turn right onto Arakoon Road
  • Turn right onto Lighthouse Road and follow the signs to Smoky Cape campground

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at the Smoky Cape campground.

Best times to visit

This park's sweeping beaches are extremely inviting during summer, but its wildlife and walking tracks make it a joy to visit all year round.

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 Smoky Cape walking track through a dense rainforest of cabbage tree palms and lush ferns to spectacular views along the coast.

Winter

Spot humpback and southern right whales migrating to northern waters between May and July.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

19°C and 26°C

Highest recorded

41.7°C (1968)

Winter temperature

Average

13°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

4°C (1997)

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

343.7mm

Facilities

  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • There are no rubbish bins at this campground. Please take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

There are a limited number of picnic tables at this campground.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Campfires are not permitted on the ground. Please bring your own fire pit or brazier to ensure fires are kept off the ground.

Please do not tie ropes, clothing, towels, hammocks or camping and fishing equipment to the trees.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Smoky Cape campground

Park info