Back to previous page

Print factsheet Email

Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Hat Head National Park

What's nearby

Nearby historic buildings/places

Trial Bay Gaol

For a glimpse into Australian history, head to South West Rocks to explore the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. Make sure you see the view from the sentry’s lookout.

Nearby things to do

Swim

Front Beach

See more activities

Walk

Bridle trail

See more activities

Native plants with ocean and island in the distance. Photo: Stuart Poignard

Walk

Green Island walking track

See more activities

Jack Perkins track, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Debby McGerty © OEH

Walk

Jack Perkins walking track

See more activities

Family running along Little Bay beach, Arakoon National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/DPE

Picnic

Little Bay picnic area

See more attractions

Walk

Little Bay to Gap Beach walking track

See more activities

Walk

Monument Hill walking track

See more activities

Walk

Powder Magazine walking track

See more activities

Picnic

Smoky Cape picnic area

See more attractions

Walk

Smoky Cape Range walking track

See more activities

Eat

Trial Bay Kiosk Restaurant

See more attractions

Group of people with motorcycles on Port Macquarie seawall. Photo © Endeavour Motorcycle Tours

Explore

2-day Port Macquarie motorcycle adventure

See more tours

Gap Beach in Hat Head National Park. Photo credit: Barbara Webster © DPIE

Picnic

Gap Beach picnic area

See more attractions

View

Mermaid Pools

See more attractions

Explore

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

See more tours

Sunset above the Trial Bay Gaol walls, Arakoon National Park. Photo: Carolyn McPhee © DPIE

Explore

Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour

See more tours

View through bars at Trial Bay Goal. Photo: Kim Payne Photography © DPE

Explore

Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour

See more tours

Trial Bay Gaol with starscape. Photo: Kim Payne Photography © DPE

Explore

Walk on the dark side: Sunset tour for adults

See more tours

Nature Nomads clearing bitou bush, Arakoon National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin

Volunteer

Arakoon bushcare

See more volunteering opportunities

View of Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Volunteer

Friends of Trial Bay Gaol

See more volunteering opportunities

Nearby camping and accommodation

Stay

Trial Bay Gaol campground

See more campgrounds

Stay

Little Bay Cottage

See more accommodation

Stay

Smoky Cape campground

See more campgrounds

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Michael van Ewijk/NSW Government

Stay

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages

See more accommodation

Nearby parks

Aerial view of Trial Bay. Photo: Rob Mulally/DPIE

Park

Arakoon National Park

See more parks

Park

Hat Head National Park

See more parks

Park

Yarriabini National Park

See more parks

Park

Clybucca Aboriginal Area

See more parks

Park

Clybucca Historic Site

See more parks

Park

Fishermans Bend Nature Reserve

See more parks

Park

Yarrahapinni Wetlands National Park

See more parks

Whale watching top spots

NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration, which takes place from May to November. Plan your next coastal adventure.

A humpback whale breaches the water off the NSW coast, near Sydney. Photo credit: Wayne Reynolds &copy Wayne Reynolds

Park info

in Hat Head National Park in the North Coast region
Hat Head National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass

See more visitor info