Get driving directions

Smoky Cape Range walking track starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of the adjoining Arakoon National Park. To get there:

From South West Rocks:

• Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street).
• Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri Street.
• Continue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic area.
• Follow the signs to Overshot Dam where the track begins.

Alternatively, if starting from Smoky Cape:

• On entering Hat Head National Park:
• Take the South West Rocks Road.
• Follow the signs to Smoky Cape lighthouse.
• The walk begins near Smoky Cape picnic area.

Parking

Parking is available at Overshot Dam, the nearby Little Bay picnic area or near Smoky Cape picnic area.

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 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.

• Smoky Cape Range walking track factsheet
• Smoky Cape Range walking track map (5.2MB pdf)

• Green Island walking track Green Island walking track goes through coastal heathland to a lookout with scenic views to Smoky Cape Lighthouse, offering excellent birdwatching and whale watching.
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse 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.

• Little Bay to Gap Beach walking track Little Bay to Gap Beach walking track is a challenging walk offering birdwatching, swimming, fishing and scenic views in Hat Head National Park, near South West Rocks.

• Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour Walk alongside an NPWS ranger on an intimate tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in NSW. Take in the stunning coastal scenery, in your own small group.
• Smoky Cape Range walking track Discover the beauty of the South West Rocks region on the Smoky Cape Range walking track. Hike this 5.5km coast walk and enjoy sensational views.

Animals

• 

  White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

  White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

• 

  Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

  Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

• 

  Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

  One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

Plants

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  Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)

  The black sheoak is one of a number of casuarina species found across the east coast of Australia and nearby tablelands. Growing to a height of 5-15m, these hardy Australian native plants can survive in poor or sandy soils. The barrel-shaped cone of the black sheoak grows to 10-30mm long.

• 

  Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

  An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.