Hat Head National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Hat Head National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Kempsey:
- From the Pacific Highway take the South West Rocks Road to Kinchela.
- Follow the signs to Hat Head National Park
From Nambucca Heads:
- From the Pacific Highway take the South West Rocks Road via Gladstone
- Turn right onto the Hat Head Road at Kinchela and follow to the park
Park entry points
- Arakoon Road access See on map
- Gap Beach Road access See on map
- Hungry Road access See on map
- The Gap carpark See on map
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW for more information.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website
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 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.
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
Toilets
- Green Island walking track
- Hungry Gate campground
- Little Bay to Gap Beach walking track
- Smoky Cape campground
- Smoky Cape picnic area
Picnic tables
- Green Island walking track
- Hungry Gate campground
- Little Bay to Gap Beach walking track
- Smoky Cape campground
- Smoky Cape picnic area
Barbecue facilities
Maps and downloads
Fees and passes
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
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All Parks Pass -
For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP)
$190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
Buy now | More info -
Multi Parks Pass -
For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko)
$65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
Buy now | More info -
Country Parks Pass -
For all parks in Country NSW (except Kosciuszko)
$45 (1 year) / $75 (2 years)
Buy now | More info -
Single Country Park Pass -
For entry to a single park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko).
$22 (1 year) / $40 (2 years)
Buy now | More info
Prohibited
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.
Contact
- 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.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass -
-
Kempsey office
02 6561 6700
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 247 Old Station Rd, Verges Creek NSW 2440
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Email: npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Kempsey office
Nearby towns
South West Rocks (5 km)
South West Rocks is a sleepy coastal retreat at its barefoot best. It's an oceanfront holiday town on north-facing Trial Bay.
Kempsey (32 km)
Kempsey is a historic river town close to national parks and majestic beaches. Kempsey is a convenient place for an overnight stop for anyone driving between Sydney and the North Coast.
Crescent Head (51 km)
Crescent Head on the NSW North Coast is surrounded by some of the stunning natural environments in the State. As well as long stretches of coastline with fabulous beaches, there is a string on coastal national parks to explore. Go surfing, fishing, boating and bushwalking, enjoy bird watching or whale watching, spot dolphins, turtles and even koalas in the wild.