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Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages

Hat Head National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages.

Getting there and parking

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages are located in Hat Head National Park. To get there:

From the south:

  • Take Pacific Highway and exit at Kempsey, following the road to South West Rocks. 
  • Follow the signs to Smoky Cape Lighthouse

From the north:

  • Take Pacific Highway and exit south of Clybucca Service Station, following the road to South West Rocks. 
  • Follow the signs to Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available in the garage compound area at the base of the cottages. A chauffeured buggy is provided to transport guests and luggage to the cottages.

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

  • Bed and breakfast cottages have 1 king bed, 1 queen bed and 2 king singles.
  • Self-contained cottages have 2 king beds and 2 single beds with trundles.

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.

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).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Assistance may be required to access this area.

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.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages Search availability

Park info