Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Hat Head National Park

Overview

Visitors being met by an NPWS guide at the door of Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Two visitors listen to a tour guide in the lighthouse keeper's office, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Credit: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW ©DCCEEW

Visitors pause to enjoy the view from a curved lighthouse window, as they climb the lighthouse stairs with an NPWS guide, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/NSW Government

Visitors and NPWS guide chat on the lighthouse lawn, enjoying the view of white sand beaches, lush greenery and the clear blue ocean, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

A guide and visitor take the 10-minute walk back down from Smoky Cape Lighthouse after the tour, enjoying the view of sparkling ocean, beaches and islands, Hat Head National Park. Credit: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW ©DCCEEW

Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

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Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore Smoky Cape Lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming.

Type: Historic buildings/places
Where: 446 Lighthouse Road, Arakoon, NSW, 2431 - in Hat Head National Park in North Coast
Entry fees: Park entry fees apply
Please note: It’s a short but steep climb to the lighthouse – be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Standing high on a narrow headland, Smoky Cape Lighthouse is surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery of Hat Head National Park. The lighthouse itself is as beautiful as the views – check out its winding staircase and octagonal tower. It's the highest lighthouse in NSW, and it's well worth the trip to the top.

Built in 1891, this heritage lighthouse is one of the last designed by the Colonial Architect, James Barnet. Smoky Cape headland was so named by Captain Cook after he saw Aboriginal fires burning there in 1770.

Smoky Cape is a fantastic spot for whale watching, birdwatching and picnicking, and you can stay overnight at the lighthouse keepers’ cottage. Don’t miss the views at nearby Smoky Cape picnic area.

Tours and events at this location

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Walk alongside a NPWS ranger on a fascinating tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in New South Wales. Take in the stunning coastal scenery along the way.

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

National Parks Contact Centre
7am to 7pm daily
1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Operated by

Trial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
02 6566 6168
npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
73 Trial Bay Gaol Road, Arakoon NSW 2431

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

Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Tours and events at this location