Back to previous page

Smoky Cape picnic area

Hat Head National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Smoky Cape picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Smoky Cape picnic area is in the Smoky Cape precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there:

    • Take Arakoon Road from South West Rocks
    • Turn onto Lighthouse Road and follow the signs to Smoky Cape Lighthouse

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at Smoky Cape picnic area.

    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 the Connors track beach walk 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

    • Non-flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    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.

    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

    • The picnic area has easy access facilities and toilets

    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 picnic area

    Operated by

    Park info