Little Bay to Smoky Cape

Grade 5

• Time

  3 - 5hrs

• Quality of markings

  No directional signage

• Gradient

  Very steep and difficult

• Distance

  10km one-way

• Steps

  Occasional steps

• Quality of path

  Rough track, many obstacles

• Experience required

  Experienced bushwalkers

Get driving directions

Little Bay to Smoky Cape 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 Captain Cook’s lookout

Park entry points

• Captain Cook carpark See on map

Parking

Parking is available at Overshot Dam, the nearby Little Bay picnic area or near Captain Cook’s lookout at Smoky Cape.

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.

• Little Bay to Smoky Cape factsheet