Little Bay to Smoky Cape
Hat Head National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Little Bay to Smoky Cape.
Track grading
Grade 5
Learn more about the grading system Features of this track-
Time
3 - 5hrs
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Quality of markings
No directional signage
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Gradient
Very steep and difficult
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Distance
10km one-way
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Steps
Occasional steps
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Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
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Experience required
Experienced bushwalkers
Getting there and parking
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.
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
Maps and downloads
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.

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.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day at Hungry Head and Smoky Beach. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins.
Buy annual pass