Activities

A 3km return walk in Hat Head National Park that winds through coastal heath, woodland and paperbark stands to a lookout over Green Island, sitting just offshore. Views stretch north towards Smoky Cape... Lighthouse, and the area is excellent for spotting whales, egrets, spoonbills and pied oystercatchers. Flannel flowers and paper daisies put on a show in spring.

Perched on a narrow headland in Hat Head National Park, this heritage-listed lighthouse was designed by colonial architect James Barnet and first lit in 1891. It's the highest lighthouse in NSW, with an... octagonal tower and panoramic coastal views that make it a prime whale-watching spot. A short but steep path leads up from the car park, and NPWS runs ranger-guided tours of the site.

Following the rugged coastline south of Hat Head, this 3.7km one-way track links The Gap carpark with the Hungry Gate and Kemps Headland area. Walkers pass through coastal rainforest and grassy headlands,... past rock platforms and a blowhole, before reaching secluded Connors Beach and Third Beach. It's a top spot for whale watching in autumn and wildflowers in spring.

This 3.2km loop circles the headland known locally as 'The Hat', right on the edge of Hat Head village. The track climbs through rare littoral rainforest and wind-sculpted heath, with she-oaks, banksias... and, in spring, white flannel flowers along the way. Allow one to two hours and pack a picnic to enjoy the sweeping ocean views from the top.

Wrapping around the village of Hat Head, this coastal national park protects a mix of long sandy beaches, towering dunes, littoral rainforest and wetlands. It's a great base for bushwalking, fishing, picnicking... and beachside camping, with whale watching from the headlands in season. Birdwatchers can look out for black swans, spoonbills, raptors and migratory shorebirds. Vehicle entry fees apply in some areas.