An energising, medium level walk to delight both birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. Green Island walking track leads through woodland and heath to a lookout with brilliant views to Smoky Cape Lighthouse in the northern section of Hat Head National Park.
The track leads through groves of paperbarks and grass trees. At the junction with Smoky Cape walking track, turn east, as the path meanders through heathlands dominated by banksias. In spring, the surrounding shrubland erupts with dazzling colour, with exceptional displays of flannel flowers and paper daisies.
Reaching the lookout, gaze across to Green Island, just 100 metres from the coast. Here, you're most likely to see shore birds such as egrets, spoonbills and pied oystercatchers. Make the most of the fabulous location and enjoy a leisurely picnic, relishing the sweeping coastal views and fresh coastal breezes, before retracing your steps.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Hat Head National Park.
To South Gap carpark. Green Island walking track is in the Smoky Cape precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there:Take Gap Beach Road off Arakoon Road and follow the signs to South Gap carpark Park entry points South Gap carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at South Gap carpark.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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About the region
Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming. Hat Head is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 461.7 kilometres via M1 and Pacific Highway/A1, northeast of Sydney. It lies within the Hastings-Macleay Important Bird Area.
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Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Hat Head National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.