Trail summary
Hike overview
Tracing the rugged coastline, in northern NSW near Kempsey, this moderately challenging track offers delights all year round. Close to Hungry Gate campground in the southern section of Hat Head National Park, Connors walking track offers fantastic whale watching in autumn, brilliant wildflowers in spring, and secluded beaches in summer.
In the warmer months, you might see vibrant paper daisies and pea flowers, dotted among the gnarled banksias in the heathland. Gazing across the rocky platforms, look for the nearby blowhole which puts on a spectacular show when a southerly wind blows.
Winding through rainforest and sheltered gullies, you'll be treated to spectacular coastal views. The track gently winds down to Connors Beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waves. Enjoy a seaside picnic here, or continue along the headland trail to Third Beach
Tips
In order to restrict the spread of the invasive bitou bush, please stay on the walking tracks provided.
You can begin Connors walking track from either The Gap carpark in the north, or Hungry Gate campground in the south.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whale watch
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
To Kinchela Trig carpark. Connors walking track is in the Hat Head precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there from Pacific Highway:Turn into Smithtown Road, 13km north of Kempsey.Continue onto Main Road for 3km, then turn left into Barnard Street.Continue onto South West Rocks Road for approximately 4kmTurn right into Hat Head Road for 9km, then follow the signs to The Gap carpark. Park entry points Kinchela Trig carpark See on map The Gap carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at The Gap carpark.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Hat Head National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.