Connors walking track is a 3.3km, grade 5 hike located in the Hat Head National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
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
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
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.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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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.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.