Gap Beach walking track is a 6km, grade 5 hike located in the Hat Head National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 3.5 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
If you're after a heart-pumping trek, then grab your hiking boots and head for Gap Beach walking track, in Hat Head National Park. Near South West Rocks, it's a great walk for experienced bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and those who love a challenge.
The track starts from Overshot Dam at Little Bay picnic area, the Dam once supplied water to historic Trial Bay Gaol and the surrounding township. Winding steeply through heathland, you'll climb Little Smoky Mountain before descending through a forest of grass trees and rare coastal rainforest to North Gap Beach.
After you've worked up a sweat, dive in for a refreshing swim in the clear waves. Tuck into a leisurely picnic in the shade of the palms as you scan the ocean for frolicking dolphins. Osprey and sea-eagles are often spotted flying above the nearby shores.
Route and GPX file
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Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
To North gap carpark. Gap beach walking track starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of the adjoining Arakoon National 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 StreetContinue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic areaFollow the signs to Overshot Dam where the track begins Park entry points North gap carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Overshot Dam or the nearby Little Bay picnic area.
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.
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.