Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Hat Head National Park on the thrilling 3km Green Island Walk. Starting near the closest town, this Grade 4 trail meanders through lush woodlands and vibrant heathlands, offering spectacular views of Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Discover an array of bird species and wildflowers in spring, culminating in a breathtaking lookout over Green Island. Perfect for birdwatchers, wildflower enthusiasts, and bushwalkers looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike.

Length:

3km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Gap Rd

End: Gap Rd

Hat Head National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Arakoon

From state capital: 455km

Latitude: -30.90725258

Longitude: 153.0791578

3,089 views

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Hike overview

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.

Map and GPX file

Green Island Walking Track (3km)

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Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Crescent Head, Frederickton, Gladstone, Hat Head, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks

Getting to the trailhead in 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.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Hat Head National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Green Island Walking Track (3km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Green Island Walking Track (3km)