Trail Fast Facts

Jack Perkins walking track is a 2km, grade 4 hike in Hat Head National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.

Length: 2km

Duration: 1.25 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Lighthouse Rd

End: Lighthouse Rd

Location: Hat Head National Park

State: New South Wales

Nearby town: Arakoon

From state capital: 456km

Latitude: -30.92143661

Longitude: 153.085553

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Jack Perkins walking track is a short walk that boasts some of the best views in Hat Head National Park, only a short drive from Kempsey. Take in spectacular views across the Tasman Sea from Captain Cook's lookout before stepping out on Jack Perkins walking track.
The track leads downhill through whispering she-oaks. In the branches, you might catch a glimpse of a magnificent glossy black cockatoo, with its red wing tips. Passing through lush rainforest, entwined with liana vines and dotted with cabbage palms, a swamp wallaby may cross your path. Dappled light filters through the dense canopy and the forest comes alive with extraordinary black dragonflies in the warmer months.
The track opens up to heathland, where a boardwalk leads down to the picturesque palm-fringed North Smoky Beach. Refresh yourself with a swim in the turquoise waves before heading back up the path.

Map and GPX file

Jack Perkins Walking Track (2km)

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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

Jack Perkins Walking Track (2km)

To Captain Cook carpark. Jack Perkins walking track starts at Captain Cook's lookout in the Smoky Cape precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there:Take Arakoon Road from South West RocksTurn into Lighthouse Road and follow the signs to Smoky Cape LighthouseThe walk begins near Captain Cook's lookout Park entry points Captain Cook carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Captain Cook's lookout.

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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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 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.

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.

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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.

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Jack Perkins Walking Track (2km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Jack Perkins Walking Track (2km)