Experience one of the largest remnants of unique littoral rainforest on the NSW coast on this moderately challenging hike. Smoky Cape walking track forms part of the longer Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk in the northern precinct of Hat Head National Park.
The track starts at Captain Cook's lookout, where you can take in the spectacular views along the coast. Leading along ridges and down gullies behind North Smoky Beach, you'll meander through dense rainforest of cabbage tree palms and lush ferns. Keep an eye out for epiphytic orchids and swallow-tailed butterflies. Swamp wallabies and red-necked wallabies are often seen darting through the undergrowth.
Stop for a picnic break along the way and soak up the tranquil setting. If you're not ready to turn back, the optional Green Island walking track is excellent for birdwatching.
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.
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Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Hat Head National Park.
To Captain Cook carpark. Smoky Cape 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 South Gap 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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Hat Head National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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