Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the Smoky Cape walking track, a challenging 2.2km trek set in the beautiful backdrop of Hat Head National Park, NSW. This Grade 5 trail starts at Captain Cook's lookout and winds through stunning littoral rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna like cabbage tree palms, orchids, and wallabies. Perfect for keen bushwalkers, this one-way track offers breathtaking coastal views and birdwatching opportunities, making it a must-visit for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

2.2km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Lighthouse Rd

End: Lighthouse Rd

Hat Head National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Arakoon

From state capital: 456km

Latitude: -30.92143661

Longitude: 153.085553

Overview

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Hike overview

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.

Track grade

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Smoky Cape Walking Track (2.2km)

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Gallery

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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.

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

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

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Hat Head National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Smoky Cape Walking Track (2.2km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Smoky Cape Walking Track (2.2km)