Hat Head National Park
Hat Head National Park — Hat Head](/au/places/nsw/hat-head) National Park protects 6,500 hectares of coast and hinterland between [Port…
National Park in New South Wales
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About Hat Head National Park
[Hat Head](/au/places/nsw/hat-head) National Park protects 6,500 hectares of coast and hinterland between [Port Macquarie](/au/places/nsw/port-macquarie) and [Coffs Harbour](/au/places/nsw/coffs-harbour), centred on Hat Head village and the Korogoro Creek lagoon. The park features some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches on the NSW coast, large coastal dune systems, and coastal heath rich in wildflowers and wildlife. The small village of [Smoky Cape](/au/attractions/nsw/smoky-cape) has a heritage lighthouse and dramatic headland views.
About
[Hat Head](/au/places/nsw/hat-head) National Park protects 6,500 hectares of coast and hinterland between [Port Macquarie](/au/places/nsw/port-macquarie) and [Coffs Harbour](/au/places/nsw/coffs-harbour), centred on Hat Head village and the Korogoro Creek lagoon. The park features some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches on the NSW coast, large coastal dune systems, and coastal heath rich in wildflowers and wildlife. The small village of [Smoky Cape](/au/attractions/nsw/smoky-cape) has a heritage lighthouse and dramatic headland views.
History & Significance
Hat Head National Park was gazetted to protect significant coastal and hinterland ecosystems on the Mid North Coast. Smoky Cape Lighthouse, built in 1891, stands as a heritage landmark on the dramatic headland overlooking the park. The area is known for its pristine beaches and coastal heath vegetation that have remained relatively undisturbed, making it ecologically significant for NSW.
Warnings
Getting There
Drive 460 km north of Sydney via Pacific Highway. Turn off near Kempsey toward Hat Head (25 km east). Kempsey has services; Hat Head village is very small.
Parking
Free parking available at Hat Head village and Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Limited capacity at both locations; arrive early during peak seasons (school holidays, weekends). No specific accessibility information provided — check with NSW National Parks for current access details. Overflow parking may be limited; consider visiting weekdays.
Nearest airport
Visitor Tips
- •Hat Head offers the antidote to crowded NSW coastal parks — peaceful, beautiful, and almost unknown. Smoky Cape Lighthouse has lighthouse keeper cottages available for accommodation.
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Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 1–2 days
- Best Time
- September–May
- Hours
- Open 24 hours.
Location
- Area
- Hat Head
- Region
- New England
- State
- New South Wales
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages — beaches and walking tracks suit families, though surf conditions require caution for younger swimmers
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
No cafes or restaurants in park — bring all food and water. Picnic areas available at Hat Head village and Smoky Cape.
Features
Facilities
Travellers also visited
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Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Groceries(5)
Fuel(5)
EG Ampol Kempsey
EG Ampol · 16.8km
Ampol Foodary Kempsey South
Ampol Foodary · 17.5km
Updated 5h ago
United Kempsey
United Petroleum · 17.7km
Updated 5h ago
Shell South West Rocks
Shell · 18.5km
Updated 5h ago
Ampol South Kempsey
Ampol · 19.3km
Updated 5h ago
Dump Points(3)
Kempsey Showground Dump Point
Free · 17.9km
Trial Bay Gaol Dump Point
Free · 21.5km
Stuarts Point Reserve
Free · 27.1km