Smoky Cape picnic area
Hat Head National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Smoky Cape picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Smoky Cape picnic area is in the Smoky Cape precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there:
- Take Arakoon Road from South West Rocks
- Turn onto Lighthouse Road and drive to the end where it terminates at Smoky Cape Lighthouse carpark.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Smoky Cape picnic area, including 2 accessible parking spots.
Best times to visit
This park's sweeping beaches are extremely inviting during summer, but its wildlife and walking tracks make it a joy to visit all year round.
Spring
A birdwatcher's delight as the heath shrubland bursts into a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and birds come from all around, listen out for the guttural call of glossy black cockatoos.
Summer
Take a coastal bushwalk to experience wildflower displays amongst the banksias.
Winter
Spot humpback and southern right whales migrating to northern waters between May and July.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
19°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C (1968)
Winter temperature
Average
13°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
4°C (1997)
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
343.7mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
There's 1 electric barbecue at the picnic area, near the toilet block.
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Step-free access
There's step-free access around the picnic area with a concrete path that leads from Lighthouse Road, past the facilities and to the nearby walking tracks.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Seats and resting points
There are 2 bench seats with backrests in the picnic area, near the accessible parking spaces. There's also a bench seat just outside the toilet block.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
The picnic area is flat and step-free, with a concrete path that leads from Lighthouse Road, past the facilities and to the nearby walking tracks. Accessible facilities include:
- 2 accessible parking spots in the carpark
- Accessible flush toilets that are set along a concrete pathway
- 3 bench seats for resting
From the concrete pathway, you'll need to cross over a short stretch of flat grass to get to the picnic tables and bench seats.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Trial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6566 6168
- npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 73 Trial Bay Gaol Road, Arakoon NSW 2431
Park info
- in Hat Head National Park in the North Coast region
Hat Head National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day.
Buy annual pass