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Connors walking track

Hat Head National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Connors walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

3.7km one-way

Time

1 - 2hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Connors walking track is in the Hat Head precinct of Hat Head National Park. To get there from Pacific Highway:

    • Turn into Smithtown Road, 13km north of Kempsey.
    • Continue onto Main Road for 3km, then turn left into Barnard Street.
    • Continue onto South West Rocks Road for approximately 4km
    • Turn right into Hat Head Road for 9km, then follow the signs to The Gap carpark.

    Parking

    Parking is available at The Gap carpark.

    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 and picnic facilities are located at North Gap Beach.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled and can have strong rip currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    • Strong rips and currents may be present at North Smoky Beach, so take care in the water and please supervise children at all times.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    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.

    Connors walking track

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    Park info

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