Jack Perkins walking track
Hat Head National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Jack Perkins walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2km return
Time
30min - 1hr
Quality of markings
Limited signage
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Jack Perkins 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 Rocks
- Turn into Lighthouse Road and follow the signs to Smoky Cape Lighthouse
- The walk begins near Captain Cook’s lookout
Parking
Parking is available at Captain Cook’s lookout.
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
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Fishing
Fishing from a boat, the beach, the rocks or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing and rock fishing safety tips.
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