Hat Head National Park

Hat Head National Park is located in New South Wales, Australia, along the Mid North Coast, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Kempsey. The park lies between the towns of South West Rocks and Hat Head, offering easy access to pristine beaches and coastal bushland. The park was established in 1972 to protect its coastal ecosystems, including beaches, headlands, and diverse forests. It also preserves the cultural heritage of the Dunghutti Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Significant archaeological sites, including shell middens and tool-making areas, are scattered throughout the park. Parking is available at several key locations within the park, including the Hungry Gate and Smoky Cape camping areas, as well as day-use areas near the beaches and walking tracks. Parking is generally free, but fees may apply for camping in designated areas. Visitors should be aware of seasonal restrictions in some areas due to conservation efforts. Hat Head National Park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Birdlife is abundant, with species such as the white-bellied sea eagle, osprey, and pied oystercatcher commonly seen along the coastline. The park’s waterways are home to reptiles such as the eastern water dragon, and dolphins and whales can often be spotted offshore. The park’s flora is diverse, with coastal heathlands, eucalyptus forests, and rainforest patches. Common plants include banksias, paperbarks, and coastal wattle, along with rare species such as the large-fruited blackbutt and swamp mahogany. Notable features include Smoky Cape, which boasts one of the highest lighthouses in Australia, and Korogoro Creek, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The scenic headland walking tracks offer panoramic ocean views and opportunities for whale watching. Public transport options are limited, so visitors typically access the park by car.