The Smoky Cape Range Walking Track can be found around 10 minutes’ drive from the small surfing town, South West Rocks. A single visit to this part of NSW’s coast delivers that summer nostalgia you’ve been chasing, in perfect technicolor.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dunghutti people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

The Smoky Cape Range Walking Track is an 11km out-and-back hike across NSW’s Arakoon and Hat Head National Parks. The walk takes between 4-6 hours to complete if walking the total out-and-back length of the trail and is rated Grade 4 for moderately challenging by NSW National Parks. The track winds through coastal rainforest and over wistful sandy hills with numerous side trails and surrounding beaches to visit along the way.

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Smoky Cape Range Walking Track Facts

Distance: 11km return (5.5km one way)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: ~208m
Nearest town: 1 hour from Port Macquarie or 5 hours from Brisbane or Sydney

About the Smoky Cape Range and South West Rocks

For my 2024 summer holiday, I dreamt of turquoise waters, peaceful beach town suburbs, good surf, and enough hikes to keep my sense of adventure piqued. South West Rocks had oodles of it.

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This little laid-back beach town delivered the recipe for joyous nostalgia on a delectable array of summer activities.

I spent five days in Hat Head National Park and its surrounds, which I found to be plenty of time to explore the trails and the activities in the area. This little-talked-about national park is around five hours from both Brisbane and Sydney, making for a perfect meet-in-the-middle road trip stop. If you’re on a family holiday, having a little more time up your sleeve might just be the way to go. To complete this track, plus some of the notable areas of interest like Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse, 7-10 days would be the sweet spot to make it through everyone’s preferred adventure activity.

The highlights for me were visiting the Arakoon Trial Bay Gaol Museum that’s situated near the start of the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track and visiting Trial Bay itself, along with the extended walk through the rolling hills of the coastal range.

Trial Bay and Smoky Cape Range History

The Trial Bay and Smoky Cape Range area is the traditional lands of the Dunghutti Language Group. The Dunghutti used the many natural water sources in the Macleay Valley to source their food. Additionally, Trial Bay and Smoky Cape have special significance to the Dunghutti as they’re important locations connected to the North Coast Aboriginal creation stories.

I strongly recommend visiting the Trial Bay Gaol Museum and the shorter surrounding walks. Trial Bay Gaol was built in 1886 overlooking the immaculate turquoise waters of Front Beach and Trial Bay.

The gaol now overlooks the breakwater which was originally built by prison labourers. It still acts as a breakwater, allowing families and friends to enjoy a peaceful float through the bay. A contrast to the rougher waters that can be viewed along the trail.

 

Nearby Accommodation

How to Get to the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

There are a few options for starting the trail, the first is to find the little parking spot at Little Bay near Overshot Dam (starting north to south).

You can also start the trail from south to north, beginning at Smoky Cape Lighthouse and continuing until you reach Little Bay. If starting here, you can park at the lighthouse picnic area car park where there’s plenty of room!

To make the most of your time in Hat Head National Park, a car shuffle can help get you between the start and end of the trail, that way you can explore the lighthouse views and the Trial Bay Gaol all in one trip!

It’s also possible to break up the trail, exploring it in sections through the many entry points along the coastline. Not all will be accessible by a conventional vehicle, but if you have a 4WD, there are a few spots along the way, like Gap Beach, that make for a perfect lunch and swim spot for the day. Just pack some pop-up shade and your favourite reading material, and you can spend the day perfectly secluded.

Where to Stay Near the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

While there are many quaint B&Bs along this part of NSW’s coast, a great way to immerse yourself in the area is to stay at one of the two abutting national park campsites – Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Campground.

The Trial Bay Gaol site has lots of space for bigger cars and caravans and is situated on the northern end of the track. On the southern end of the track, Smoky Cape has minimal facilities, so you’ll have to pack your water and amenities if you want to stay longer.

For something with a little more personality, there are also cabins available to stay at the Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages that overlook the gorgeous Green Island and the misty landscape that gives the cape its name. If you’re lucky, you may spot a pod or two of dolphins outside your window!

 

Skill Level

Intermediate

While the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track is relatively straightforward, I still recommend a moderate level of fitness and some outdoor experience to get the full impact of its stunning beauty.

Some sections of the track are very steep, particularly on the side trails, and require a good level of fitness, especially on warmer days. The paths extend down boardwalks and some sandy hills with a few rocky ocean paths to cross.

As you get into Little Bay and through the forest sections, there’s very little reception, so keep a map downloaded or a hard copy with you!

Essential Gear for Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

  • Hiking boots and your favourite summer hiking outfit 
  • At least 3L of water 
  • Hat 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses (the reflection off the sand and water make it a necessity) 
  • First aid kit 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Swimmers for a dip along the many side trails 
  • Towel to dry off 
  • Snacks to keep you fuelled for the adventure

What It’s Like to Hike Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

The path is beautifully maintained through the more popular sections, like the start and end of the range, but as you work toward the side trails down to the beach sections and the rainforest, the path can get a little lost, so keep your eyes peeled for markers along the way.

You’ll see a tonne of wildlife along the way, from birds and dolphins to kangaroos and crabs, that are certainly not used to being interrupted by humans!

 

 

The highlight of the trail was the swim at the end at Trial and Little Bay, along with the many golden vistas along the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track, adding to the wonder and magic of the visit. If you visit during autumn and winter, you’ll get the chance to glimpse the migrating whales and, of course, some of Australia’s most perfect sunsets.

The visit to the Lighthouse and Trial Bay Gaol Museum was another one of the highlights of this trek. The stunning surrounds and uplifting story of the gaol really made the whole journey to this southern beach a little-known jewel on Australia’s coastline.

Tips For Hiking Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

  • Carry a lot of water, plenty of snacks, and be prepared to spend an entire day out there
  • There are so many spots to swim and explore – with my personal favourite being Trial Bay itself – whether you start there for an early morning dip or end the walk there for a golden afternoon swim, skipping this part is not an option! 

Happy exploring!

FAQs Smoky Cape Range Walking Track

How long is the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track?

The trail is 5.5km one way, so you can either walk out and back for an 11km stroll, or organise a car shuffle to walk one way.

How difficult is the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track?

Explorers will need an intermediate level of bushwalking experience and fitness to complete this walk.

Where can I stay near the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track?

There are nearby campgrounds in Arakoon and Hat Head National Parks where hikers can stay – Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Campground.

Keep Hiking Along the Coast

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.