Where to go
Hungry Gate campground
Hungry Gate campground is located at the southern end of Hat Head National Park. The area has an open, spacious feel but is protected from the elements by sand dunes and surrounded by thick vegetation. You can bring your tent or camper trailer to Hungry Gate, which sits 30km north east of Kempsey and 32km south of Nambucca Heads.
Take time to admire the established fig trees and paperbarks behind the dunes and you’ll be rewarded – they’re home to a variety of birdlife. Brahimy kites often fly over the beach, just a 20-minute walk away. The park’s kangaroos are fond of the campground and graze there regularly. You’ll also see little bent winged bats and well-fed goannas.
Activities: camping, walking, swimming, fishing, birdwatching
Location:
shown on Hat Head map
Getting there: From Kempsey or Clybucca
- Take the South West Rocks Road to Kinchela
- Turn right and follow the signs to Hat Head
- Turn right just before the bridge and head towards The Gap
- Take the first right and then follow signs to Hungry Gate campground
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.
Accommodation facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, non-flush toilets
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Other fees: Park Use Fee: Annual pass or daily vehicle entry fee of $7 also required.
Bookings: Bookings are not taken for Hungry Gate campground - camping is on a first come, first served basis. NPWS fee collectors visit campgrounds to collect camping and vehicle entry fees, and sell annual passes for extended visits.
Smoky Cape campground
Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.
Can you think of anything better than camping amongst lush rainforest?
Positioned on an isolated stretch of coast below Smoky Cape lighthouse near Kempsey, Smoky Cape campground is a secluded spot in a million-dollar location. Select your own private area from several pockets of campsites. Then set up your tent or camper trailer and relax in your own little piece of paradise.
You’ll need to be self-sufficient while staying here, but you’re just a short drive from South West Rocks.
Say hello to one of the giant goannas that live in the area. Walk to the beach and enjoy a swim, a spot of fishing or a diving trip out to Fish Rock, one of Australia’s best dive sites.
Activities: camping, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, swimming, birdwatching
Location:
shown on Smoky Cape map
Getting there: Smoky Cape campground is 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 campground
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, non-flush toilets, wood barbecues
Camping fees: $5 per adult per night. $3 per child per night.
Other fees: Annual pass or daily vehicle entry fee of $7 also required
Events, activities and alerts at this location
| Hazard reduction burn | Hazard reduction burn A hazard reduction burn is planned for the park during the first fortnight in May, weather permitting. Some delays may occur on Lighthouse Road.
See details on the Rural Fire Service website (Borefields burn) or call the park office on 6566 6621. | |
Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages (2 bedrooms, up to 6 people)
The Head Keepers and Assistant Keepers cottages have been revitalised to provide a modern comfort level for guests, and an enriched historic feel to your accommodation experience.
Soon to be installed picture galleries throughout the cottages will enable guests to imagine what it was like to live and work on a lightstation from the 1920s through to 1980s.
Smoky Cape Lighthouse bed & breakfast
The Head Keepers cottage offers you a two room bed & breakfast package. Each room has a new private en-suite, queen bed and widescreen TV. A full morning meal of fresh seasonal fruit and gourmet muesli followed by a hot breakfast is served overlooking the sweeping coastline of Hat Head National Park and the Macleay River.
Smoky Cape Lighthouse self-catering cottages
The two Assistant Keepers cottages offer self-catering accommodation with 3 bedrooms each sleeping up to 6 people (plus 1-2 extra children if required). Each cottage has new bathrooms and kitchens, as well as DVD players and BBQs. There is a minimum stay of 7 nights in peak periods from September to April.
If you're interested in booking your stay in the refurbished accommodation, visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse.
Activities: walking, swimming, whale watching, guided activities (Discovery)
Getting there: Car access
Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: accommodation
Accommodation fees: Prices on request: 02 6566 6301; Smoky Cape Lighthouse
