Hat Head National Park

Wheelchair facilities

The following areas in the park are suitable for wheelchairs. We have assessed each facility's difficulty of access for an average wheelchair user:

  • Easy: Access is free of obstacles such as steps, rough terrain or significant slopes, and may have ramps or boardwalks.
  • Medium: Access presents some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. However, you should be able to get around without assistance.
  • Hard: Access is via steps or a steep slope, or you'll have to move across a rough surface (with potholes, tree roots, rocks and/or similar obstacles). Assistance will be necessary.

Wheelchair-friendly places

Captain Cook's lookout

Fire/closure alerts currently apply to this location. See details below.

Wheelchair access: medium

Assistance may be required to access this area

  • The picnic area here has easy-access facilities and toilets

For a scenic treat, make your way to Captain Cook’s lookout at the base of Smoky Cape lighthouse. Pause to feel the salty breeze as you gaze out over the Tasman Sea and Hat Head National Park.

Visit between May and July to see southern right and humpback whales swimming past the headland. Or catch them on their return trip between August and October. Playful dolphins can be seen in the area, too.

As well as being an ideal spot for whale - watchers, Captain Cook’s lookout is great for birdwatchers, too. Although you don’t even have to watch anything at all if you’d prefer – just sit back, enjoy the clifftop picnic area and feel on top of the world. If you feel like something more energetic, try Jack Perkins walking track or the longer Little Bay to Smoky Cape.

Activities: walking, whale watching, birdwatching, picnicking, playing and socialising

Location:  shown on Smoky Cape map

Getting there: Captain Cook’s lookout 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 Lighthouse

Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, gas/electric barbecues, non-flush toilets, lookout


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.