Thank you for your interest in the preparation of a plan of management for Arakoon National Park and Hat Head National Park. 

Due to park planning priorities elsewhere in New South Wales, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will not be proceeding with the preparation of this plan of management at this point in time.

NPWS values the interest from the community and stakeholders, and input provided to date will be considered when planning for these parks recommences.

  • A group of people, including adults and children, are participating in a cultural or traditional event on a sandy beach. They are wearing yellow cloths around their waists and have white body paint in various patterns on their torsos and arms. Some participants are kneeling, while others stand in the background. The backdrop includes trees and vegetation.
    Aboriginal cultural event at Trial Bay, Arakoon National Park, in January 2020.
    Credit: Barefoot Wandering Photography
    Participants at an Aboriginal cultural event at Trial Bay, Arakoon National Park, in January 2020
  • A group of four people, consisting of two adults and two children, are standing on a grassy hill overlooking a scenic coastal landscape. The adults are wearing hats and carrying backpacks, while the children are wearing sun hats. One of the children is pointing towards the ocean. The background features a beautiful view of the ocean with clear blue water, a sandy beach, and a distant mountain range under a partly cloudy sky. The scene is serene and picturesque, capturing a moment of outdoor exploration and
    Trial Bay Gaol from Monument Hill, Arakoon National Park.
    Credit: Helen Lambert/DPE
    Historic Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park
  • An eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) stands alert on a grassy area in Arakoon National Park, New South Wales, Australia. The kangaroo’s grey fur blends with the natural surroundings, and its large ears are perked up, indicating attentiveness. The background features a mix of green foliage and open space, highlighting the natural habitat of this iconic Australian marsupial.
    Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) at Trial Bay, Arakoon National Park .
    Credit: Nick Cubbin/DPE
    Front Beach at Arakoon National Park
  • A white lighthouse with a cylindrical tower and a lantern room at the top is situated on a hill. The lighthouse is surrounded by white buildings with blue accents on their roofs and chimneys. The buildings are connected by a white picket fence and are surrounded by green vegetation. The sky is overcast.
    Smoky Cape Lighthouse and lighthouse keepers' cottage at Hat Head National Park .
    Credit: John Spencer/DPE
    Smoky Cape Lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's cottage in Hat Head National Park
  • "A dense forest with tall, slender trees and lush undergrowth of ferns and other green vegetation. The trees have thin trunks and are closely spaced, allowing light to filter through the canopy. The forest floor is covered with a thick layer of ferns, creating a vibrant green carpet. The scene is serene and natural, showcasing the beauty of a thriving forest ecosystem.
    Iron bark gum trees, tree ferns, grass trees and palms are scattered throughout the forest in Hat Head National Park.
    Credit: John Spencer/DPE
    Ironbark gum trees, tree ferns, grass trees and palms in Hat Head National Park
  • Two individuals are working on a beach, focusing on removing or tending to vegetation. The person in the foreground is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a high-visibility yellow and blue shirt, and has a tool belt with tools. The person in the background is also working with the vegetation. The beach is sandy with a clear blue sky and a hill covered in greenery in the background.
    South Smoky Beach Nature Nomads and the park continues to have strong cultural significance to the Dunghutti Aboriginal people.
    Credit: Nick Cubbin/DPE
    Volunteers at South Smoky Beach in Hat Head National Park
  • A scenic view of a lighthouse and its surrounding buildings on a hilltop, with a clear blue sky in the background. The foreground features a grassy area with a paved path, a brick barbecue grill, wooden benches, and a small information plaque. The lighthouse and buildings are white, contrasting with the green foliage around them. The image captures a peaceful and picturesque outdoor setting, likely a popular spot for visitors.
    Smoky Cape Lighthouse.
    Credit: David Finnegan/DPE
    Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Hat Head National Park
  • Aerial view of a large wildfire spreading through a forested area near a coastline. Thick, billowing smoke rises into the sky, obscuring much of the landscape. The fire is moving towards the beach, where waves are crashing onto the shore. The contrast between the green forest, the sandy beach, and the dark smoke creates a dramatic and striking scene.
    Bushfire in Hat Head National Park, August 2019.
    Credit: Ash Hogan
    Bushfire in Hat Head National Park in August 2019
  • A scenic coastal landscape featuring a beach with white sand, surrounded by lush green hills and cliffs. The ocean waves gently lap against the shore, with rocky outcrops extending into the water. An island is visible in the distance, adding depth to the scene. The image is taken from an elevated viewpoint, providing a broad perspective of the coastline and surrounding natural beauty. The lighting suggests it is either early morning or late afternoon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
    North Smoky Beach, Hat Head National Park.
    Credit: Michael Van Ewijk/DPE
    North Smoky Beach in Hat Head National Park

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the NPWS park planning team at [email protected].