Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane is a spot where visitors can soak up natural beauty and long-steeped history. Smoky Cape Lighthouse sits near the tip of Hat Head National Park in New South Wales, Australia.
Rich History
Smoky Cape, named in 1770 by Captain James Cook, has a long maritime history. Trial Bay, just north of Smoky Cape, was the site of several shipwrecks. Due to its importance for passing ships taking refuge during southerly storms, a lighthouse was constructed at Smoky Cape.
Taking one of the Smoky Cape Lighthouse tours reveals the connection of the lighthouse to the Dunghutti Peoples, who live in the Macleay Valley. Visitors will find ceremonial grounds, burial sites, and cultural heritage sites near the lighthouse.
Plan to spend at least a day exploring the deep cultural and maritime history.
Hat Head National Park
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is located in Arakoon, within the Hat Head National Park. The park has various landscapes, from sand dunes, rainforests, and wetlands to beaches. The park serves as the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Learn more about the area here: https://smokycapelighthouse.com/local-area/.
Fishing, hiking, and birdwatching activities abound in Hat Head National Park. Visitors will also find several sites of interest they can explore. In the Arakoon National Forest, the curious can find the Trial Bay Gaol, a historic jail built by prison laborers originally sent to construct a breakwater to make maritime trade safer. After 13 years of construction, the jail opened in 1886. The remnants of the failed breakwater project can still be seen from the guard tower lookout.
For those interested in the lighter side of Hat Head National Park, visiting Dorrigo National Park is an easy and delightful excursion. Head to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, walk above the rainforest canopy on the Skywalk or hike along the trails below. Perhaps you’ll spot a superb lyrebird and be regaled with the most amazing mimicry of any bird. The Dorrigo also offers a gift shop, a cafe, and a park heritage exhibition.
One of the best ways to explore Hat Head National Park is to take the Smoky Cape Hiking Tour. On this 5-day / 4-night tour, you’ll explore Hat Head, Arakoon, Trial Bay Gaol, and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. If a little more challenge is what you’re after, try climbing the park’s dunes for a bird’s eye view of the park.
The Smoky Cape Lighthouse tours can be catered to individual and group preferences, including private, small group, and large group tours. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, this is it.
Wildlife and Photography Excursions
Hat Head National Park has a host of unique and endangered species. Grab your camera and head out for memories you won’t want to forget. During spring, you can find the glossy black cockatoo. Perhaps you’ll spy the spiny, short-beaked echidna, one of only two mammals known to lay eggs.
Keep your eyes open for the black and yellow regent skipper, a butterfly only known to live in the Hat Head National Park and the Limeburners Creek National Park. As you roam the rainforest, you might catch a glimpse of these butterflies eating tuckeroos.
The best times for photographing are sunset and sunrise when the light is soft and even. Use a wide lens, but be quick to capture shots. It’s best to plan an outing just for photography.
Planning Your Visit
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is the best to visit in the summer. Be sure to set aside enough time to visit and explore everything on your list. Again, the Smoky Cape Lighthouse hiking tour is a prime way to be sure you see everything.
Plan ahead; pack essentials each day you venture out into one of the parks. Be sure to check official websites for visit hours and reservations.
There is a variety of lodging available. The Smoky Cape Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast & Cottages offers a restaurant, spa, and much more. There are many hotels and motels, as well as camping sites.
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is an adventure with a rich history and stunning surroundings. Plan a hiking tour and experience the National Park like never before. Whatever your level of adventure, Smoky Cape Lighthouse has something for you.
