Distance: 12 kilometres
Difficulty: Moderate
The walk from the village of Hat Head towards Crescent Head. The track winds along the side of the cliffs to Kemps Corner. It is about 4 kilometres to Hungry Gate campground.
This is part of Hat Head National Park and no dogs are allowed.
Start at the picnic shelter at the Holiday Park in Hat Head and walk across the footbridge – or start at The Gap.
The first section leads to beautiful Connors Beach. The track from The Gap to Connors is clearly marked and well-maintained. It provides easily accessible opportunities for whale watching during migration season. Dolphins can be seen at any time of the year. In spring there is an abundance of wildflowers.
A little bit of rock hopping is required when reaching the beach. The sandy beach invites you to linger, but it is unpatrolled and swimming may be dangerous.
The track continues at the southern end of the beach. The short, but the steep and rocky ascent is not clearly marked.
The track doesn’t lead down to the next beach, Third Beach, but if you look carefully, you might be able to find a path used by fishermen about 20m from the gully crossing at the northern end. The beach is another quiet spot to stop and rest.
The main track in this area can be a bit overgrown and full attention should be given at every footstep.
Further along, the track is wider, providing constant ocean views as it leads towards Windy Gap and Kemps Corner. You may return from here, or indeed from any point along the track.
If you proceed to Hungry Gate campground you can return to hat Head via Hungry Road. The Connors Hill Trail provides a variation, however, it is quite steep.
Credit: Walking Trails of the Macleay by Christa Schwoebel and John Cruickshanks