There’s more to the Macleay Valley Coast than breathtaking beaches and world-class waves. Pack a picnic, get back to nature and explore our diverse national parks on one of these fantastic walking trails.
KOROGORO WALKING TRACK
3.4 KM LOOP
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
A must-do on any visit to Hat Head, the Korogoro Walking Track encircles a headland of stunning beaches, pockets of rare littoral rainforest and heathlands full of wildflowers. A definite favourite track of visitors to the Macleay Valley Coast.
LITTLE BAY - SMOKY CAPE
10 KM ONE WAY
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
Not for the faint-hearted, the 10-kilometre Little Bay to Smoky Cape trail is a challenging adventure and exceptional scenery. The trail begins near the Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park and follows a ridge to join the Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks, meandering through diverse scenery and passing secluded beaches. The trail finishes up at the spectacular Smoky Cape Lighthouse, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the coast.
Gap Beach Walking Track
6 KM RETURN
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
Another one for experienced bushwalkers, Gap Beach walking trail begins at Little Bay Picnic Area and winds steeply through heathland up Little Smoky Mountain before descending through beautiful coastal rainforest to North Gap Beach. End your trek with a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of Gap Beach or enjoy a leisurely picnic under the palms.
Jack Perkins Walking Track
2 KM RETURN
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
Traverse the 2 km return Jack Perkins track to get up close and personal with the beauty North Smoky Beach. Locals tip- make sure to pack snacks for an energy boost on your walk back up the hill!
CONNORS WALKING TRACK
3.3 KM ONE WAY
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
Connors walking track is a beautiful walk through coastal rainforest and headlands offering whale watching, wildflowers, scenic views, and even a blowhole on the way to secluded beaches.
RAINFOREST WALKING TRACK
2 KM RETURN
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
The family will love this short walk in the northern precinct of Hat Head National Park. A delightful stroll through rare coastal rainforest, this short track is a great way to introduce the kids to the joys of wildlife-spotting and birdwatching. Only a short drive from South West Rocks on the North Coast, Rainforest walking track links the northern and southern ends of Gap Beach.
GREEN ISLAND WALKING TRACK
4.3 KM RETURN
HAT HEAD NATIONAL PARK
An energising hike through woodland and heath, the Green Island Walking Track winds through Hat Head National Park, ending with a rewarding view across to Green Island and Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Keep a lookout for birds and wildflowers along the way – including exceptional displays of paper daisies and flannel flowers in spring.
BRIDLE TRAIL
1.2 KM LOOP
ARAKOON NATIONAL PARK
The Bridle Trail walking track is an easy stroll that offers a glimpse into the historic heritage of Trial Bay Gaol. The trail begins at Little Bay, taking you through regenerated coastal headlands and patches of rainforest. Look out for remnants of the old water pipe that was used to supply water to the gaol.
MONUMENT HILL WALKING TRACK
2.8 KM LOOP
ARAKOON NATIONAL PARK
Beginning at Trial Bay, the easy Monument Hill walk takes in the historic monument built for German gaol internees, before finishing at Little Bay picnic area. As you walk, observe the flannel flowers planted by internees because they reminded them of the edelweiss flowers of Germany, and enjoy the sparkling coastal views along the way. End with a picnic among the many kangaroos that call Little Bay home.
BIG HILL RAIN FOREST WALK
1.4 KM LOOP
LIMEBURNERS CREEK NATIONAL PARK
This walk starts at the picnic area beside the gorgeous Big Hill Beach near Crescent Head, this short loop trail winds around the top of the headland through lush littoral rainforest, pandanus palms and low heath vegetation. Take your time and spot eagles flying overhead, dolphins swimming in pods near the shore and, if you’re lucky, whales migrating during winter and spring.
YARRIABINI RAINFOREST WALK
300M LOOP
YARRIABINI NATIONAL PARK
Yarriabini National Park is a wonderland of old growth rainforest. Drive up Mount Yarrahappini and stop at The Pines Picnic Area to set off on the short rainforest walk, where you’ll be amazed by the diversity of plant and bird life. At the end of the walk, be sure to check out the mosaic created by local Aboriginal artists, higlighting the spiritual significance of the area for local Aboriginal culture.
For more detail on these walks and more you can download the Macleay Walking Trails book locally
Be prepared before your walk by downloading the NSW National Parks app