Hat Head – Beach, Creek and Walking Tracks

Hat Head is a village in the heart of Hat Head National Park. Beach, creek and walking tracks shape the activities available in the area. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether you are more interested in coastal scenery, snorkelling, fishing or a walk. If you are looking for a hotel in Hat Head, you can compare these highlights with your own travel interests: Hat Head offers both water-based activities and specific trails for walks and wildlife watching.

Beach, Creek and Snorkelling

Hat Head has 12 kilometres of uninterrupted beach and offers good opportunities for fishing. Snorkelling is possible at Hat Head Creek shortly before high tide, when the creek is rich in marine life. If you want to snorkel, take the tides into account when planning your day and aim for the period before high tide. This is a practical difference to consider when choosing: the beach defines the coastal setting, while snorkelling requires you to plan around a specific time. Beach, fishing and snorkelling therefore offer different ways to spend time by the water.

The Easy Way Walk

The Easy Way Walk starts at the footbridge in Hat Head and is an easy 5-kilometre walk. For 1.7 kilometres, it follows the edge of the creek before reaching the traffic bridge on Hat Head Road. The 5 kilometres refers to the length of the walk, while the 1.7 kilometres refers to the section along the creek. This distinguishes the full route from the more specifically described section. If you include this walk in your plans, bear in mind that track conditions can change; check them before setting out.

Walking Tracks and Wildlife Watching

The Going South Walking Track is part of Hat Head National Park and leads from Hat Head towards Crescent Head. During the migration season, it offers opportunities for whale watching. Along the Circumnavigating Korogoro Point “The Hat” Walking Track, schools of fish, dolphins or turtles may be seen in the sea; during the season, the track offers good opportunities for whale watching. Whale watching is a seasonal feature on both tracks, but the timing differs: for Going South, it is during the migration season; for The Hat, it is during the season.

Which Track Features Suit Your Plans?

The tracks offer different features to consider when planning your trip. The Easy Way focuses on length, its classification as an easy walk and the creekside section; for Going South, the direction and seasonal whale watching are relevant. The Hat combines possible sightings of schools of fish, dolphins or turtles with seasonal whale watching. If a specified distance is a deciding factor in your choice, the Easy Way offers the clearest guide. If you are mainly interested in wildlife watching, the seasonal opportunities on the other two tracks can help you decide.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.