Average Winter Temp: 19°C
Average Summer Temp: 26°C
Traditionally inhabited by: Dunghutti Aboriginal people
Ever since its inauguration in 1891, Smoky Cape has been guiding vessels to the entrance of the Macleay River. Today, it also doubles up as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, and as a living repository of scientific inventions that pioneered modern maritime technologies.
At Smoky Cape Lighthouse you can expect a ringside view of the original Chance Brothers optic system, including its revolving apparatus, Fresnel lens and lantern house. You can also enjoy a ringside view of the Hat Head National Park, within which the lighthouse is located. Besides swimming, whale-watching and a variety of nature-based activities, the quaint bed-and-breakfast experience at the head keeper’s cottage is an integral part of the Smoky Cape Lighthouse experience.
Surround yourself in a little history on your next caravanning holiday, and punctuate the experience with a heady dose of unspoiled nature. Smoky Cape Lighthouse, with the lovely, laid-back South West Rocks as its backdrop, is the ideal location for a bit of both. From trips down the 18th century Captain Cook memory lane, to stories from World War II, to its status as the traditional land of the Dunghutti people, Smoky Cape has a special association with history that is only paralleled by beautiful coastal views and the pleasant weather that it enjoys all year round.
Attractions & Activities:
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Whale Watching
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Bushwalking
- Lighthouse Tours
- World War II Installations
- Captain Cook Lookout
- Hat Head National Park
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse Bed-and-Breakfast
- Dunghutti Aboriginal Culture Tours
Caravan Parks
BIG4 Sunshine South West Rocks Holiday Park
South West Rocks, NSW
This well-appointed accommodation option is ideally located for caravanning tourists visiting Hat Head National Park, with Smoky Cape Lighthouse just 9km to the south along the coast. Stay at caravan sites or in luxury villas, with nothing but the sounds of nature to disturb you. The property also has well-managed recreation facilities in place, for you and for your kids, in the form of Shipwreck Island water park with pirate themed paraphernalia, playgrounds, a games room, a movie theatre, tennis courts and even go-carts.
Tariffs for caravan sites vary from $38/night to $112/night for 2 adults (unpowered and powered sites); please enter booking dates on website to receive exact prices.
Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park
South West Rocks, NSW
A popular caravan park on the north NSW coast, Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park offers everything from self-contained cabins to caravan sites, all of which have a picturesque beach frontage, impressive views of the mountains and the sea, and convenient access to all the adventures and activities of the region. This pet-friendly property comes with the full range of facilities for the caravanning tourist, besides being located in the heart of the village centre with its restaurants, cafes and shopping streets.
$40/night - $85/night for 2 persons, powered sites (prices vary based from off-peak to peak seasons); $12-$15 for every additional person; $5-$7 per child.
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping
Smoky Cape Campground
South West Rocks, NSW
Hat Head National Park’s very own camping area, the Smoky Cape Campground accommodates all varieties of caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Facilities include toilets, barbecues and picnic tables, all of which are basic but functional. An ideal location from which to plan your fishing excursions and bush walks, the campground fills up quickly during holiday seasons. Bookings are not accepted in advance; sites are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis.
$6/night for 1 person, unpowered sites (honesty box collection); $3.50 per child; Park entry fees are also applicable.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
