Hat Head Beaches

Sitting on top of an old extinct volcano in the warm sun surrounded by kangaroos and nesting ospreys. Fishing boats heading out to sea, surfers paddling onto wave after wave and families playing in the shallow waters of Korogoro Creek. Looking north over the warm aqua waters of the Pacific Ocean,captiving Smoky Cape Lighthouse standing proud on top of a cliff, its beauty can sometimes make you forget about the dangers it warns against. From Hat Hill panning to the west looking past the Mighty Macleay River to the Great Dividing Range cutting itself into the orange and pink sunset, continuing around to views of Hat Head, a small coastal village famous for its fishing and laid back lifestyle. No wonder so many people call this paradise.

Getting to Hat Head Beach

From the south turn off the Pacific Highway at Kempsey just before the traffic bridge. Follow the road passing through the historic town of Gladstone until you reach Kinchela. Turn left at the Hat Head turn off and follow the road into town.

From the north turn left off the Pacific Highway onto Plummers Lane 1km after the Clybucca service station. Follow the road along the river until you cross over the Macleay River on the Jerseyville Bridge. Turn right at the intersection then left over the bridge. Continue down the road until you reach Kinchella. Turn left at the Hat Head turn off and follow the road into town. 

Beaches and Surfing at Flat Rock and Hat Head Beach

Hat Head Beach is Hat Heads most popular place to swim at high tide as Korogoro Creek fills with water offering protected swimming opportunities for families. In front of Korogoro Creek is a rock formation known as Flat Rock which is a quick right hand break at the base of an old extinct volcano. Working best on a solid 6 foot swell off the point, the break also reforms into a smaller right hand wave closer to the shore. Flat Rock is protected from strong easterly winds and quickly packs out when it’s working. You can also launch your boat from Korogoro Creek on the public boat ramp.
Length – 1.4km
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited except for Pro Fisherman
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – Yes on weekends (October and April) and during the holiday season. Always swim between the flags and obey the lifeguard.

South Smoky Beach

South Smoky Beach stretches north to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and has 4WD access for those with a beach driving permit. South Smoky Beach is a long sandy beach where you can pull up a million miles from anyone and have the beach to yourself which is great if you want to go sunbaking away from the crowds. Depending on swell direction and the location of sand bars, several beach breaks can be found producing a mixture of left and right hand waves for the experienced surfer. On most days you can have the break to yourself.
Length – 15km
Four Wheel Drive Access – Yes to beach permit holders
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

Killick Beach

Accessed through the Hungry Camping Area, Killick Beach is a secluded beach that gets most of the southern ground swells and is another popular beach for those wishing to space themselves out from the crowds. Killick Beach is known to sometimes reach wave heights of 12 feet plus, it works well anywhere between 4 to 8 feet. In addition to a solid left hand wave in the corner, you can also find beach breaks up and down the beach.
Length – 11km
Four Wheel Drive Access – Yes to beach permit holders (North 0.5km corner closed to all vehicles)
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

Things to see and do at Hat Head Beach

Located adjacent to the Hungry Camping Area is an unspoilt stretch of sand dunes that form one of the largest live sand dune systems in the state. Grab your camera and a packed lunch to make a day of it.