Trail Fast Facts

Gap Beach walking track is a 6km, grade 5 hike in Hat Head National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 3.5 hours to complete.

Length: 6km

Duration: 3.5 hrs

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Return

Start: Gap Rd

End: Gap Rd

Location: Hat Head National Park

State: New South Wales

Nearby town: Arakoon

From state capital: 455km

Latitude: -30.90224738

Longitude: 153.0778159

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

If you're after a heart-pumping trek, then grab your hiking boots and head for Gap Beach walking track, in Hat Head National Park. Near South West Rocks, it's a great walk for experienced bushwalkers, birdwatchers, and those who love a challenge.
The track starts from Overshot Dam at Little Bay picnic area, the Dam once supplied water to historic Trial Bay Gaol and the surrounding township. Winding steeply through heathland, you'll climb Little Smoky Mountain before descending through a forest of grass trees and rare coastal rainforest to North Gap Beach.
After you've worked up a sweat, dive in for a refreshing swim in the clear waves. Tuck into a leisurely picnic in the shade of the palms as you scan the ocean for frolicking dolphins. Osprey and sea-eagles are often spotted flying above the nearby shores.

Track Grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Map and GPX file

Gap Beach Walking Track (6km)

Share your GPX file

Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.

Trailhead

Getting there

Gap Beach Walking Track (6km)

To North gap carpark. Gap beach walking track starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of the adjoining Arakoon National Arakoon National Park. To get there:From South West Rocks:Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street)Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri StreetContinue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic areaFollow the signs to Overshot Dam where the track begins Park entry points North gap carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Overshot Dam or the nearby Little Bay picnic area.

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

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Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming. Hat Head is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 461.7 kilometres via M1 and Pacific Highway/A1, northeast of Sydney. It lies within the Hastings-Macleay Important Bird Area.

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Hat Head National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Gap Beach Walking Track (6km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Track Grade

Map and GPX file

Gap Beach Walking Track (6km)