The forecast was for showers and not particularly inviting for a camping weekend. 

The call had to be made though and given the total falls were only predicted to be a few millimetres, we decided to go ahead.

Hat Head National Park, just north of Kempsey, boasts a wild and beautiful coastline with fairly civilised camp grounds (long drop toilets and flat grassy camping areas), frequented by many kangaroos and a wide variety of birdlife. National Parks and Wildlife Service describe it as a ‘Natural Paradise’; absolutely suitable for a Gloucester Environment Group weekend away.

The group met on Saturday morning at the campsite where some had managed to camp the night before and one other had found refuge at a relative’s nearby home. Tents were up just before a deluge from the sky started and we managed to find shelter under the awning whilst wondering what had we let ourselves in for.  Well, we were here, so we may as well head off and do a bit of a walk.

It wasn’t long before the sky cleared and we were able to enjoy the expansive views along the coast and many wildflowers as we walked along to Hat Head village along the Connors Walking Track. Some took a break there for fish and chips and bird watching while a few took the walk around the headland, Korogoro Track which involved a little more exertion. The headland walkers passed through sections of coastal rainforest, heathland and sections of endangered native grassland. They were very well rewarded by efforts as the coastline became a lot more rugged and spectacular. 

An evening at camp saw the group enjoy a number of home baked goodies, wine and chatter time to get to know our fellow campers.

Sunday saw us travelling further up the coast to Hat Head lighthouse and the walks on offer there. The Green Island trail, took us through shaded forest to a lookout with 180 degree views to both the island and the lighthouse.

After a stop in Araakoon for afternoon tea the group headed their separate ways back home in the direction of Gloucester. 

Despite the forecasts we mainly enjoyed glorious weather and the skeptical admitted it had been well worth the trip, having only got very slightly damp.

Our next outing will be a walk in Booti Booti National Park, nothing too strenuous and the opportunity for a dip in the ocean or lake and maybe an ice cream afterwards. Contact Alison Lyon for further details on alisonlyoninoz@hotmail.com or on 0409 718 795​.