Hat Head is small, but there’s a lot packed around it. Wrapped in national park at the mouth of Korogoro Creek, it’s the kind of village where “things to do” mostly means being outside. Here’s how to fill a few days.
1. Walk to Korogoro Point
The headland walk is the signature Hat Head outing. A short, sometimes steep track climbs onto the point for big ocean views and glimpses of turquoise coves below. Go at sunrise if you can, when you’ll often share it with grazing kangaroos.
2. Swim the creek
Around high tide, Korogoro Creek turns clear and blue, and that’s the best time for a swim. It’s the safest, warmest water in town and a hit with young families. Float, paddle, repeat.
3. Have the beach to yourself
Walk five minutes from the main access and the crowds vanish. The beach runs for kilometres, so pick a patch of sand and settle in.
4. Watch for whales
Between about May and November, humpbacks migrate past close to shore. The headland and the cliffs make a fine vantage point, so bring binoculars.
5. Throw in a line
Beach, creek mouth and rock fishing are all good here. Locals have their favourite gutters, so ask nicely at the store.
6. Paddle upstream
Bring a kayak or SUP and follow the creek back into the national park for still water, birdlife and not another soul.
7. Spot the wildlife
Eastern grey kangaroos on the headland, water dragons in the grass, goannas, sea eagles and pelicans. Hat Head is quietly full of animals.
8. Catch the sunrise (and the stars)
Facing east with almost no light pollution, Hat Head does a fine sunrise and an even better night sky. Walk down to the beach after dark.
9. Explore the rock pools
At the southern end and around the base of the headland, low tide opens up rock pools worth a slow poke around.
10. Bring (or hire) a bike
The flat village and the trails around it are easy riding, and a good way to get to the beach and back.
11. Picnic on the headland
Pack lunch, find a grassy spot above the surf, and watch the swell roll in. Simple and hard to beat.
12. Do absolutely nothing
The Hat Head specialty. No agenda, no phone signal, no rush.
Where to stay: see our pick of the best places to stay in Hat Head, from beach houses to creek-side cabins.