Surrounded by jungle-like forests, picturesque waterways, and turquoise-green coastlines is a place that looks a lot like the lush tropical settings of the Jurassic Park films. Hat Head, in the Australian state of New South Wales, is a quiet beachside community that offers adventure at every turn.
One could imagine the quiet beach town, located along the Macleay Valley Coast just over 280 miles north of Sydney, as home to wandering Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptors, but (thankfully!), it’s a dinosaur-free destination that serves as the perfect spot for swimming, hiking, and “bushwalking,” and is especially popular among those who might want to experience natural, less-tamed landscapes.
At Hat Head National Park, travelers can pick their own adventure, from rain forests, sand dunes, and wetlands to hilltops with sweeping views of the ocean. The park suffered a damaging bushfire in October 2023, but the region has since rebounded — and just might earn a top spot on your summer vacation bucket list.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, first-time visitor Aimee O’Gara called it “one of the most underrated places on the east coast of Australia,” adding that it’s “truly a hidden gem.”
While it’s been tens of millions of years since dinosaurs roamed the continent, the Hat Head area is still home to a wide array of fascinating animal species. Many amphibians and reptiles, including snakes and lizards, live in the region, but not, as some would suspect, the Australian species that shares a heritage with dinosaurs — the saltwater crocodile. Crocs live mostly in the northern parts of the country, far from Hat Head.
Ornithologists and amateur bird watchers also flock to Hat Head, as many birds, including black swans, herons, egrets, hawks, falcons, and even the vulnerable species the glossy black cockatoo are among the many that make their home here. And a trip to the region might turn up some of the country’s national animal: the kangaroo. In a TripAdvisor review, one visitor to the nearby Korogoro walking trail near Hat Head said the “amazing cliff hugging track” was “littered with kangaroos, jaw-dropping views, and lots of wildflowers.”
For those who prefer aquatic thrills, Hat Head delivers there, too. Visitors love to explore the clear, balmy waters and pristine beaches of the rocky coastline as well as the bush-lined creek that winds through the hills behind the town. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, surfing — whatever your preference, the region is a mecca for water activities. Among the sealife, you might spot playful dolphins, large schools of fish, and migrating whales off the coast. O’Gara reported seeing “hundreds of whales” from her hike along the Korogoro walking trail.
With many people talking about the surreal beauty of Hat Head, it may not be a hidden gem much longer. For local Aussies, it’s the perfect getaway, a place that feels like a tropical destination minus the expensive flights and complicated logistics. You won’t find any luxury resorts here, however. The accommodations in the town are uncomplicated and relatively inexpensive, save for a few pricier home rentals. Most people who visit prefer to stay at the popular campgrounds or caravan parks, putting them closer to the authentic natural surroundings.
The website Visit NSW describes Hat Head as a “natural paradise” where “the ultimate getaway awaits.” There is no shortage of thrilling adventures to experience in this secluded Australian coastal enclave, even if your trip doesn’t ultimately turn up any dinosaurs.
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