Smoky Cape Private Hiking Tour
Australia
A 5 Day 4 Night Private Coastal & Rainforest Trails
Stay in historic lighthouse cottages, explore iconic National Parks, and reconnect with nature — knowing every detail is taken care of by trusted local guides. Private tour for 6 to 11 people, so you choose the dates.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Active, Ideal for Active Hikers
National Parks NSW Accredited Tour Agency — NPWS Eco Pass
Where Coastal Beauty Meets Timeless Adventure
Wake up to the sound of the ocean and the call of native birds from your stay in the beautifully restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages at Smoky Cape. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll explore coastal and rainforest trails through Hat Head, Arakoon, and Dorrigo National Parks — each hike revealing a new side of Australia’s wild beauty. Wander beneath towering rainforest canopies, stand atop windswept headlands, and uncover stories at historic sites like Trial Bay Gaol and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. With Home Comforts Hiking, every detail is thoughtfully arranged so you can simply walk, breathe, and be fully immersed in nature’s rhythm.
Your 5 Day Smoky Cape Hiking Adventure
Every day of the Smoky Cape Hiking Tour brings a new adventure, from misty rainforests to rugged coastal trails. Stay in beautifully restored Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages and explore the best of Dorrigo, Hat Head, and Arakoon National Parks with expert local guides.
As this is a private tour, prices vary depending on your group size and preferred accommodation type — single, twin share, or a mix of both. Please contact us to get a quote.
Here’s what your unforgettable five days will look like:
Day 1 — Monday: Arrival and Welcome
1.30pm - Meet at Sancrox if you’d like a lift in our commuter bus, or arrive at Smoky Cape Lighthouse Cottages by 3:00pm.
Settle into your accommodation and explore the lighthouse surrounds.
Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and snacks.
Dinner included (first night).
Day 4 — Thursday: Hat Head National Park
Breakfast at the cottages (included).
Depart by commuter bus to Hat Head with a morning tea stop at Gladstone.
Hike scenic trails in Hat Head National Park.
Lunch at Hat Head (included).
Optional afternoon hike at South West Rocks.
Return to Smoky Cape by commuter bus.
Dinner at the cottages (included).
Day 2 — Tuesday: Dorrigo Rainforest Discovery
Breakfast at the cottages (included).
Depart by commuter bus to Dorrigo, with a morning tea stop in Bellingen.
Visit Dangar Falls and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk.
Lunch available at the rainforest café.
Afternoon hike to Crystal Waterfall in Dorrigo National Park with a local guide.
Return to Smoky Cape for dinner at South West Rocks Pub or similar.
Day 5 — Friday: Farewell and Departure
Breakfast at the cottages (included).
Check out by 10:00am.
Optional visit to Crescent Head on the way home.
Day 3 — Wednesday: Coastal Heritage Walk
Breakfast at the cottages (included).
Hike from Smoky Cape Lighthouse to Trial Bay Gaol.
Lunch at Trial Bay Kiosk.
Guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol.
Return to Smoky Cape by commuter bus.
Dinner at South West Rocks Pub or similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
Your 5-day experience includes:
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Accommodation at the beautifully restored Smoky Cape Lighthouse Cottages
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Transport in a 12-seater commuter bus
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Four breakfasts, one lunch, and two dinners, plus pre-dinner drinks and snacks
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Professional hiking guide and local guide at Dorrigo
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Visits to Trial Bay Gaol and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre
When are trip dates confirmed?
The cottages are managed by NSW National Parks, and bookings can only be made up to 11 months in advance. Tour dates are confirmed once accommodation is secured. You can register your interest more than 12 months ahead, and we’ll hold your spot — but no deposit or payment is required until dates are confirmed.
Is the hiking difficult?
All hikes are optional. For experienced hikers, trails range from easy to moderate. For less experienced hikers, some sections may feel challenging.
Typical walks include:
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Smoky Cape Lighthouse to Trial Bay Gaol: 9.2km, 400m ascent — moderate to hard
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South West Rocks Back Beach: 6.4km, 35m ascent — easy
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Korogoro Walking Track & O’Connors Beach: 5.5km, 150m ascent — moderate to hard
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Korogoro Creek & Hat Head Beach: 5km, 20m ascent — easy
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Wonga Walk, Dorrigo: 6km, 220m ascent — moderate
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Dangar Falls, Dorrigo: 2km — easy
What are the accommodation arrangements?
You’ll stay four nights at the historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse Cottages. Each cottage has two king bedrooms (ideal for couples) and one twin-share room with two single beds. Both cottages can be booked for private groups. A single supplement of $400 applies for guests wanting their own room.
What do we do for meals?
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Breakfasts: All included and served at the cottages.
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Lunches: One lunch is included. On other days, you can pack your own or purchase from cafes near our hiking locations.
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Dinners: Two dinners are included (one at the cottages, one at a local restaurant). On other evenings, you can dine out at nearby pubs, clubs, or cook in the fully equipped cottage kitchens.
Is there a support vehicle?
Yes. Our 12-seater Toyota Commuter Bus provides daily transport to and from hiking locations. You’re also welcome to use your own vehicle if preferred.
What should I bring?
We recommend packing:
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Small daypack with waterproof cover
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Hiking shoes or boots, and comfortable footwear for evenings
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Weatherproof jacket, hat, swimsuit, and micro towel
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Hiking poles (optional)
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Water bottles or hydration bladder
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Lightweight clothing (shirts, shorts, pants, socks, underwear)
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Toiletries, medications, phone/camera chargers
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Debit or credit card, and some cash
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Snacks (or purchase along the way)
Where do we meet on the first day?
Meet at Sancrox at 1:30pm if you’d like a lift in our commuter bus, or arrive directly at Smoky Cape Lighthouse Cottages by 3:00pm.
Where and when does the tour finish?
The tour concludes at Smoky Cape Lighthouse Cottages at 10:00am on Day 5.
Guests travelling in our commuter bus will return to Sancrox between 11:00am and 1:00pm.
There’s also an optional visit to Crescent Head on the final morning before heading home.
How do I Book and Pay for Private Tours?
You can Request for Quote for your Private Tour.
You can then confirm your Private Tour with a deposit of A$500 per person which secures your place.
The balance is due one month before the tour start date.
Australian customers can pay by bank transfer:
Home Comforts Hiking | BSB 923100 | Account 36237075
Overseas customers receive a PayPal invoice in AUD. You do not need a PayPal account and can pay by Visa or Mastercard. You may also pay in Australian Dollars via a transfer service such as Wise or through your bank:
Home Comforts Hiking | BSB 923100 | Account 36237075
The SWIFT Code for ING Bank Australia is INGBAU2S
Cancellations and Refunds
Please refer to our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for all guests. It should cover cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, medical costs, and your valuables.
When Should I Book My Flights?
Book your flights (if applicable) once you have paid for the trip in full, or when the tour is confirmed.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to our Guides directly.