Rugged headlands, hidden beaches and sweeping ocean views.
Tucked inside Hat Head National Park, Connors Walking Track is one of those quintessential North Coast hikes that rewards you at every turn. Beginning near the famous Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks, the 3.7-kilometre one-way trail hugs the clifftops and leads walkers across windswept headlands, heathland and shaded forest before spilling out onto the golden arc of Gap Beach.
Why it’s worth the walk
This isn’t a trek that demands heavy boots or a packed lunch; it’s a short hike you can squeeze into a morning or afternoon. But don’t be fooled: what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in difficulty. The coastal walk is on a relatively rough track, with short, steep hills, occasional steps and natural obstacles along the way.
You’ll pass lookouts with front-row views over the Pacific Ocean, and in whale season (May to November), you might even catch the telltale blow of a humpback passing offshore. The trail weaves through banksia and eucalypt forest before opening onto exposed headlands where the sea breeze is at its fiercest. At its finish, Gap Beach is a wild, unpatrolled stretch of sand that feels a world away from South West Rocks.
How to do it
You can start the walk from Little Bay picnic area. (Image: Destination NSW)
Start the walk from Trial Bay Gaol or Little Bay picnic area and allow one to two hours one way. Some hikers opt for a return trip, while others arrange a pick-up at the other end to keep things easy. The track is well-marked, but you’ll need some bushwalking experience and a moderate level of fitness to tackle the steep sections and sandy approach to the beach.
If you’ve got more energy to burn, Connors Walking Track connects with other trails in Hat Head National Park, including the Smoky Cape Range Walking Track, giving you options to extend your adventure.
Need-to-know
Connors Walking Track is a must-do hike in northern NSW. (Image: Getty Images / Jakub Maculewicz)
Distance: 3.7 kilometres one way Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Grade 4 Experience required: Yes Start/finish: Trial Bay Gaol or Gap Beach Best for: Coastal views, whale spotting, wildflowers
Connors Walking Track is one of the North Coast’s most rewarding short hikes, a chance to lace up your shoes and, in under two hours, be transported from historic ruins to windswept headlands to an untouched stretch of sand. If you’re heading to South West Rocks, consider this your must-do walk.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.
Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.
1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour
The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)
The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tourto explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. An artist’s view of Newcastle
There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.
The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)
6. Indulge in great gastronomy
Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)
7. Crystalbrook Kingsley
Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)
8. Newcastle’s creative side on show
Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October.The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations.Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.
