Little Bay to Smoky Cape Lighthouse Walk

Distance: 5.5km with two steep sections Difficulty: Moderate to difficult You can start with the Monument Hill walk from Trial Bay Gaol carpark to Overshot Dam or start at Overshot Dam. Starting on the left side of Overshot Dam, the Little Bay Walking Track leads up the steep ridge of Little Smoky Mountain. This is the steepest part of the walk to the lighthouse, but absolutely worthwhile with good views and interesting vegetation. After 500m, just below the summit, the path leads to the inland side of the mountain with marked changes in vegetation. From here, the 1.5km downhill track takes you to the unsealed Gap Rd. At a fork, you can go left on the North Gap Beach Track and include Gap Beach or keep right and continue to a T-section. Watch out for cars, turn left and follow the road uphill. You reach a large levelled area. This provides car parking if walking shorter sections, especially around Gap Beach. Heading for the lighthouse, keep walking south to the boom gate where the track continues as Green Island Firetrail. After an uphill section of about 400m you reach the intersection of Firetrail and Smoky Cape Tracks. Here you get the first view of Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Follow the signs to the lighthouse. The track winds along for about 2km with minor ups and downs, past several gullies with running water over the track after rain. Below the lighthouse is the picnic area at Captain Cook Lookout with toilets and carpark. Only a little more effort is required for the steep ascent to the lighthouse to be rewarded with sweeping views. Credit: Macleay Walking Trails by Christa Schwoebel and John Cruickshanks