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Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
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Overview
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Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Walgun Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse.
- Where
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in North Coast
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 3.7km loop
- Time suggested
- 1 - 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- Stick to the track and stay away from cliff edges
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch
- It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited
- To find out about tours of Cape Byron lighthouse or the Maritime Museum please phone02 6639 8300oremailnpws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
You’ll need a good two hours to properly experience the Walgun Cape Byron walking track – but it’s so rich in delights, so don’t be surprised if you reach the end and feel like doing it all again. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours on the state’s entire coast.
The 3.7km loop leads you on a hike through rainforest and across clifftops with stunning views of the ocean and hinterland.
En route you’ll wander through the shade of bangalow palms and ancient burrawangs, across kangaroo grasslands, along picturesque beaches and up to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Remember to keep an eye out on the water for turtles, dolphins, stingrays and, in season, whales.
If you’d prefer an easier walk, the track can be accessed at numerous points and walked in shorter sections.
Take a virtual tour of Walgun Cape Byron walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info
Also see
Eat
Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe
See more attractions
Learn
Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
See more attractions
Learn
Cape Byron Lighthouse
See more attractions
Picnic
Wategos Beach
See more attractions
View
Captain Cook lookout and picnic area
See more attractions
Eat
The Pass Cafe
See more attractions
Walk
Palm Valley Currenbah walking track
See more activities
Conservation program:
The Pass midden
NSW National Parks first recorded The Pass midden in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in 1980. And, in 2013, ancient archaeological midden material was repatriated and displayed on Country. Today, along with our Aboriginal community partners, NPWS works to protect The Pass midden, both now and into the future.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
- 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
- 02 6639 8300
- npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Park info
- in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours,but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre:$10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
Buy annual pass
See more visitor info
What's nearby:
Things to do (27)
- Aboriginal culture (2)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (9)
- Cafes and kiosks (4)
- Canoeing/paddling (2)
- Fishing (3)
- Historic heritage (4)
- Other experiences (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Sightseeing (10)
- Snorkelling and scuba (2)
- Surfing (10)
- Swimming (5)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (4)
Tours (11)
Itinerary (2)
Camping and accommodation (5)
- Accommodation (5)
