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Kurnell area

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Kurnell area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    • Kurnell is on Captain Cook Drive, access is via Rocky Point Road, off the Princes Highway.
    • At Kurnell, turn right off Captain Cook Drive into Cape Solander Drive
    • To access Potter Point, turn right off Captain Cook Drive into Sir Joseph Banks Drive.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Parking

    Parking is available (including designated disabled spots in most car parks) at:

    • Cricket Pitch
    • Kurnell Visitor Centre
    • Commemoration Flat
    • Inscription Point
    • The Leap
    • Yena picnic area
    • Cape Solander
    • Potter Point

    By bike

    Kurnell is a popular area with cyclists.

    To ride thre:

    • Catch a train to Cronulla station, then ride north along Gerrale Street which becomes Eloura Road
    • When you reach the roundabout at Captain Cook Drive, turn right and continue along Captain Cook Drive for 7km
    • When you reach the roundabout at Kurnell, turn right to stay on Captain Cook Drive
    • Follow the road until you reach the park entry gate located on Cape Solander drive.

    By public transport

    You can travel to the Kurnell area on public transport. Plan your trip using Transport NSW's Trip Planner.

    Best times to visit

    With its picturesque views and whale watching vantage points, a visit to Kurnell is unmissable in winter. But its countless historic attractions, birdlife and walking tracks make it a joy any time of year.

    Spring

    Take the Cape Baily walk to birdwatch, see the Cape Baily lighthouse, and if you're lucky, spot humpback whales returning south. Visit in November when daylight saving begins in NSW - It's lighter for longer and the Kurnell area is open until 7.30pm. Pack a picnic and enjoy the cool sea breeze at Commemoration Flat.

    Summer

    Bring your scuba gear and explore the rocky reefs at Botany Bay's entrance, including Sutherland and Inscription Points and maybe even glimpse sea horses and sea dragons. Cool off with a quiet saltwater swim at Silver Beach. Pack a picnic and summer can be a busy time at this park.

    Winter

    Head to Cape Solander lookout to see migrating humpback whales swimming close to the coast. Winter is a very busy time in this park, and parking is not always available at Cape Solander. Set off on the extended Henry Head walking track to photograph the SS Minmi shipwreck, just off Cape Banks (low tide only).

    Facilities

    Picnic tables

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins. The park also has credit card accepting payment facilities.

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    There are unfenced cliffs at this location. Don't walk close to cliff edges because the overhanging rocks may be very thin. Please stick to the marked walking tracks and supervise children closely.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Water activities

    Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

    Permitted

    • You can mountain bike on management trails only

    Fishing

    You can go fishing in Botany Bay from foreshore areas. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying recreational drones is not permitted in this park because it is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas. Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.

    • No cycling on walking tracks 
    • Motorcycles and vehicles must be kept on public roads

    Camping

    Horses

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Map of the Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Image: OEH

    Contact

    • in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

    • 7am–7.30pm August to May. 7am–5.30pm June to July.

      Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Park entry fees:

      $8 per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins. The park also has credit card accepting payment facilities.

      Buy annual pass
      • Kurnell Visitor Centre
        02 9668 2010
        Contact hours: CLOSED TO VISITORS. Email and phone contact only. Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9.30am to 4pm. Closed Christmas holiday.
      • 21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231
      • Email: npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au
      More

    Visitor centre

    • Kurnell Visitor Centre
      21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231
    • CLOSED TO VISITORS. Email and phone contact only. Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9.30am to 4pm. Closed Christmas holiday.
    • 02 9668 2010

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