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Cape Solander

Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

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Overview

Head to one of Sydney's best whale watching spots. Cape Solander, located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park is an unbeatable lookout during whale watching season.

Type
Lookouts
Where
Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

If you're driving into the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park please note that gates are open:

  • 7am-7.30pm (August to May)
  • 7am-5.30pm (June to July)
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes
Please note
  • There are no toilets at this location. The nearest toilets are all located 2 km away: outside Kurnell Visitor Centre, at Commemoration Flat car park, or, at Cricket Pitch car park.
  • 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.

Want to go whale watching in Sydney? Cape Solander is undoubtedly one of Sydney's best whale watching spots.

June and July are the best times to see humpback whales as they migrate north to warmer waters, but they can also be spotted between May and October. If you’re lucky you won’t even need to look far – whales have been known to swim as close as 200m from the coast.

Named after botanist Daniel Solander, Cape Solander features a lookout with a special viewing platform – the perfect vantage point – along with information on whales seen in Sydney waters. If you plan on a coastal walk through the park, then Cape Solander is a good starting point. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching or simply gazing at the clear horizon.

You can also learn more about the significance of the whale in local Aboriginal culture in this State Library video interview with Wallangang Elder, Glen Timbery .

Take a virtual tour of Cape Solander captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Park sign pointing to Cape Baily lighthouse, set against a vista of ocean, rugged rocky coastline and bushland. Photo: Natasha Webb/DPIE

    Cape Baily Lighthouse

    Cape Baily Lighthouse is a scenic stop along Cape Baily track in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Cape Solander.

  • Path through sun-dappled coastal woodland, with tree branches arching overhead. Photo: Natasha Webb

    Muru and Yena tracks

    Mura and Yena tracks form a short loop walk from Kurnell Visitor Centre to clifftop Yena picnic area, in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Enjoy dramatic coastal views, spot whales, birdlife and wildflowers.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

Whale watching top spots

NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration, which takes place from May to November. Plan your next coastal adventure.

A humpback whale breaches the water off the NSW coast, near Sydney. Photo credit: Wayne Reynolds &copy Wayne Reynolds

General enquiries

Operated by

  • Kurnell Visitor Centre
  • 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
  • 21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231

Park info

  • in the Kurnell area of 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
See more visitor info

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