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Captain Cook lookout and picnic area

Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Captain Cook lookout and picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    On entering Cape Byron State Conservation Area:

    • Follow Lawson Street east from Byron Bay until it becomes Lighthouse Road

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at this picnic area, including 1 designated accessible parking spot. Entry fees apply.

    It can be a busy place, so parking might be limited.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    With the weather being a bit cooler, it's the perfect time of year for walking, barbecues and picnics on the beach.

    Summer

    Summer holidays beckon you – enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, building sandcastles, or relaxing in the shade.

    Winter

    Cape Byron is a great spot to watch for whales on their annual migration - remember to take binoculars.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    22°C and 27°C

    Highest recorded

    35.1°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    15°C and 21°C

    Lowest recorded

    3.3°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    350.4mm

    Facilities

    Toilets

    • Flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Carpark

    Drinking water

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    • Assistance may be required to access this area

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    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.

    Captain Cook lookout and picnic area

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
      • 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 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

    Visitor centre