Get driving 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.

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.

Toilets

• Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Carpark

Drinking water

• Captain Cook lookout and picnic area factsheet
• Captain Cook lookout and picnic area map (1.2MB pdf)

Disability access level - medium

• Assistance may be required to access this area

• Cape Byron Information Centre Cape Byron Information Centre is the place to find visitor information for Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Cape Byron Marine Park and surrounding national parks in the Byron Bay area.
• Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place Experience a bird’s eye view from the top of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in this Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) Geography excursion. Students will learn about the features of this special place and its significance to people and the community.
• Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place Experience a bird’s eye view from the top of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) geography excursion. Students will learn about the features of the lighthouse and its significance to people and the community.

• Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is an Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) school excursion in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
• Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) school excursion in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
• Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 3 (Years 5-6) school excursion in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
• Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography outcomes. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
• Palm Valley Palm Valley, or ‘The Pass,’ offers well-equipped picnic areas right by the beach, plus a popular café, several walking tracks, and access to the Fishermans lookout.

• A whale of a time Discover the wonderful world of whales on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) excursion around Cape Byron headland. This excursion is designed to support the Living World Science and Technology topic content strand.
• Byron tandem hang gliding flights and lessons Try the thrilling sport of hang gliding with a tandem flight over spectacular Cape Byron or nearby Lennox Head. With 40 years’ experience, Byron Airwaves Hang Gliding School is your ticket to the freedom of flight.
• Cape Byron walking track Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse.
• Cape Byron: The earth’s environment Join us on an Earth’s environment Geography excursion at beautiful Cape Byron for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students. Students will explore the features of the reserve and learn about people’s differing perceptions of the park and how it is managed.
• Wategos Beach Located just north west of Cape Byron and the lighthouse, Wategos Beach is one of Byron’s best places to picnic, paddle and play.
• Whale secrets Discover whale secrets in a playful mix of drama, games, story and ocean discovery for Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) students. This excursion supports the Living World topic of the K-10 Science and Technology syllabus.
• Whale secrets Discover whale secrets at Cape Byron Lighthouse Headland. Students will experience a playful mix of drama, games, story, and ocean discovery for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students. This excursion supports the Living World topic of the K-10 Science and Technology syllabus.

Animals

• 

  Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

  The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

• 

  Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

  The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

• 

  Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

  The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

Plants

• 

  Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)

  The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.

• 

  Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

  With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.