Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Overview

Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre is the place to find visitor information for Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Walgun Cape Byron Marine Park and surrounding national parks in the Byron Bay area.

Type
Visitor centres
Where
199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 - in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in North Coast
Accessibility
Hard
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply at the Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct carpark.

Opening times

9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day 

Please note
Tours: To find out about tours of Cape Byron lighthouse or the Maritime Museum please email npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6639 8300

When visiting the beautiful NSW North Coast, get your holiday off to a great start with a visit to Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. With loads of information about Walgun Cape Byron, as well as surrounding national parks, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you make the most of your visit.

Discover the best walking, swimming and surfing spots and learn about what’s under the sea at Walgun Cape Byron Marine Park.

From this lovely setting overlooking the ocean, you might spot dolphins swimming year-round or even whales during the whale watching season from May to October. Grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you go or a coffee and bite from the cafe to fuel you up for your adventures.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Outlook from the deck at Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe

    Take in spectacular views over Byron Bay while you sip a coffee or enjoy a light meal at Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring the Cape Byron Lighthouse area.

  • 2 people jogging on Cape Byron walking track. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Walgun Cape Byron walking track

    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.

  • Cape Byron Lighthouse, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    Cape Byron Lighthouse

    Cape Byron Lighthouse sits on Australia’s most easterly point, a shining light over Byron Bay. Find out about shipwrecks, enjoy spectacular views or call ahead to join a guided tour.

  • A couple relax on the verandah of the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottage. John Spencer/DPIE

    Assistant Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages

    The heritage-listed Assistant Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages at Byron Bay feature stunning coastal views. They’re a great choice for a weekend getaway or longer holiday.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/walgun-cape-byron-information-centre/local-alerts

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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.

Getting there and parking

On entering Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area:

  • Follow Lawson Street from Byron Bay along Lighthouse Road

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

  • Parking is available in a bitumen carpark next to Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre, including 1 accessible parking space. Fees apply.
  • Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
  • It can be a busy place on most days, so parking might be limited.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Walgun 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

Walgun 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

Amenities

Toilets

There are accessible flush toilets next to the information centre.

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Cafe/kiosk

Carpark

Drinking water

Seats and resting points

There are timber bench seats with backrests and armrests on the porches at the information centre.

Maps and downloads

Fees and passes

Park entry fees and parking restrictions:

  • $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles at Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct and Information Centre carpark. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
  • $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour in the lower lighthouse carparks and at Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass carparks.
  • Coach entry based on seat capacity: $30 (up to 30 seats); $57 (31-43 seats); $94 (more than 44 seats).
  • Coin-operated and credit card payment available.

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 - hard

Assistance may be required at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre:

  • The information centre is in a heritage building with narrow doorways and corridors.
  • There are stairs at the entrance - a single step to get onto the porch and 2 steps to get inside the building.

There's an accessible parking space, an accessible picnic table, bench seats for resting and accessible toilets. The ramp to the toilets is fibre-reinforced plastic with a moderate slope.

Prohibited

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

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.

Visitor centre

Learn more

Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre is in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

Perched high above Byron Bay's glorious coastline, historic Cape Byron lighthouse was constructed on this rugged headland in 1901. Its landmark 22m high white tower houses the light that still illuminates the bay of an evening. To find out more about the lighthouse take a tour with an expert guide and be sure to check out the Maritime Museum. In days gone by, lighthouse keepers were responsible for igniting the lighthouse's light of an evening. The keepers have long been replaced by automated light systems; however the Victorian Georgian style cottages in which they lived remain as heritage listed buildings. Today they operate as holiday accommodation, having been carefully restored to offer modern convenience while retaining their historical charm and an insight into the life of a lighthouse keeper.

  • 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.
  • Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre is the place to find visitor information for Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Walgun Cape Byron Marine Park and surrounding national parks in the Byron Bay area.

Keepers of Country

The Pass, Cape Byron State  Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

Walgun, as Walgun Cape Byron is known by its traditional custodians, maintains spiritual, cultural and historical importance for the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) Aboriginal People. The pipi midden (shell mound) at The Pass is one of the largest and oldest in far north NSW.

  • 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.

View from the top

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Photo: Wayne G Reynolds

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is part of a significant north-to-south regional corridor for migratory animals, including the fruit dove and cuckoo shrike. Locals you might be lucky enough to spot while touring the area include threatened wallabies and sea eagles. A peaceful walk through the area’s serene littoral rainforest, with plant life; such as laurel trees, white lace flowers and basket ferns, to admire along the way, is sure to further enrich your experience of the Walgun Cape Byron area.

  • 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.
  • Walgun Cape Byron walking track 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.
  • Walgun Cape Byron: The earth’s environment Join us on an Earth’s environment Geography excursion at beautiful Walgun 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 Walgun 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.
Show more

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

    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, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

    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. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    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. Photo: Barry Collier

    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 tree palm in Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

    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.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

School excursions (11)