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Cape Baily walking track

Kurnell area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

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Overview

If you love the panoramic ocean views from the sandstone cliffs of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Cape Baily walking track is for you. Close to Cronulla, it's a great place to spot whales, dolphins and native birds.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
8km return
Time suggested
3hrs
Grade
Grade 2
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, hat, sunscreen, snacks
Please note
  • There are no water fountains or shaded areas along the track.
  • The nearest toilet is at Commemoration flat and there’s an external toilet at Kurnell Visitor Centre, 2km north and a 3min drive from Cape Solander carpark.

The walk starts at Cape Solander in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Set out from the carpark near the whale viewing platform. Depending on how much time you’ve got, either do the shorter 4km one-way walk finishing at Potter Point, or the 8km return walk, which takes about 3 hours.

Your journey will take you over cliff tops with spectacular views of the ocean and the dramatic sandstone formations of this area. See if you can glimpse whales during their yearly migration from May to October, and dolphins frolicking out deep. On land, you’ll pass by Cape Baily lighthouse and a variety of distinctive heathland and freshwater wetlands vegetation. Depending on the season, you might also see some native orchid species. Keep an eye out for sea birds and local reptiles.

This peaceful walk is great for most visitors, especially those who love the great outdoors. Keep in mind that there are no water fountains, so bring plenty of your own drinking water. The best time to hike it is from May to October, during whale season when the weather is milder. There’s no shade cover, so on hot summer days you’ll feel the full force of the sun.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • People looking out over the ocean from the whale watching platform at Cape Solander. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

    Cape Solander

    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.

  • 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.

 

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

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