Cape Banks walking track
La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Overview
Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Botany Bay. Start at Congwong Beach and take a swim along the way before passing Henry Head. Continue to Cape Banks, a fantastic spot for whale watching.
- Distance
- 7km return
- Time suggested
- 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Opening times
If you’re driving into the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park please note that gates are open:
- November to March 7am to 8.30pm
- April to October 7am to 7.30pm
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing
- Please note
- There are unfenced cliffs and heritage structures along the walk. Please stay on the marked walking tracks and supervise children closely.
- Beware of golf balls and stay on the path as you pass through golf course.
- Take care on the slippery rock surfaces around Cruwee Cove. This beach area may be impassable at high tide and in big swells. Check tides and weather before you set out.
- You can also start the walk from the carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue.
- Take extreme care if you plan to loop back to La Perouse from Cape Banks along the narrow public road.
Located less than 20km from Sydney city, this return walk heads from La Perouse to Cape Banks, in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
Start from the southern end of Cann Park and continue past pretty Congwong Beach to connect with Henry Head walking track. Moderate fitness is recommended, but your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views around Botany Bay, from Bare Island in La Perouse to Cape Solander in Kurnell.
The track heads through coastal heath, dotted with native acacias, endangered eastern suburbs banksia scrub and spring wildlflowers. History buffs can explore the World War II battery at Henry Head, while birdwatchers may see sea eagles, whistling kites or peregrine falcons soaring above.
From Henry Head continue 1.2km, passing Cruwee Cove and the golf course, before crossing the footbridge to Cape Banks. The rocky escarpment of Cape Banks forms the northern headland of Botany Bay. Take time to enjoy the coastal views, eroded sandstone rock formations, and the rusting shipwreck of the SS Minmi, before returning.
In summer, swim or snorkel the aqua waters of Cruwee Cove Beach, part of Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve. In winter, Cape Banks is a prime whale watching spot, as migrating humpback and southern right whales breach and frolic in the Pacific Ocean.
Also see:
Map
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/cape-banks-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
7am–8.30pm November to March.
7am–7.30pm April to October.
La Perouse park entry gate closed to vehicles between 7pm and 5am all year.
Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
There are no park entry fees in La Perouse area but you'll need to pay to tour Bare Island. Park entry fees apply in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, only.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Cape Banks walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
7km return
Time
3hrs
Quality of markings
Sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Cape Banks walking track is in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. To get there from Sydney city, drive south along Anzac Parade to La Perouse.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
- Parking is available at Cann Park, near La Perouse Museum, near the walking track start point.
- You can also park near the park entry gates, on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue.
By public transport
Take bus L94 or 394 to La Perouse from Circular Quay, Martin Place, or Hyde Park via Maroubra Junction.
Facilities
- The nearest public toilets are available at Cann Park. There are also toilets if you’re visiting the La Perouse Museum.
- There are no bins so please take all rubbish away with you.
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Fishing
Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.
Life jackets are mandatory for rock fishing activities within the Randwick City Council area of Sydney.
Prohibited
Amplified music is not permitted.
Camping
Cycling
Generators
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
-
La Perouse Museum
The Old Cable Station, 1542 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036 - 02 9093 6190
Learn more
Cape Banks walking track is in La Perouse area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Aboriginal culture
At the time of the first encounters with Europeans, Aboriginal people of 2 different nations - the Goorawal People and the Gweagal People - were living in the area which now includes Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Over 30 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the park, including rock art and engravings.
- Blak Markets at Bare Island Visit Blak Markets at La Perouse, to discover the best of Aboriginal culture. There'll be traditional dance performances, arts and craft stalls, weaving and bush tucker.
- Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.
Sharing traditional knowledge
The Gamay Rangers have been appointed as ‘honorary rangers’ for Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Part of the Commonwealth Indigenous Ranger Program, which is designed to support Indigenous Australians to protect and conserve land and sea Country, the Gamay Rangers work alongside the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Gamay team share traditional knowledge and techniques, and are involved in the management of natural and cultural resources, protection of marine wildlife, and operation of the national parks on their cultural areas.
- Blak Markets at Bare Island Visit Blak Markets at La Perouse, to discover the best of Aboriginal culture. There'll be traditional dance performances, arts and craft stalls, weaving and bush tucker.
- Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.
Historic heritage
Two of Australia's earliest European explorers landed in Botany Bay here—James Cook in 1770, and the Comte de Laperouse in 1788. Cook's botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, first explored Australia's natural world here. After the reports of Cook and Banks, Botany Bay was recommended as a suitable site for settlement. But upon inspection by Captain Arthur Phillip it was found unsuitable as it had no secure fresh water or suitable anchorage. Sydney Cove was set up as the penal colony instead. You can also explore the fascinating history of Bare Island Fort on a guided tour, see World War II military remnants at Henry Head, or learn more at La Perouse Museum.
- Bare Island and Cape Banks ultimate day tour Uncover the wealth of history along the shores of La Perouse, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. From a shipwreck to the Henry Head fortifications, there's plenty to delve into on this guided tour.
- Bare Island Fort guided tour Join this guided tour to hear about the unpredictable history of Bare Island Fort at La Perouse. We'll cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge and enter a world of fine engineering and great deception.
- Bound for Botany Bay In 1770, James Cook and his crew aboard the Endeavour were bound for Botany Bay. Their 8-day stay would have a dramatic impact on the future of Australia. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion explores the first British landing on Australian soil.
- Cape Banks walking track Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Botany Bay. Start at Congwong Beach and take a swim along the way before passing Henry Head. Continue to Cape Banks, a fantastic spot for whale watching.
- Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.
Biodiversity
Much of the park’s unspoilt flora give an idea of the plants that were present pre-1770. A conservation effort to protect and rehabilitate rare and threatened species and ecosystems is underway to preserve this heritage-listed Sydney park. Henry Head walking track leads through the rare eastern suburbs banksia scrub now listed as an endangered ecological species.
- Cape Banks walking track Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Botany Bay. Start at Congwong Beach and take a swim along the way before passing Henry Head. Continue to Cape Banks, a fantastic spot for whale watching.
- Jennifer Street boardwalk Jennifer Street boardwalk is a short, wheelchair-accessible walking track in La Perouse. The smooth, boarded path is popular with all ages looking for an easy weekend walk in Sydney.
Visitor experiences
La Perouse offers a real escape just minutes from the city and close to cafes and public transport. Take a day trip to go bushwalking, whale watching or fishing. Learn more about the early European explorers, and Aboriginal stories, at the fascinating exhibits in La Perouse Museum tell. Enjoy a picnic, cafes and fish ’n’ çhips and watch the sun set over the bay. Keep an eye out for guided tours of Bare Island Fort.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
Plants
-
Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
-
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
The delicate flannel flower is so named because of the soft woolly feel of the plant. Growing in the NSW south coast region, extending to Narrabri in the Central West and up to south-east Queensland, its white or pink flowers bloom all year long, with an extra burst of colour in the spring.
-
Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.
-
Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.