Back to previous page

La Perouse area

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the La Perouse area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    To get to La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park from Sydney:

    • The park is about 17km from Circular Quay
    • Vehicle entry into the park is via Henry Head Lane off Anzac Parade
    • La Perouse Museum is located on the headland at the end of Anzac Parade.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Parking

    • Parking is available at Cape Banks including designated disabled spots
    • Street parking is available nearby on Anzac Parade, La Perouse (spaces limited on weekends)

    By public transport

    La Perouse is accessible by bus. Visit Transport for NSW for details.

    Best times to visit

    With its picturesque beaches and bays, this coastal park is unmissable in summer but its countless historic attractions, wildlife and walking tracks make it a joy to visit any time of year.

    Spring

    Take Jennifer Street boardwalk or Henry Head walking track to see the beautiful flowers and birdwatch - and if you're lucky, spot humpback whales returning south. Visit in November when daylight saving begins in NSW - it's lighter for longer and the area is open until 8.30pm.

    Summer

    Bring your snorkel or scuba gear and explore the rocky reefs around Bare Island and Congwong Bay to meet some of the bay’s diverse sea life and maybe glimpse a weedy sea dragon. Or just cool off with a quiet saltwater swim at Congwong Beach which overlooks Bare Island and Botany Bay.

    Winter

    Set off on the extended Henry Head walk to photograph the SS Minmi shipwreck, just off Cape Banks (low tide only). From Cape Banks you might see migrating humpback whales swimming close to the coast as they migrate north. Parking is available nearby.

    Facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    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.

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    • There are unfenced cliffs at this location. Don't walk close to cliff edges because the overhanging rocks may be very thin. Please stick to the marked walking tracks and supervise children closely.
    • Henry Head walking track passes through the part of the NSW Golf Course. To minimise the risk of injury please stay on formed paths, obey signs and beware of golfers when walking through the golf course.

    Fishing safety

    Rock fishers need to wear a life jacket.

    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).

    Water activities

    Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    You can go fishing in Botany Bay. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying recreational drones is not permitted in this park because it is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas. Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.


    La Perouse area

    Contact

    • in 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
    • More

    Visitor centre