Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Overview

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is great for school excursions and is home to Cape Byron lighthouse, heritage accommodation, walking tracks, scenic lookouts and the Cape Café.

Read more about Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

For over a century, the elegant Cape Byron Lighthouse has graced Australia’s most easterly point. Its powerful lamp still burns brightly across the bay and you can visit this historic landmark or even stay in one of the charming keepers’ cottages. If you’d prefer to be closer to the beach, there’s a choice of award-winning eco-tourism beach cottages within the park.

Walgun Cape Byron is a brilliant location for whale watching and the walking track provides spine-tingling views of the surrounding coast and ocean. You can enjoy a bite to eat at the Cape Café, with panoramic views across the hinterland to Byron Bay.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach – try The Pass, Wategos or Tallows. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s great diving, snorkelling, surfing, hang gliding and kayaking – go on your own or with licensed tour operators.

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/visit-a-park/parks/walgun-cape-byron-state-conservation-area/local-alerts

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Contact

  • 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/).
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See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Get directions to key locations in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area:

    Parking Show more

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.

    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 Show more

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities Show more

    Cafe/kiosk

    Drinking water Show more

    Showers Show more

    Electric power

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    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.

    • All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
    • Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
    • Country Parks Pass - For all parks in Country NSW (except Kosciuszko) $45 (1 year) / $75 (2 years)
    • Single Country Park Pass - For entry to a single park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko). $22 (1 year) / $40 (2 years)

    Annual passes and entry fees (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees)

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    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).

    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

    Nearby towns

    Byron Bay (2 km)

    Byron Bay is Australia's easternmost town and 'style capital' of the North Coast. It's a place of outstanding natural beauty, set against lush volcanic hills.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Bangalow (14 km)

    Bangalow is a relaxed but stylish village close to Byron Bay. It's set in lush green hills near the coast.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Mullumbimby (20 km)

    Mullumbimby sits on the Brunswick River and is overshadowed by subtropical hills.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Learn more

    Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:

      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 Walgun 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 Walgun 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

      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 a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) school excursion in Walgun 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 an Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) school excursion in Walgun 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 Walgun 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.
      • Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 3 (Years 5-6) school excursion in Walgun 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.
      • 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.

      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.

      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)

      What we're doing

      Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. View the detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:

        Understanding landscapes and geology

        Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area maintains and preserves the land and scenery within its borders. Visitors are able to fully enjoy its attractions as facilities and surrounding landscapes are regularly and carefully maintained.

        Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

        Pests and weeds have a significant impact to the ecosystems within Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Risk assessments for new and emerging weeds are carried out as an ongoing initiative within the park. Pest management of bitou bush is an important part of the work NPWS does to protect the integrity of biodiversity which exists within Cape Byron.

        Developing visitor facilities and experiences

        Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is committed to developing visitor facilities for its customers’ enjoyment and safety. Regular maintenance, upgrading and installation of recreational, accommodation and retail amenities and infrastructure take place in this park. NPWS works to monitor vulnerable species and address threats, which can include feral animals and weeds, and implements actions to target their impacts.

        Conserving our Aboriginal culture

        There are a number of significant Aboriginal sites and artefacts within Cape Byron Conservation Area. NPWS is committed to protecting these important cultural items, and interpretive and educational programs are ongoing in this park.

        Managing fire

        NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.