Cape Byron walking track is a 3.7km, grade 3 hike located in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
You'll need a good two hours to properly experience the Cape Byron walking track - but it's so rich in delights, so don't be surprised if you reach the end and feel like doing it all again. In fact, it's one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours on the state's entire coast.
The 3.7km loop leads you on a hike through rainforest and across clifftops with stunning views of the ocean and hinterland.
En route you'll wander through the shade of bangalow palms and ancient burrawangs, across kangaroo grasslands, along picturesque beaches and up to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Remember to keep an eye out on the water for turtles, dolphins, stingrays and, in season, whales.
If you'd prefer an easier walk, the track can be accessed at numerous points and walked in shorter sections.
Take a virtual tour of Cape Byron walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
Stick to the track and stay away from cliff edges
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch
It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
To Cape Byron State Conservation Area. The loop walk can be started at numerous points, including Captain Cook lookout, The Pass, Wategos Beach and Cape Byron Lighthouse. To get there follow Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) from Byron Bay town centre and look for the signs Park entry points Cape Byron State Conservation Area See on map Palm Valley carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Captain Cook lookout, The Pass, Wategos Beach and Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
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 precinct 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 6620 8300.
9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Gear to consider

My planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
The HiiKER app helps you to find 1,000’s of the best bushwalking and hiking adventures, with reviews, photos, and great places to stay. I’m excited to have partnered with HiiKER to offer members of Trail hiking Australia Community an exclusive deal to help you get outdoors with extra confidence with premium mapping, planning and tracking features. Claim your offer here.
Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.