Walk Summary
A spectacular coastal walk along beaches, clifftops and rainforest to Cape Byron Lighthouse, with wonderful ocean views and plenty of wildlife, including migrating whales, dolphins and birdlife.
Distance 3.7km
Time 2 hours
Difficulty Moderate
Walk Overview
This loop can be started at several points and walked in either direction. I started at Captain Cook Lookout, following the coast past The Pass and Wategos Beach before climbing to the lighthouse. The return trail for this route is through shaded rainforest.
Walking the Trail
This track has undergone significant changes since I last walked here twenty-something years ago, and though it's busier and the surrounding area is significantly more developed, the trail is certainly much improved.
The coastal path passes Clarkes Beach and The Pass, where Fisherman's Lookout is worth a stop, before continuing towards Wategos Beach. There's also a short side trail to Little Wategos, the most easterly beach on mainland Australia.
Then comes the climb to Cape Byron Lighthouse, with spectacular views across the ocean, surrounding beaches and hinterland.
The lighthouse was built in 1901 and there's a small Maritime Museum in the former lighthouse keeper's office.
The return trail takes you through shaded rainforest beneath bangalow palms and ancient cycads.
The steps here are steep, especially for those of us with shorter legs, and the track can get quite muddy after rain.
Wildlife along the Cape Byron Walk
The air, land and sea of Walgun Cape Byron are alive with wild creatures, local and migratory.
On land, keep an eye out for wallabies in the early morning. In the trees and scrub there's plenty of birdlife. I saw Lewin's Honeyeaters and Little Wattlebirds, while larger birds such as White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Brahminy Kites can sometimes be seen over the headland.
And then there are the whales. I was there in July and saw heaps! They were breaching, blowing, tail flapping and generally putting on a show for the crowd above.
I also saw plenty of dolphins — three pods in all at different points along the trail — while others saw turtles and a large group of stingrays.
For recent bird sightings at Cape Byron and surrounds head to eBird.
Trail Tips
Go early to avoid the crowds, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
The track is Grade 3, with steep sections and many steps.
Allow extra time for wildlife watching and photography.
Take water, sunscreen and binoculars during whale season.
Parking is limited and can be busy.
Dogs are not permitted in the conservation area.
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