Clocking in at a modest 3.7 km, the Walgun Cape Byron loop is a must-do if you happen to find yourself in or around the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. The beachside town of Byron Bay has always been a popular tourist destination thanks to its beaches and laid-back vibe, but a recent spike in tourism has earned it some negative press. Don't let that put you off, though; it's an area well worth visiting.
Unless you're into surfing, the highlight (both literally and figuratively) is the Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched atop a rugged headland jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. This iconic beacon marks mainland Australia's easternmost point. In fact, if you look dead north from the cliffs and trace a straight line across the globe, you would thread the needle right through the outer islands of Papua New Guinea, miss the rest of Asia entirely, and not hit another major landmass until you reached the remote Kamchatka Peninsula of eastern Russia.
The hike officially begins at Captain Cook Lookout at the bottom of Lighthouse Road; however, the popularity of the headland means spaces are at a premium. Cape Byron was named by Captain James Cook on May 15, 1770, after John Byron, a fellow navigator and the grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. From the lookout, Lee Lane marks the beginning of the Tallow Ridge Track, the first part of the Walgun Cape Byron loop.
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| Starting the hike from Captain Cook Lookout |
The dirt path climbs through the coastal rainforest, steeply at first, before becoming more undulating. After 1 km, you'll reach Lighthouse Road and the Lighthouse Walk, which has views over Arakawal National Park and Tallow Beach thanks to the low fence and a hang glider platform that has an unobstructed view. You'll also see the lighthouse rising ahead at the end of the ridge.
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| Tallow Ridge Track |
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| Climbing to Tallow Ridge |
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| Tallow Ridge and the Cape Byron Lighthouse |
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| Tallow Beach |
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| Cape Byron Lighthouse |
Following the road uphill, the Lighthouse Walk takes you into the grounds of the lighthouse itself. Built in 1901, the 22m-tall lighthouse is perched on the crest of the Cape Byron headland, giving it a commanding view across the Pacific Ocean. The light is one of the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere and is reputed to be visible more than 40 kilometres out to sea. The historic lighthouse and its associated buildings are looked after by the National Parks Service with an information centre, café and guided tours completing the visitor experience.
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| Tallow Beach and Tallow Ridge |
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| Cape Byron |
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| Cape Byron lighthouse |
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| The expanse of the Pacific Ocean |
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| Cape Byron lighthouse |
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| Byron Bay |
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| Nguthungulli Julian Rocks |
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| Cape Byron lighthouse |
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| A trig pillar marks the headland |
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| Cape Byron lighthouse |
We paused for a welcome break at the café before wandering around the historic precinct and marvelling at the dramatic vistas unfolding from the headland. The loop then continues northward, where a set of stone steps leads down to a paved path that hugs the very crest of the ridge line. This trail passes Easterly Point Lookout, a spectacular vantage point perched directly above the rugged, wave-battered rocks that mark the absolute easternmost point of the Australian mainland. |
| Nguthungulli Julian Rocks |
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| Below the lighthouse |
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| Cape Byron |
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| Approaching the Easterly Point Lookout |
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| Easterly Point Lookout |
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| Little Wategos |
Heading downhill from the lookout, the path makes its way towards Little Wategos Beach and climbs over a shallow rise in the headland before emerging on Marine Parade at Wategos Beach. Along the way there are nice views of the nearby crags and cliffs of the headland. Wategos Beach is known for its calm waters thanks to its sheltered position behind the headland, and there are some amenities available if you need to take a break.
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| Nguthungulli Julian Rocks |
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| Little Wategos Beach |
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| Surfers waiting for that perfect wave |
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| Wategos Beach |
At the western end of the beach, the Cape Byron Walking Track continues back into the bush along the fringe of the headland above some quiet, secluded coves. The track leads to the car park for The Pass, a famous surf beach at the north end of Byron's Main Beach. We were lucky enough to spot a couple of koalas lounging in the trees above the car park, though we would not have spotted them were it not for some eagle-eyed locals.
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| Wategos Beach |
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| Cape Byron |
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| Koala |
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| Koala |
At The Pass, we ventured out on to the beach for the final section of the loop, following the sandy beach towards the town. You can get back to Captain Cook Lookout via a set of steps or continue along the beach towards Byron Bay, where there are plenty of cafés and bars to occupy yourself.
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| Clarkes Beach and The Pass |
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| Main Beach |
Despite its short length, the Cape Byron Loop is one of the best coastal walks on the East Coast and a must for anyone visiting Byron Bay. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, this coastal walk provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what Byron Bay has to offer. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
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