Walgun Cape Byron (Cape Byron Walking Track)

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Captain Cook Lookout, Lee Lane, Tallow Ridge Track, Lighthouse Road, Cape Byron Lighthouse, Cape Byron Walking Track, Easterly Point Lookout, Little Wategos, Wategos Beach, Cape Byron Walking Track, The Pass, Clarkes Beach, Main Beach, Captain Cook Lookout

Date: 01/01/2025
From: Captain Cook Lookout

Parking: Byron Bay
Start Point: Captain Cook Lookout
Finish Point: Captain Cook Lookout
Region: Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Route length: 3.9 km
Time taken: 01:47
Average speed: 3.7 km/h
Ascent: 173m
Descent: 174m

Points of Interest: Tallow Ridge, Cape Byron Lighthouse, Easterly Point Lookout, Wategos Beach

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 (literally) is Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched atop a rocky point that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. It is mainland Australia's easternmost point. If you manage to thread the needle through the islands of Papua New Guinea, the next large landmass to the north is 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.

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.

Tallow Ridge Track

Climbing to Tallow Ridge

Tallow Ridge and the Cape Byron Lighthouse

Tallow Beach

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.

Tallow Beach and Tallow Ridge

Cape Byron 

Cape Byron lighthouse

The expanse of the Pacific Ocean

Cape Byron lighthouse

Byron Bay

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks

Cape Byron lighthouse

A trig pillar marks the headland

Cape Byron lighthouse

We paused for a break at the café before having a wander around the lighthouse and marvelling at the various viewpoints around the headland. The loop continues to the north, where a set of steps lead down to a paved path following the crest of the headland. The path passes Easterly Point Lookout, perched directly above the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks

Below the lighthouse

Cape Byron

Approaching the Easterly Point Lookout

Easterly Point Lookout

Little Wategos

Heading downhill from the lookout, the path makes its way towards Little Wategos Beach, 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.

Nguthungulli Julian Rocks

Little Wategos Beach

Surfers waiting for that perfect wave

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-eyes locals.

Wategos Beach

Cape Byron

Koala

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. 

Clarkes Beach and The Pass

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!