Boyd Tower

Download & Print Map and Notes

15 mins

582 m Return

15 m

Very easy

This walk in Ben Boyd National Park is a magnificent way to explore the heritage of Boyd Tower. There are plenty of information signs that enrich the story of the stunning structure and history of the area. Boyd Tower is the centre piece of this walk and is well worth a visit. The bottom of the tower is open to the public and makes this piece of history that much more interesting when exploring. There are two optional side trips to two lookouts with very different views, one is wheelchair accessible, the other is down a very steep set of steps.

(0km) Ben Boyd car park → Boyd Tower Intersection

280 m

5 mins

-15m Very easy

From the car park, this walk follows 'Boyd Tower 300m' arrow[1] along the asphalt footpath, between the timber bollards[2]

[Pinch Point]

to pass the information sign[3][4] (and parking pay station, on the left). The path leads gently downhill for 45m to pass a 'Welcome to Ben Boyd NP and Boyd's Tower' information sign[5]

[Trip Hazard]

then the path meanders for 150m through the melaleuca forest to find a seat

[Seat]

and the 'Gambling on the Future'[6] & 'Boyd's Folly?'[7] information signs. Just 35m further along the path you pass another seat

[Seat]

with pleasant coastline view[8]. From here the path starts to lead gently uphill for 50m to come to a clear 3-way intersection[9] (with a timber path and Boyd Tower on the left).

(0km) Int. Boyds Tower and Lookout Trks → Red Point Lookout

40 m

1 mins

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the asphalt footpath towards the sea, keeping the tower a short distance to the left. The path leads over a small rise then in about 20m leads down a very steep and narrow set of steps[10] to the fenced Red Point Lookout[11][12] and 'Stony History' information sign[13]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Red Point Lookout

Red Point Lookout is in Ben Boyd National park and is accessed by a clear but very steep set of steps from Boyd Tower. The lookout is fenced[14] and has a sign explaining a bit about the local geology[15]. The lookout provides a great view south, down the coast of the park[16]. A great example of folded rocks[17] is clearly visible where the sandstone and metamorphosed red siltstone were compressed and bent to form distinct arches.

(0km) Int. Boyds Tower and Lookout Trks → Boyds Tower

10 m

0m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the timber board walk[18] gently up to come to the front entrance of Boyd Tower[19].

Boyds Tower

Boyds Tower[20] was commissioned by Benjamin Boyd and originally designed to be a lighthouse. After the Government rejected the proposal of the private lighthouse, Boyd changed tact and built the Sydney sandstone tower for whale spotting. The tower gave his whaling ships a strong advantage over other whalers in the area. Built in 1847, Boyds Tower is a large sandstone tower on the southern head of Twofold Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. The top of the tower bears the BOYD title, and boast several viewing points. The ground floor of the tower is open to the public and is well worth exploring. Boyd was declared bankrupt soon after completing the tower and left Australia for the Californian goldfields. Boyd died in the Solomon Islands in 1851 whilst hunting game. "Ben Boyd's Tower is watching - Watching o'er the sea Ben Boyd's Tower is waiting For her and me." Henry Lawson (1910) The bottom floor of the tower is open to the public via a 1.2m wide sandstone door frame[23].

(0km) Boyds Tower → Twofold Bay lookout

90 m

2 mins

-10m Very easy

Continue straight: From the entrance of Boyd Tower[24] this walk follows the timber boardwalk around to the back of the tower (keeping the tower to the left). The walk continues along the boardwalk gently downhill for about 25m to pass a 'Waiting for whales' information sign[25]. The walk continues along the boardwalk away from the tower for another 30m to pass the 'Whaling Frenzy' information sign[26], then just another 25m to a seat

[Seat]

[27] then the fenced Twofold Bay lookout platform[28]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Twofold Bay Lookout

Twofold Bay Lookout[29] (not officially named) is in Ben Boyd National Park, on the southern headland of Twofolds Bay. The lookout is accessed via a boardwalk from Boyds Tower. The lookout platform has a 1m high metal fenced and is wheelchair-accessible. There is a bench seat

[Seat]

near the lookout to rest and enjoy the view. The view looks north-west[30] across the bay to Eden, Boyd Town and Edrom to the left, and out over the South Pacific Ocean on the right[31].

Maps for the Boyd Tower walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Eden	1:25 000 Map Series	88231N EDEN	NSW-88231N
Eden	1:100 000 Map Series	8823 EDEN	8823

Cross sectional view of the Boyd Tower bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Boyd Tower

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: No steps, mostly gentle slopes. (one optional side trip has a very steep set of steps).

Surface: The car park has a rough dirt suraface, the rest of walk follows a hard asphalt footpath with a 15m section of timber boardwalk to the tower

Seats: There are 3 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are on average 50m apart, with a maximum gap of 60m.

Access hazards: There are 2 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Pinch Point (4m)

Timber bollard pinch points at the start of the track at the carpark. The gap between the bollards are 1.18m, they are 55cm high.

2 Trip Hazard (90m)

Culvert under path with exposed drainage ditch on the very edge of path. A drop of about 25cm. Marked with timber bollards, there are a series of 4 more similar drainage ditches about every 40m.

3 Seat (190m)

A timber bench seat, 55cm high, 22cm deep and 2.4m wide with no backrest. The seat is 1.7m off the side of the path.

4 Seat (228m)

A timber bench seat, 58cm high, 22cm deep and 2.4m wide with no backrest.

5 Seat (290m)

A timber bench seat, 50cm high, 43cm deep and 2.1m wide with no backrest.

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	582 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 290m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 290m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 290m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 290m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 290m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 290m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Boyd Tower walk.

Twofold Bay Lookout via Boyd Tower

764 m Return, 20 mins

This walk is a fantastic way to see some of Ben Boyd National Park's heritage and spectacular coastline. The walk passes the iconic sandstone Boyd Tower and continues on to the wide views from the lookout over Twofold Bay. The side trip to Red Point lookout is well worth it to see the dramatic rock

Total climbing: 25m

Very easy

Boyd Tower to Red sands Bay

4.9 km Return, 2 hrs

Starting near Boyd Tower, this walk follows the Light to Light walk to a bay with a fine red gravel beach. The walk passes scenic views of Boyd Tower, through the scrub, as it continues past awesome examples of geological rock folding in the cliffs of the bays. Red Sands bay itself is something qui

Total climbing: 170m

Hard track

Boyd Tower to Saltwater Creek

13.4 km One way, 5 hrs

This is the first of the three main sections that form the Light to Light walk. You can start the walk with an optional sidetrip to the historic and interesting Boyd Tower. From here, the walk starts its southward journey to Saltwater Creek. The walk explores a number of picturesque bays with bri

Total climbing: 382m

Hard track

Light to Light Walk 2 days

30.9 km One way, 2 Days

Over two days, this classic walk explores the coast from Boyd Tower to the Green Cape Lighthouse in the south. Hegartys Bay Camp is over halfway and is the quietest campsite in the park (alternative camp at Saltwater creek). The walk explores many of the scenic and historic highlights of Ben Boyd Na

Total climbing: 794m

Hard track

Light to Light Walk 3 days

30.9 km One way, 3 Days

This classic walk explores the coast from Boyd Tower to the Green Cape Lighthouse in the south, with overnight stops at the well established Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee Bay campsites (bookings required). The walk explores many of the scenic and historic highlights of Ben Boyd National Park. It

Total climbing: 794m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Boyd Tower walk.

Boyd Tower to Leather Jacket Bay

9.3 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Leather Jacket Bay is a rocky and wonderful bay. The walk through Ben Boyd National Park starts at Boyd Tower car park and passes through Red Sands bay with its stunning contrast of colour. The walk not only passes some beautiful coast line to Leather Jacket Bay but some superb examples of geologica

Total climbing: 274m

Hard track

Boyd Tower to Mowarry Point Lookout

18.3 km Return, 7 hrs

This longer day walk starts near Boyd Tower and heads to Mowarry Point, meandering down the coast of Ben Boyd National Park. On the way there are plenty of picturesque coastline views, with the stark red rock forming a great contrast. Views of Boyd Tower and of the coastal rocks are common along th

Total climbing: 601m

Hard track

Mowarry Bay to Red Cliffs

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Mowarry Point to Red Cliffs is an interesting trip through quite a few distinct vegetation types, with a few money shots of the coast line. The grass, heaths, and melaleuca along the way break up the walk to Red Cliffs, which are absolutely stunning. Spend time at the Red Cliffs to see

Total climbing: 232m

Hard track

Saltwater Beach to Red Cliffs

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts from Saltwater Creek camping area and heads north around the bay to the red cliffs. The walk gives an opportunity to explore the end of Saltwater Creek, the beach and the varied bushland on it's journey to the bald rock platform. From the rock platform, there are awesome views and

Total climbing: 67m

Moderate track

Saltwater Creek campsite to Mowarry Point

8.5 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon out from Saltwater Creek camping area. The walk passes the red cliffs that create a dramatic contrast against the intense blue of the sea and green of the heath. The walk also passes through a bay with a large red rock platform which is a grea

Total climbing: 193m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay

9.1 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk follows the second main section of the Light to Light walk. The walk joins the two main camping areas of Ben Boyd National Park, by walking along the coast from Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay. The walk explores a few bays, beaches and stunning rock formations on its journey. About hal

Total climbing: 223m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek to Hegartys Bay

9.8 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This return walk, from Saltwater Creek camping area, heads south along the coast and around the headlands to Hegartys Bay. The walk passes over a large expanse of low heath along the headland between the bays, providing great panoramic views of the coast. There is a small campsite at Hegartys Bay w

Total climbing: 213m

Hard track

Saltwater Creek to Mowarry Point

8.5 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk starts from the Saltwater Creek camping area, passing through some varied vegetation groups on its way to Mowarry Point Lookout. The walk passes the great view from the red cliffs before heading into a red platform bay, with an opportunity to see the rock formations up close. This great wa

Total climbing: 193m

Hard track

Pinnacles car park to Long Beach

702 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk takes you straight down to Long Beach, which is a popular fishing spot. The beach itself is a large expanse of sand with strong surf conditions. The walk provides direct access to this great beach and heads through a pass, down through a steep gully with red and white rock walls.

Total climbing: 49m

Hard track

The Pinnacles Loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

The Pinnacles are an amazing brightly coloured rock feature, and the centre piece of this walk. The reds and white of the rock contrasts with the green heath and blue sea creating a fantastic sight. The smaller lookout, one without a sign, is a better lookout than the larger area. However, both look

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay picnic area to the storehouse

715 m Circuit, 20 mins

The walk to the old storehouse is an opportunity to explore some history of the region and see some fantastic rock platforms. The storehouse and wharf are perched just above the water, on the red rock of the bay. The view across the bay, with the contrast of the red rock, can be magical on sunny da

Total climbing: 32m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Pulpit Rock

5.3 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk from Bittangabee Bay is a magnificent way to view the coastline of Ben Boyd National Park. The low heath for much of this walk allows great views out across the ocean and across the flora of the park. The walk finishes with a longish section of service trail leading down to Pulpit Rock, wh

Total climbing: 140m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Boyd Tower walk starts and ends at the Ben Boyd car park (gps: -37.104516, 149.95119)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the South Coast weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ben Boyd National Park

Ben Boyd National park is on the NSW South Coast, near Eden. The park was named and established in 1971, in the honour of Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). Ben Boyd National park protects a wonderful section of coast line from Pambula to Green Cape, split into two distinct sections, one north of Eden and the other south. The park is well known for its contrasting red rocks, whale sighting, Boyd Tower, Green Cape Lighthouse and associated history. Ben Boyd National park offers some great insights into recent European history, Indigenous occupation and natural history. The park provides two campsites some other great recreational experiences.

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