Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

826 m Return

16 m

Easy track

This short stroll provides the most stunning views in the park, especially on a sunny day. You will wander past the old telegraph station, light house cottages to find the towering white & blue historic Green Cape Lighthouse. The green grass, blue sky and tower is a photographers dream. Continue along the boardwalk to pass the modern lighthouse and find the stunning rugged red rock coastal views from the fenced lookout at the tip of Green Cape. Don't forget to look back at the lighthouse from the lookout, there really are 360-degree views.

Green Cape

Green Cape is a headland at the southern end of Ben Boyd National Park, forming the northern head of Disaster Bay. The cape's traditional owners are the people of the Yuin nation, from whom there remains evidence of a number of camps in the area. The cape was named 'Green Point' by Matthew Flinders in 1798. The area began its notorious fame in 1802 when eight of Flinders' crew disappeared when fetching water, in what he then appropriately named 'Disaster Bay'. The Imlay brothers and Boyd both established whaling business in the area in the early to mid 1800's, leaving several buildings in the park. There were many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, the most famous being the SS Ly-ee-moon, whose victims are buried on the cape. The most visible feature on the cape is the 29-metre high lighthouse that is still operational today. NPWS run 1-hour tours of the site based on bookings . There is a composting toilet at the car park at the end of Green Cape Road. Accommodation is also available in the renovated lighthouse keeper cottages.

(0km) Green Cape Lighthouse Car Park → Enjoying Green Cape int.

50 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

From the dirt car park[2] at the end of Green Cape Lighthouse Rd, this walk leads past the manual park entry fees station[3] to then turn right following the 'Walkway to Lighthouse' sign[4] along the boardwalk, gently uphill. The walk leads past the 'toilet' sign[5] and continues along the boardwalk (now with handrail[6]) to come to a 3-way intersection and a large sheltered 'Enjoying Green Cape' information sign[7].

(0km) Enjoying Green Cape int. → Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station

40 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the boardwalk[8] (between the two handrails) to the 'Get the message' information sign[9]. The path now follows 'lighthouse 200m' sign[10] and the fence line for another 20m to come beside the white 'Signal Flag Locker' building and signpost[11]. This is the site of the old Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station[12].

Green Cape Telegraph Station

Green Cape Telegraph Station was established in 1882. The station acted as a relay station, re-sending ship-to-shore messages from boats passing by. Ships, and communication staff on Green Cape, would use semaphore flags to communicate a message. When required, the messages could also be relayed using Morse code. The telegraph station is a white concrete building with a tin roof. The building has a blue painted base and is less than 100m north of Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park.

Cape Lighthouse Keepers

The Cape Lighthouse Keepers' cottages is a large concrete building near Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park. There are two cottages that have been refurbished, each sleeping up to 6 guests and boasting 3.5 stars. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, bathroom, lounge room (with sofa bed), Master bedroom (Queen) and second bedroom (2 singles). The price starts from $250 a night per cottage. Bookings are essential, for more info call NPWS on 13000 72757 or online

(0km) Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station → Green Cape Lighthouse entry gate

180 m

3 mins

-3m Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the Telegraph Station, this walk follows the boardwalk along the fenceline, downhill towards the lighthouse[14]. After about 50m the path leads to a 'Jack of all trades' sign[15] and a section of 20m of hand railing either side of the path[16]. The path now leads uphill for about 45m to pass the large solar panel array[17] where the walk heads down for another 60m to come to a 'no entry' gate[18] beside the Green Cape Lighthouse tower[19].

Green Cape Lighthouse

Green Cape Lighthouse is a majestic, 29 meter tall, white octagon-shaped, concrete and blue stone monolith, at the southern tip of Ben Boyd National Park. The lighthouse construction was tendered in 1880 and Albert Aspinall started construction in 1881. He built a timber tram line from Bittangabee Bay to transport materials. After having to dig footing much deeper than expected, in addition to dealing with workers' disputes, Aspinall went broke and his creditors completed the project. The original lantern was oil-fired and was visible 19NM out to sea. Today, the lighthouse still operates with a solar-powered electric light. The lighthouse buildings and grounds can be visited on a tour, otherwise enjoyed from outside the fence. The lighthouse was functionally replaced with a more modern metal tower 60m down the hill in 1992.

(0km) Green Cape Lighthouse entry gate → Green Cape Lookout

150 m

3 mins

-11m Easy track

Continue straight: From the gate[20] beside the Green Cape Lighthouse tower[21], this walk leads downhill along the boardwalk, keeping the lighthouse to the left and immediately passing small seat

[Seat]

. After about 25m the fence leaves the path (there is a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

about 30m over the grass to the left[22]), where the walk continues downhill along the boardwalk[23] for another 45m

[Trip Hazard]

to come beside large white metal tower[24]. This tower has been the official lighthouse since 1992 .
Continue straight: From the modern lighthouse tower, this walk follows the boardwalk[26] downhill around the metal tower. Ater about 15m the walk leads past the 'Wildlife navigates the coast safely' information sign[27], then continues mostly downhill for another 70m to the fenced lookout.

Green Cape Lookout

The lookout at the point of Green Cape, at the southern end of Ben Boyd National Park, provides great views out to sea and along the coast. On the right, the view extends across Disaster Bay to Nadgee Nature Reserve[28] and down into Victoria. To the left, there are views north along rugged sea cliffs[29] and views of Green Cape Lighthouse and accommodation[30]. An information sign at the lookout tells some of the story of the Ly-ee-moon tragedy[31]. The lookout platform is fenced (1.07m high). There are no seats at the lookout.

Maps for the Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout 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.

Narrabarba	1:25 000 Map Series	88232N NARRABARBA	NSW-88232N
Green Cape	1:100 000 Map Series	8923 GREEN CAPE	8923

Cross sectional view of the Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout

Altitude analysis for Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout

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, some short sections are steeper than 1:10.

Surface: The car park has a rough dirt surface, the majority of the walk follows a hard fibreglass mesh footpath, with short grass growing through it.

Seats: There are 2 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are 40m apart.

Access hazards: There is 1 access hazard on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Seat (255m)

A white painted timber bench seat, 27cm high, 20cm deep and 89cm wide with no arm or backrest.

2 Picnic Table (298m)

A timber slat picnic table and bench seats. The table is 71cm high, 91cm deep and 2.5m wide. The seats are 49cm high, 35cm deep and 2.5m wide (no backrest). The ground on one side of the table is eroded.

3 Trip Hazard (321m)

The boardwalk is slightly elevated and has an ungraded side with a 25cm drop to the side.

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	826 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		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

Around 260m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 150m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 260m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 150m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 410m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 410m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 410m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 410m 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 Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout walk.

Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

8.5 km One way, 3 hrs

This is the final of the three formal sections of the classic Light to Light track. This walk starts at Bittangabee Bay, where walkers can explore the ruins and and the scenic beach. The walk follows the coast through a variety of environments, mostly in open heath, taking full advantage of the co

Total climbing: 191m

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 Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout walk.

Green Cape to Pulpit Rock

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk to Pulpit Rock is a great way to see an amazing section of coastline. Traveling from Green Cape car park, near the lighthouse, the walk passes through large sections of heath and melaleuca to reach Pulpit Rock car park. Pulpit rock is quite a large formation with an excellent lookout, provi

Total climbing: 89m

Hard track

Ly-ee-moon Graveyard

490 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk explores the somber and interesting heritage site of the Ly-ee-moon Graveyard. The graveyard covers quite a large area and is well signposted with information signs. The short walk is well worth the time, especially if you are in the area visiting the lighthouse. The sandy track pas

Total climbing: 8m

Easy track

Pulpit Rock

110 m Return, 10 mins

This is a fantastic short walk, with views of the waves crashing into the spectacular red rock of the coast. The short walk down to Pulpit Rock goes straight down stairs onto the rock platform. The rock platform is popular with fishermen with fixed rod holders near the seas edge.

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track

Disaster Bay Lookout

52 m Return, 10 mins

This is a very short walk to a spectacular lookout. If you are in the area heading to Green Cape, then you really must stop off and soak up the view. Disaster Bay is named in memory of all the ships that have run aground in the region. On a sunny day, the views of the ocean, long beach and Nadgee Na

Total climbing: 11m

Easy track

Bittangabee Bay carpark to beach

180 m Return, 5 mins

This is a short walk onto the lovely, sandy Bittangabee Beach. The walk heads down from the car park, through the picnic area and onto the beach. There is generally no surf at the beach as it tucked into the bay. The walk is very well signposted and along a well defined track.

Total climbing: 6m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay Imlay House loop

1.1 km Circuit, 30 mins

This walk takes a look at the historical ruins of the Imlay brothers house. The ruins reveal the outline of what would have been a great house, in a quiet and scenic bay. The walk returns by the coast with views through the trees of the turquoise waters. This is an interesting trip to help understa

Total climbing: 29m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay to Bittangabee Creek

1.8 km Return, 45 mins

This walk winds into the beautiful Bittangabee Bay, after passing the historic Imlay House ruins. Starting from Bittangabee picnic area, the walk heads to the creek feeding Bittangabee Bay on its north west corner. The tracknotes mention an alternate route, running closer to the coast, potentially

Total climbing: 51m

Moderate track

Bittangabee Bay picnic area to black cliffs

5.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a great way to explore the less visited areas of the popular Bittangabee Bay. The walk winds around the northern side of the bay to explore the cliff top views. The black cliffs are unfenced, and give great views over the entrance of Bittangabee Bay and out to sea. On the way there is

Total climbing: 169m

Hard track

Bittangabee Bay to Hegartys Bay

9.1 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This is a pleasant walk which wanders around the coast from Bittangabee Bay to the rocky Hegartys Bay. The walk is an excellent outing from Bittangabee Bay camping and picnic areas, and it passes a few good places for a swim. The walk is well marked and explores the coast north of Bittangabee Bay.

Total climbing: 248m

Hard 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

Bittangabee Bay to Southern point lookout

954 m Return, 30 mins

The walk from Bittangabee Bay to the southern point of the bay, is a walk to a nice lookout. The walk is well marked, however the informal lookout is not signposted. The lookout is a large gap in the bush along a section of the Light to Light track. The lookout gives a great view across to the black

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Green Cape Lighthouse and Lookout walk starts and ends at the Green Cape Lighthouse Car Park (gps: -37.259525, 150.04796)

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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