Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

5.7 km One way

123 m

Hard track

This walk starts from Kurnell's Botany Bay Visitors Centre and heads south through the national park. The track winds through dry gum forest until it breaks out into heath, joining onto the Cape Baily walking track. As it continues south, through small sand dunes and in between hanging swamps, the track winds in and out of the cliff top coastline to the end of the Sir Joseph Banks drive. The side trip up to the Cape Baily lighthouse is well worth the small climb.

winding through the eucalypt littered forest

small sand dunes that litter the cape bailey walk

great example of a hanging swamp lining the cape bailey walk

Visitor Centre

This visitors' centre can be found on Cape Solander Drive, inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park. It provides great information about the area's history and environment, plus there is a souvenir shop, where some simple food and drink is also available. A Trailrider is also available for free hire for people with limited mobility. There is a male & female toilet block

[Toilet]

on the eastern side of the Visitor Centre. And a large parking area

[Parking Accessible]

in front.

(0km) Carpark → Int of Kurnell Lookout and Muru Tracks

260 m

5 mins

20m

0m Easy track

From the main exit of the Botany Bay Discovery Centre car park, the track heads south-east, out of the car park along the old service trail (Not on the Banks Solander Track). Partway along, the track passes over a small bridge. This is shortly before an intersection with Cape Solander Drive. Just across the road, another service trail begins.
Continue straight: From Cape Solander Dr, this walk heads south-east away from the discovery centre and along the management trail for approximately 200m until coming to an intersection with a sandy track on the left.

(0km) Int of Kurnell Lookout and Muru Tracks → Int of Yena Servicetrail and link track

440 m

10 mins

13m

-13m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the sandy track until coming to an intersection with another track on the left. Kurnell Lookout is at the top of the knoll at this intersection, view obstructed with trees
Continue straight: From the intersection at Kurnell Lookout, this walk heads south-west meandering along a narrow sandy bush track that has several small ups and downs. The track soon comes to an intersection with a wide management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the main management trail to the south-east through the open ferny forest. Soon, the Yena trail meets the radar track (on the right).

(1km) Int of Yena Servicetrail and link track → Int of Cape Baily and link track

480 m

8 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south along a sandy bush track towards the water tank and radar tower. This is a very sandy trail, with several small ups and downs along the way to a 'T' intersection with a wide bush track - just to the west of here (approximately 5m), there is another intersection with a service trail.

(1km) Int of Cape Baily and link track → Int of Cape Baily track and the radar service trail

380 m

6 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk initially heads east, then turns right along the wide bush track, keeping the water tank and the radar on the right as it winds through the heath forest, coming to a four-way intersection with a wide management trail.

(2km) Int of Cape Baily track and the radar service trail → Tabbigai Gap Track Int

1.3 km

22 mins

10m

-23m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads south (with the water tank directly behind) along the sandy bush track, and then along the rock-shelf until coming to an intersection marked by several arrows.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads south (keeping the ocean to the left, about 150m away) along the rock and the sandy track, through the low dense scrub. Along this part of the track, there are several sections where wind and water erosion has developed small holes along the rock shelf that give it a very interesting look. After some time, this walk passes a small bush track on the left (which heads out to the coast), and shortly after this, comes to an intersection with a service trail at Tabbigai Gap.

(3km) Tabbigai Gap Track Int → Sand dune int

550 m

9 mins

-6m Moderate track

Veer left: From the Tabbigai Gap, this walk follows the clear, sandy track east (with the Tabbigai Gap on the left) up a short hill until it turns right at the small clearing. The track stays away from the ocean and soon comes to a large sand dune clearing. From the other end of the clearing, the walk follows the track south (ocean on the left) through the thick scrub, winding along until it rises up a hill to a long sand dune clearing. From the far end of this clearing, the walk follows the overgrown track through the thick scrub, until it widens out a little and continues south for a short distance, to the intersection in the pit of a sand dune, with a large hanging swamp on the right.

Hanging Swamps

There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Baily walk. They are home to a number of different plants and animals like reeds and frogs. Hanging swamps are formed on high ground when rainfall seeps out of surrounding hills and accumulates in a slight depression, over time forming a swamp. Interestingly, they are sometimes difficult to see from far away as the thick build up of reeds and other plant life often cover the water.

(3km) Sand dune int → Int of Cape Baily lighthouse track

950 m

18 mins

28m

-22m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow bush track that heads west to the top of the dunes. (From the top of the dune there are some great views of the hanging swamp straight ahead). The track then turns left and drops off the top of the sand dune, keeping the swamp on the right. The track then climbs a sandy hill to some more views before turning left and heading along a sandy track, through several more large sand dunes. After these dunes, the track starts to flatten out and widen, to head along to an intersection with a bush track (which heads to the lighthouse).

(4km) Int of Cape Baily Lighthouse track → Cape Baily Lighthouse

80 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy bush track, heading up and away from the ocean. The track is relatively defined for most of the way, however in the last 20m the track becomes quite overgrown and a little less defined (the lighthouse is always visible). Once at the lighthouse, there are good views inland, however the views to the east are largely blocked by the high scrub. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Cape Baily Lighthouse

Established in 1950, the lighthouse was required so north-bound shipping could hug the coast and avoid the strong southerly currents further out to sea. This lighthouse can be found a stone's-throw from the Cape Baily coastal walk, about 1.5 kilometres north from the Joseph Banks Drive car park. More info.

(4km) Int of Cape Baily lighthouse track → Rock platform

690 m

16 mins

25m

-42m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail south, along the coastline (keeping the ocean on the left). The trail winds down through tall heath for approximately 300m to the open rock platform. The walk bends right and continues south, down the hill and along the edge of the scrub for approximately 380m more. Here, the walk comes to the start of a track that leads back into the scrub.

(5km) Rock platform → Sir Joseph Banks Drive Carpark

700 m

12 mins

-14m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail as it heads south-west off the rock platform (keeping the ocean on the left) and down the grassy hill, passing a few small tracks, coming to the end of the clear management trail. From here, the walk follows the coast (ocean on the left), cutting across the mouth of the sand dunes and bending around to the right and up the gentle hill to the Sir Joseph Banks Drive car park.

Maps for the Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve 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.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

Altitude analysis for Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

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	5.7 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

3.1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (170m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (700m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 4.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

3.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (700m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 420m 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 Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve walk.

Muru and Yena Tracks

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Following the service trails, this track covers many of the major walking tracks on Botany Bay's south side. Thick eucalypts and ferns surround the trail and there are great views from the Yena Picnic Area - a good place to break, (although it lacks shade). This walk is a nice way to explore a fair

Total climbing: 57m

Moderate track

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander lookout

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts at the end of Cape Solander Dr and heads south along the coast to the end of Sir Joseph Banks Dr, in the Boat Harbour Coastal Reserve. The walk explores a vast array of environments including sand dunes, hanging swamps, rock platforms and dense heath. The Baily Lighthouse is a hig

Total climbing: 107m

Hard track

The Cape Bailey Walk

5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This is an interesting walk, starting from Kurnell and following a series of bush tracks and service trails along the coast, with great ocean views. The walk offers some great views of the coast, city, and some great local landscapes, including sand dunes and hanging swamps. The small side trip up

Total climbing: 101m

Hard track

Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return

5.4 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk follows the coast, south, from the end of Cape Solander Drive, along the Cape Baily Track. The walk explores a number of gaps, sand dunes and hanging swamps. It also visits a light house, as it rounds the headland and winds down to the beach at Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve.

Total climbing: 126m

Hard track

Cape Baily Coast Walk

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the cliff line of Kurnell, looking out onto the South Pacific Ocean, this is one of the most secluded walks in Botany Bay National Park. The coast line is a popular whale watching spot during the spring and this area provides great views along the coast and out to sea. Baily Lighthouse is

Total climbing: 191m

Moderate track

Botany Bay Discovery Centre to Cape Baily

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk explores the heath and the great views between the Visitor Center and Cape Baily Lighthouse. The walk follows a mixture of service trails, bush tracks, rock platforms and sand dunes, as it makes it's way through the park. You will discover expansive views of the park and out to sea. There

Total climbing: 152m

Moderate track

Cape Baily track from visitor centre (return)

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs

This great return walk starts from the Discovery centre in Kurnell, and follows a series of bush tracks and service trails, that wind south through wooded forest, to the Cape Baily walking track. At about halfway, the track breaks into heath, winding in between hanging swamps and along the cliff top

Total climbing: 175m

Moderate track

Botany Bay Coastal Walk

12.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This great coastal walk follows the coastline from the cliff tops near Kurnell, south to the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, and around the coast to Cronulla station. Other great features of this walk are the many rock formations around the coast, the small sand dunes along the track, the hanging swam

Total climbing: 192m

Hard track

Cronulla to Botany Bay Discovery Centre

13.1 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This coastal walk starts from Cronulla station and follows the beaches around to the Boat Harbour Aquatic reserve, then continues along the Cape Bailey walk, winding through thick heath and between hanging swamps. The walk finishes at the Botany Bay Discovery Centre. There is an alternate exit to th

Total climbing: 185m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve walk.

Banks-Solander Track

960 m Circuit, 20 mins

Enjoy a pleasant meander through a varied forest from the Botany Bay Visitors Centre. This walk takes you through a lovely and diverse forest, there are plenty of small signs to help you learn about the different types of plants on the walk including a large scribbly gum and a spectacular Cabbage pa

Total climbing: 16m

Easy track

Burrawang foreshore walk

1.1 km One way, 30 mins

This pleasant stroll along a concrete footpath leads through a historically significant section of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the Visitor Centre, you take a short side trip to the Meeting Place where you will learn more about the Aboriginal people of the area. As the walk continues down to

Total climbing: 10m

Very easy

Bare Island Walk

866 m Return, 30 mins

A wonderful and easy way to explore the beautiful and historic tip of La Perouse. Bare Island is a small island, which you can walk to across a large timber bridge. The island was originally fortified to prevent foreign invasion, however, it has also been a retirement home and is now a museum and to

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Henry Head Walk

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A worthwhile walk, traversing beach and headland to explore the WWII battlements of Henry Head. Both the Little Congwong Beach and Brown’s Rock sidetrips are recommended on this walk, as they are short detours and break the journey. Henry Head is good spot to stop for something to eat, grab a torc

Total climbing: 113m

Moderate track

Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

13 km One way, 5 hrs

CLOSED This walk is closed at the northern end as there is no safe access to Malabar Head, updates to come in time. Exploring the cliff line of northern Botany Bay, this walk has great views, both down at the water (Bare Island and Browns Rock) and up on the cliffs (the

Total climbing: 397m

Hard track

Cape Banks Circuit

6.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This Cape Banks Circuit has a lot to offer and is thoroughly recommended. The walking travels over beaches, through coastal forest and across exposed headlands. Historically, this walk shows glimpses into the fortifications required during both World Wars. The optional side trip to the coast hosp

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Henry Head Circuit

6.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk has a lovely mix of natural and war history combined within the scenic Botany Bay National Park. The track follows beaches and cliff tops as it visits World War One and Two gun and lookout stations. The side trip to the coastal cemetery is worthwhile, giving a glimpse into lives from the

Total climbing: 174m

Hard track

Little Congwong Beach Walk

1.1 km Return, 30 mins

A relaxing beach walk, ending at a sheltered sandy beach that has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. In the past, this walk has been used as a nudist beach, but this practice is being discouraged. The beach is very popular in the summer, but beware of the limited shade

Total climbing: 34m

Moderate track

La Perouse Historical Walk

792 m Circuit, 30 mins

This walk, primarily across open lawns, offers views across Botany Bay while visiting historically significant landmarks. The side trip to the Bare Island Fortifications is well worth it, with tours available on Sunday afternoons. However, a walk across to the locked gate on Bare Island is still w

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Cape Banks Island walk

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

On this walk, you will explore Cape Banks island surrounded by the aquaitic reserve and a beautiful coast line of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the end of Cape Banks Rd, you pass a historic gun emplacement, then explore the grassy coastline down to the water and edge of NSW Golf Course. There i

Total climbing: 47m

Hard track

Cape Banks Walk

1.9 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk combines fine coastal views with two points of historical interest. From the start of this walk, the sidetrip to the coastal cemetery is short and gives a glimpse into lives of past generations. The World War II bunker is worth having a look around as you pass directly by it. Spend some

Total climbing: 37m

Hard track