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Viewpoint · Byron Bay, New South Wales
Cape Byron and Lighthouse (Cape Byron Lighthouse)
Promontory that is the easternmost point of the Australian continent, with a 1901 lighthouse, a circular coastal trail and viewpoints for dolphins and, from June to November, humpback whales.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cape Byron and Lighthouse (Cape Byron Lighthouse)
Cape Byron is the easternmost point of the Australian continent, about 3 km from Byron Bay town center. The promontory is part of the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, jointly managed with the Arakwal, a Bundjalung group people who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
At the top sits the Cape Byron Lighthouse, lit on 1 December 1901, about 22 meters high. It is the brightest lighted lighthouse in Australia. The former keepers’ cottages house an information centre and a café.
The cape trail is a circuit that starts at the town beaches, passes Wategos Beach, climbs to the lighthouse and descends through coastal woodland with sea viewpoints. A platform marks the continent’s easternmost point. From the lookouts it is common to see dolphins and, between June and November, humpback whales passing offshore.
Parking at the lighthouse is paid and fills early; on foot the climb takes about half an hour from the beaches.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the full trail; 1 hour if driving just to the lighthouse.
Best time
At sunrise, when the cape receives the first light of the continent, or late afternoon. From June to November for whale watching.
How to get there
On foot via the cape trail from Main Beach or Wategos Beach, or by car along Lighthouse Road, with paid parking at the lighthouse.
Tip
Do the trail so the uphill sections fall in the morning, when it’s cooler. Bring binoculars during whale season.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cape Byron and Lighthouse (Cape Byron Lighthouse)
Is Cape Byron the easternmost point of Australia?
It is the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, marked by a platform on the cape walk.
How long is the Cape Byron walk?
The full circuit takes 2 to 3 hours on foot, including the climb to the lighthouse and the lookouts.
Can you see whales from Cape Byron?
Yes, between June and November during the humpback whale migration. Dolphins are frequently seen year-round.