Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-37.2167421,150.0148564)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Princes Highway, A1 Turn on to Princes Highway, A1 then drive for 1.3 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Princes Highway, A1 and drive for another 27.3 km Turn right onto Princes Highway, A1 and drive for another 6.7 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Quondolo Street, A1 and drive for another 245 m Turn slight right onto Bullara Street, A1 and drive for another 18.7 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Mitchell Street, A1 and drive for another 18.3 km Turn left onto Edrom Road and drive for another 5.7 km Turn right onto Green Cape Road and drive for another 11.2 km Turn left onto Green Cape Road and drive for another 4.6 km Turn sharp left onto Bittangabee Road and drive for another 3 km Turn left onto Bittangabee Road and drive for another 150 m
Finish	(-37.2595414,150.0479313)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the picnic area, the walk follows the sign to 'Camping Area 500m', keeping the car park on your right. The track leads below the road (above on the right) for some time, following the arrow markers to a signposted intersection next to the log road barriers.
From the intersection, the walk follows the sign for 'Walking Track' (not the same direction as the 'Beach' arrow) down the hill. The track leads down the hill a short way to an arrow track marker.
From the intersection, this walk does not follow the arrow marker but heads straight down the hill towards the water. The walk steps down to the water's edge where there is a roofless building on the right. The walk follows around the building on the water side, to an information sign.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Light to Light Walk. There is a toilet (about 80 m back from the start). Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area (about 7 m back from the start). Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area is near Bittangabee Bay and camp area in Ben Boyd National Park. The picnic area is a day-use only area with a few picnic tables, an electric BBQ and a pit toilet. There is a reasonable amount of natural shade, and is close to a car park. There is short walk to the beach and ruins at Bittangabee Bay. The picnic area is well signposted on the loop road near the Bittangabee camping area. After another 65 m find the "Bittangabee Bay Beach" (95 m on your left). Bittangabee Bay Beach Bittangabee Bay Beach, Ben Boyd National Park, is a small beach at the south-western corner of the bay. The beach can be accessed by a short walk from Bittangabee picnic area in Ben Boyd National Park. The yellow sand beach has a small creek and lagoon behind. The beach also has rock platforms at each end and is fairly well-protected from swells, being tucked away in the bay. The historic storehouse is visible on the shore to the right. After another 55 m pass the car park (20 m on your right).
	After another 125 m continue straight, to head along Light to Light Walk. After another 255 m find the "Southern Bittangabee Point lookout" (20 m on your left). Southern Bittangabee Point lookout Southern Bittangabee Point lookout is an unofficial lookout on the southern headland forming the entrance to Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. The lookout is not fenced or signposted and does not have any facilities. The lookout provides a view across the mouth of Bittangabee Bay and a short way down the coast to the south. There is also a view of the red rock platform below, forming a picturesque contrast with the ocean on sunny days. After another 3.8 km continue straight, to head along Light to Light Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Pulpit Rock. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 235 m continue straight, to head along Light to Light Walk. After another 1.4 km continue straight, to head along Light to Light Walk.
	After another 1.3 km continue straight, to head along Light to Light Walk. After another 50 m find the "Ly-ee-moon Graveyard" (10 m on your left). Ly-ee-moon Graveyard The Ly-ee-moon Graveyard is a stark reminder of the horrific accident on the night of May 31st, 1886, when 71 men, women and children lost their lives. The white stone and single cross marks the positions of the unnamed graves. The nearby plaque names the people who lost their lives - sadly some names where not known and these people are remembered only by comments such as 'one who had a German accent'. During the dark night, the lighthouse keeper and assistant heroically rescued 16 people from the sea, and were left to listen to cries for help though the night of other people who could not be saved. The mother of Blessed Mary MacKillop, the first Australian to be beatified by the Catholic church, was one of those lost during the night. The fast and normally reliable ship, operated by the Australian Steam Navigation Company, was a single screw ship converted from a paddle steamer when it was brought to Australia in 1876. The graveyard is about 300m north-west of the Green Cape lighthouse, which was operational at the time the SS Ly-ee-moon struck the reef and sunk. After another 195 m to find the car park.
	Turn left, to head along Green Cape Road.
	After another 50 m continue straight. After another 20 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 20 m turn left. After another 50 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right). After another 6 m find the "Toilet" (on your right). Toilet Unisex non-flushing toilet. Entrance is 85cm wide, toilet seat 39cm high, handrails 77cm high. Floor space is 1.5x2.4m. Tank water tap 1m high.
	Turn right. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 115 m find the "Green Cape Telegraph Station" (6 m on your left). 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. Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 30 m find the "Cape Lighthouse Keepers" (20 m on your left). 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 After another 150 m find the "Green Cape Lighthouse" (10 m on your left). 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. Then find the "Seat" (5 m on your left). Seat A white painted timber bench seat, 27cm high, 20cm deep and 89cm wide with no arm or backrest. After another 20 m find the "Picnic Table" (25 m on your left). Picnic Table 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. Then find the "Trip Hazard" (5 m on your right). Trip Hazard The boardwalk is slightly elevated and has an ungraded side with a 25cm drop to the side.
	After another 305 m continue straight.
	After another 40 m veer left, to head along Green Cape Road.
	After another 5 m come to the end. "Green Cape". 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.

An optional side trip to Pulpit Rock.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 550 m continue straight. After another 85 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left).
	Turn right.
	After another 35 m continue straight. After another 10 m head down the 33 surface\|wood steps (about 10 m long) Then come to the viewpoint (10 m on your right).
	After another 10 m come to the end. About 45 m past the end is "Pulpit Rock". Pulpit Rock Pulpit Rock is a large rock platform on the south-east coast of NSW, between Green Cape and Bittangabee in Ben Boyd National Park. The rock platform is a popular spot for rock fishing. Pulpit Rock is accessed via a staircase near the end of a service trail off Green Cape Rd. Near the car park is a pit toilet and garbage facilities. From the rock platform, there are great views north up the coast, with the red rock cliffs providing a spectacular highlight. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 660 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	8.2 km
Time	2 h 45 min to 3 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 1.9 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.

Seat: There is one 7.8 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-59 m	[toilet]
Toilet	4.5 km + 630 m	[toilet]
Toilet	7.5 km	[toilet]
Entity\|toilet	7.6 km	Toilet
Seat	7.8 km	Seat

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Bittangabee Bay Beach
Bittangabee Bay Beach, Ben Boyd National Park, is a small beach at the south-western corner of the bay. The beach can be accessed by a short walk from Bittangabee picnic area in Ben Boyd National Park. The yellow sand beach has a small creek and lagoon behind. The beach also has rock platforms at each end and is fairly well-protected from swells, being tucked away in the bay. The historic storehouse is visible on the shore to the right.

Bittangabee Storehouse ruins
Bittangabee Storehouse ruins is located on the shore of Bittangabee Bay, near the campground, in Ben Boyd National Park. The concrete structure was built by Albert Aspinall (1839 - 1903) in 1881. The building was used to store material unloaded from ships onto a wooden jetty built at the same time. Aspinall then built a wooden tramway to move material and supplies to Green Cape to help in the construction of the lighthouse. The building is now a basic shell, missing roof, windows and a door. The concrete foundations of the timber wharf are still visible. Unfortunately, the building has been marred by graffiti, but is still worth the visit.

Southern Bittangabee Point lookout
Southern Bittangabee Point lookout is an unofficial lookout on the southern headland forming the entrance to Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. The lookout is not fenced or signposted and does not have any facilities. The lookout provides a view across the mouth of Bittangabee Bay and a short way down the coast to the south. There is also a view of the red rock platform below, forming a picturesque contrast with the ocean on sunny days.

Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock is a large rock platform on the south-east coast of NSW, between Green Cape and Bittangabee in Ben Boyd National Park. The rock platform is a popular spot for rock fishing. Pulpit Rock is accessed via a staircase near the end of a service trail off Green Cape Rd. Near the car park is a pit toilet and garbage facilities. From the rock platform, there are great views north up the coast, with the red rock cliffs providing a spectacular highlight.

Ly-ee-moon Graveyard
The Ly-ee-moon Graveyard is a stark reminder of the horrific accident on the night of May 31st, 1886, when 71 men, women and children lost their lives. The white stone and single cross marks the positions of the unnamed graves. The nearby plaque names the people who lost their lives - sadly some names where not known and these people are remembered only by comments such as 'one who had a German accent'. During the dark night, the lighthouse keeper and assistant heroically rescued 16 people from the sea, and were left to listen to cries for help though the night of other people who could not be saved. The mother of Blessed Mary MacKillop, the first Australian to be beatified by the Catholic church, was one of those lost during the night. The fast and normally reliable ship, operated by the Australian Steam Navigation Company, was a single screw ship converted from a paddle steamer when it was brought to Australia in 1876. The graveyard is about 300m north-west of the Green Cape lighthouse, which was operational at the time the SS Ly-ee-moon struck the reef and sunk.

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.

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

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.

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 and down into Victoria. To the left, there are views north along rugged sea cliffs and views of Green Cape Lighthouse and accommodation. An information sign at the lookout tells some of the story of the Ly-ee-moon tragedy. The lookout platform is fenced (1.07m high). There are no seats at the lookout.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Eden Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Tuesday 22 Jul
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely later this evening. Winds northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northerly in the evening.
  
  Wednesday 23 Jul
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon.
  Fire Danger: No Rating
  UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
  
  Thursday 24 Jul
  
  5°C → 16°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds.
  
  Friday 25 Jul
  
  4°C → 16°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny morning. The chance of morning frost. Slight chance of a shower in the evening. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 26 Jul
  
  10°C → 17°C
  Showers easing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 6mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Sunday 27 Jul
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Monday 28 Jul
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Slight chance of a shower, most likely during the morning. Mostly sunny day. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Tuesday 29 Jul
  
  5°C → 15°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northerly during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Green Cape Cottages and Telegraph Station closure
  Telegraph Station bunkhouse Green Cape Lightstation Keepers' Cottages
  
  Green Cape Cottages and Telegraph Station bunkhouse are closed from Tuesday 1 July to Tuesday 30 December 2025 due to construction works. Contractors will be undertaking internal refurbishments, re-roofing and addressing ongoing moisture issues.
  
  Please note, Green Cape lookout, carpark and surrounds will remain open. For your safety, please obey all signage and direction from NPWS staff and contractors.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Notice of 1080 ongoing baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 3 March 2025 to Monday 29 September 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and/or foxes.
  
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species and will take place in:
  
  Araluen Nature Reserve
  
  Badja Swamps Nature Reserve
  
  Beowa National Park
  
  Berlang State Conservation Area
  
  Bondi Gulf Nature Reserve
  
  Bournda National Park
  
  Bournda Nature Reserve
  
  Coolumbooka Nature Reserve
  
  Deua National Park
  
  Eurobodalla National Park
  
  Kooraban National Park
  
  Majors Creek State Conservation Area
  
  Mimosa Rocks National Park
  
  Monga National Park and State Conservation Area
  
  South East Forest National Park
  
  Wadbilliga National Park
  
  Signs will be placed at the entry to baiting locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.
  
  Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For further information call the NPWS Merimbula area office on 02 6495 5000.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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