Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr
Dharawal Country

2 h to 4 h

5.5 km
return

↑ 197 m
↓ -197 m

Moderate track
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 coastline is a popular whale watching spot during the spring. This area provides great views along the coast and out to sea. Baily Lighthouse is a great spot to sit and enjoy the views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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The end of Cape Solander Dr. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Along much of the way the track follows small markers. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The Sandune Int. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The Clifftop Intersection. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Cape Baily Lighthouse. | Photo by admin, 2007.
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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-34.0178254,151.2298425)
Mode Bus Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Captain Cook Drive
  • Turn on to Cape Solander Drive then drive for 2.8 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the end of Cape Solander Drive, this walk starts at the big signpost just to the left of the toilet building. The track heads south along the cliff line (ocean on the left) following the green poles until they stop, then the track continues along the top of the cliff line (staying safely back from the very fragile cliff edge). This section is mostly on sandstone and occasionally through low heath. As the track approaches Tabbigai Gap, it joins onto Cape Baily Track where the track turns left and continues south for 50m until the apex of Tabbigai Gap and the management trail. ....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Cape Solander Whale Observation Platform (about 145 m back from the start).
Cape Solander Whale Observation Platform (about 145 m back from the start).
There is a car park.
Find the sign at the start.
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 290 m continue straight.
After another 90 m veer left.
After another 460 m turn left.
After another 45 m veer left.
After another 230 m veer right.
After another 390 m continue straight.
After another 235 m find the "Hanging Swamps" (40 m on your right).
Hanging Swamps
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.
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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.

After another 850 m turn sharp right.
Continue another 95 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.8 km to get back to the start.
About 15 m past the end is "Cape Baily Lighthouse".
Cape Baily Lighthouse
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.
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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.

"Cape Baily Lighthouse".
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cape Baily Lighthouse from Cape Solander Dr


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 5.5 km
Time 2 h to 4 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
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
Shelter: There is one -138 m back from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Shelter
-138 mCape Solander Whale Observation Platform
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