Cape Baily Coastal Walk
Dharawal Country

1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min

5.1 km
oneway

↑ 117 m
↓ -145 m

Hard track
This walk follows the coast southward from the end of Cape Solander Drive, along the Cape Baily Track. Exploring 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, take your time and enjoy the panoramic views over the pacific. 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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End of Cape Solander Drive. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Old footing neat Cape Solander Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Along much of the way the track follows small markers. | Photo by admin, 2007.
On the rock coast line South of Cape Solander Drive. | Photo by admin, 2007.
View of Water tank and radar instalation. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Rock path. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Coast line of Botany Bay National Park. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Track near Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Along the Cliff line at Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower). | Photo by admin, 2007.
Along Cape Bailey track near Tabbagai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Side of Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Cape Bailey track Sth of Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Cape Bailey Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
off shore platform. | Photo by admin, 2008.
small sand dunes that litter the cape bailey walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
great example of a hanging swamp lining the cape bailey walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
small sand dunes along the track. | Photo by admin, 2007.
hanging swamps that line that track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
hanging swamps. | Photo by admin, 2007.
City Views. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Water Glimpses from top of Dune over the Hanging swamp. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Cape Bailey Track. | Photo by admin, 2007.
small sand dunes throughout the walk. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Approaching the light house. | Photo by admin, 2008.
South of the Lighthouse on Cape Baily Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rounding Cape Baily. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rock Platform on Cape Baily. | Photo by admin, 2008.
many great formations like this litter the coast line. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sir Joseph Banks drive Carpark. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking south over Boat harbour. | Photo by admin, 2008.
boat harbour aquatic reserve. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rock formations at Boat Harbour. | Photo by admin, 2008.
following disused pipeline. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Shoreline of Boat Harbour. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Disphyma crassifolium (Pigface) flower in spring. | Photo by admin, 2008.
small village behind beach. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Boat Harbour. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking our along Pimelwi Rocks. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Eastern end of Cronulla Beach. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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 (-34.0177578,151.2297825)
Mode Car (Parking fees apply in the area.)
DirectionsFrom Captain Cook Drive
  • Turn on to Captain Cook Drive then drive for 3.5 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 2.9 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 900 m
  • Turn right onto Cape Solander Drive and drive for another 2.8 km
Finish (-34.0377227,151.2018582)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car   (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
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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.
Find the car park at the start.
After 15 m pass the sign (8 m on your right).
After another 40 m continue straight.
After another 9 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 1.2 km pass the "Cape Baily Lighthouse" (85 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Cape Bailey Lighthouse. To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
Veer right.
After another 1.4 km turn left.
After another 530 m continue straight.
After another 370 m continue straight.
After another 190 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Cape Bailey Lighthouse.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 95 m come to the end.
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".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 95 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cape Baily Coastal Walk


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 5.1 km
Time 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
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 Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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Articles
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Reviews & Feedback
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Weather & Alerts
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