Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk Around Cape Byron

Last updated: May 11, 2023

The Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk, otherwise known as the Cape Byron Walking Track, is a scenic 4 km walking trail to one of the most iconic landmarks in the Byron Shire, the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

The track also passes the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, which is the perfect location to spot dolphins and whales.

In this article, we are going to share the highlights of this exciting walking track and where best to start.

Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk
Distance: 4 km (circuit)
Time: 2-3 hours (including stops)
Grade: Easy (some steep sections)
Dogs: Not allowed

How to Get There

A holiday break in Byron Bay is not complete without a visit to the iconic lighthouse on Cape Byron.

You can drive up Cape Byron to go and see the lighthouse from close by, but the best way to explore the natural beauty of this area is by doing the Byron Bay Lighthouse circuit walk, also known as the Cape Byron Walking Track.

Hiking to the top of the hill will give you the best views of the beaches in Byron Bay, the rainforest, and the cliffs around Cape Byron.

A good spot to start this beautiful must-do walk is on Bay Street (see map location here) at the Main Beach, from where you can follow the walking path heading east. This path becomes a comfortable boardwalk once it hits Lighthouse Road, offering great views of the long beach behind you.

Paid street parking is available close to the walking trail. Free street parking is available a bit further away from the town centre but still close enough.

Cape Byron Walking Track Notes

We are going to describe the Cape Byron loop walk in a clockwise manner, starting from Byron Bay’s main beach.

In the map below, we have marked the following highlights and landmarks:

  1. Fisherman’s Lookout
  2. Wategos Beach
  3. Little Wategos Track
  4. Cape Byron Lighthouse
  5. Tallow Ridge Track

Map and Route of the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk

1. Fisherman’s Lookout

The first interesting stop along the walk is the Fisherman’s Lookout, which can be accessed by doing a little detour from the main track.

This detour brings you to the northern end of Byron’s Main Beach, where you can walk up the steps to the Fisherman’s Lookout.

Main Beach in Byron Bay
Main Beach

While the views from the Fisherman’s Lookout aren’t mind-blowing by any means, it’s still a very pretty spot worth visiting.

The lookout is situated next to The Pass, a surfer’s hotspot with excellent surf breaks.

The Pass in Byron Bay
The Pass

If you’re feeling a bit hungry at this point, The Pass Cafe is located just behind the beach on Brooke Drive. This popular cafe has a nice outside deck with great views; a nice spot to relax for a bit.

Otherwise, keep following the main walking track towards Wategos Beach.

2. Wategos Beach

The next section, heading to Wategos Beach, is perhaps the best part of the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk.

The track goes uphill, offering panoramic views of Byron Bay’s Main Beach and The Pass in the west and Wategos Beach in the east.

Wategos Beach in Byron Bay
Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach is a sheltered, family-friendly stretch of sand, one of Byron Bay’s most popular beaches with beautifully clear water and great waves.

The facilities are excellent too, with BBQs, picnic tables and toilet and shower blocks. Dolphins also love hanging out at this beach!

3. Little Wategos Track

Often overlooked, the Little Wategos Track is a nice detour that brings you to a rocky lookout point offering fantastic views of Cape Byron.

Little Wategos Beach in Byron Bay
Little Wategos Beach

Little Wategos Beach is Australia’s easternmost beach and is only accessible via this walking track. Although you can also walk or swim there from Wategos Beach when it’s low tide.

Only 150 metres long, Little Wategos is a quiet and well-protected beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing away from the big crowds.

4. Cape Byron Lighthouse

From Little Wategos Beach, the main track brings you up the hill towards the lighthouse. This is where the path passes the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, from where you may even be able to spot some whales and dolphins.

Once you reach the lighthouse, you can have a peek inside and learn more about its history. The cafe next door serves great coffee, cakes and ice cream!

Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Lighthouse

Completed in 1901, the Byron Bay Lighthouse (aka Cape Byron Light) is Australia’s most easterly as well as most powerful lighthouse. Still active today, the lighthouse became fully automated in 1989.

Accommodation is also available at the heritage-listed Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages next to the lighthouse. While not cheap, it’s a unique spot to spend a few nights in the Byron Bay area.

5. Tallow Ridge Track

After visiting the lighthouse, it’s time to head back to town. Follow Lighthouse Road towards the south and enjoy the scenic views of Tallow Beach down below.

The northern tip of this beach, also known as the Cosy Corner, is a surfing hot spot with surf breaks protected from the northerly winds.

Tallow Beach in Byron Bay
Tallow Beach

The last section of the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk is the Tallow Ridge track, a short walking trail through a scenic rainforest environment.

The track connects with Lighthouse Rd, from where it’s only a short stroll to the Byron Bay town centre, where you can enjoy a well-deserved bite and a drink.

If you haven’t yet arranged accommodation for your trip to the Byron Shire, check out our list of best places to stay in Byron Bay for some great options in different price categories.
 

Byron Bay Lighthouse walk around Cape Byron

 
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