Captain Cook lookout and picnic area
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Captain Cook lookout and picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
On entering Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area:
- Follow Lawson Street east from Byron Bay until it becomes Lighthouse Road
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at this picnic area, including 1 designated accessible parking spot. Entry fees apply.
It can be a busy place, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
With the weather being a bit cooler, it's the perfect time of year for walking, barbecues and picnics on the beach.
Summer
Summer holidays beckon you – enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, building sandcastles, or relaxing in the shade.
Winter
Walgun Cape Byron is a great spot to watch for whales on their annual migration - remember to take binoculars.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
22°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
35.1°C
Winter temperature
Average
15°C and 21°C
Lowest recorded
3.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
350.4mm
Facilities
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Carpark
Drinking water
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Captain Cook lookout and picnic area is mostly flat but it's not step-free. Assistance may be required in the following areas:
- You'll need to cross over stretches of flat grass to get to the picnic tables and lookout.
- The concrete path that leads to the beach has 9 steps
- The toilets are not accessible or ambulant.
The carpark at the picnic area has 1 accessible parking space.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
- 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
- 02 6639 8300
- npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Park info
- in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
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Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
Buy annual pass
Visitor centre
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Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481 - 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
- 02 6639 8300