Cape Byron Lighthouse Friends

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Join up

Overview

Looking for volunteer work with a view? If you’ve got a minimum of 3 hours a week to spare, come and be part of a friendly team at Cape Byron. Lead guided tours of the museum and lighthouse and share the area’s fascinating maritime history with visitors.

Work
Visitors, events, education, tour guides
When

7 days a week, for a minimum of 3 hours, between 10am and 4pm.

Where
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Accessibility
Medium
Grade
Medium
Join up

Volunteering at Cape Byron is packed with rewards. Join the friendly crew at this iconic lighthouse on Australia’s easternmost headland. Help local and international visitors appreciate Cape Byron and learn about its traditional owners, the Arakwal People of Byron Bay. Share the history of this fascinating part of NSW coastline as you guide people through the museum or up into the lighthouse. At the top, where the view is superb, point out passing ocean wildlife such as rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles or migrating whales. Whether you can spare 3 hours a week or 3 days a week, taking part in this volunteering activity will entitle you to regular reward days, including whale watching trips.  

So if you’re someone who’s enthusiatic about face-to-face contact with the public and interested in maritime and natural history, join Cape Byron Friends for a truly rewarding experience. First aid training, guiding information resources and uniform are all provided. Shifts are available 7 days a week.

Find out more about volunteering with us

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/volunteer-activities/cape-byron-lighthouse-friends/local-alerts

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.

  • 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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more visitor info

Visitor info

Getting there and parking

Cape Byron Lighthouse is 2km east of the Byron Bay town centre. To get there, take Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) and follow it to the lighthouse.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Cape Byron Lighthouse.

By bike

Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

By public transport

For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.

Maps and downloads

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Assistance may be required to access this area.

Cape Byron Lighthouse is not accessible, however the area outside the lighthouse is flat.

 

 

Visitor centre

Learn more

Cape Byron Lighthouse Friends is in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Cape Byron Lighthouse

    Cape Byron Lighthouse, Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

    Perched high above Byron Bay's glorious coastline, historic Cape Byron lighthouse was constructed on this rugged headland in 1901. Its landmark 22m high white tower houses the light that still illuminates the bay of an evening. To find out more about the lighthouse take a tour with an expert guide and be sure to check out the Maritime Museum. In days gone by, lighthouse keepers were responsible for igniting the lighthouse's light of an evening. The keepers have long been replaced by automated light systems; however the Victorian Georgian style cottages in which they lived remain as heritage listed buildings. Today they operate as holiday accommodation, having been carefully restored to offer modern convenience while retaining their historical charm and an insight into the life of a lighthouse keeper.

    • Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place Experience a bird’s eye view from the top of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in this Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) Geography excursion. Students will learn about the features of this special place and its significance to people and the community.
    • Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place Experience a bird’s eye view from the top of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) geography excursion. Students will learn about the features of the lighthouse and its significance to people and the community.
    • Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre is the place to find visitor information for Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Walgun Cape Byron Marine Park and surrounding national parks in the Byron Bay area.

    Keepers of Country

    The Pass, Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer

    Walgun, as Walgun Cape Byron is known by its traditional custodians, maintains spiritual, cultural and historical importance for the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) Aboriginal People. The pipi midden (shell mound) at The Pass is one of the largest and oldest in far north NSW.

    • Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is an Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) school excursion in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
    • Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 1 (Years 1-2) school excursion in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
    • Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 3 (Years 5-6) school excursion in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
    • Dolphin Dreaming Dolphin Dreaming is a Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, focusing on Geography outcomes. Through story, dance and creative expression, Arakwal Aboriginal guides present the life and culture of Byron Bay's Aboriginal people.
    • Palm Valley Palm Valley, or ‘The Pass,’ offers well-equipped picnic areas right by the beach, plus a popular café, several walking tracks, and access to the Fishermans lookout.

    View from the top

    Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Photo: Wayne G Reynolds

    Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is part of a significant north-to-south regional corridor for migratory animals, including the fruit dove and cuckoo shrike. Locals you might be lucky enough to spot while touring the area include threatened wallabies and sea eagles. A peaceful walk through the area’s serene littoral rainforest, with plant life; such as laurel trees, white lace flowers and basket ferns, to admire along the way, is sure to further enrich your experience of the Walgun Cape Byron area.

    • A whale of a time Discover the wonderful world of whales on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) excursion around Walgun Cape Byron headland. This excursion is designed to support the Living World Science and Technology topic content strand.
    • Byron tandem hang gliding flights and lessons Try the thrilling sport of hang gliding with a tandem flight over spectacular Walgun Cape Byron or nearby Lennox Head. With 40 years’ experience, Byron Airwaves Hang Gliding School is your ticket to the freedom of flight.
    • Walgun Cape Byron walking track Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Walgun Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse.
    • Walgun Cape Byron: The earth’s environment Join us on an Earth’s environment Geography excursion at beautiful Walgun Cape Byron for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students. Students will explore the features of the reserve and learn about people’s differing perceptions of the park and how it is managed.
    • Wategos Beach Located just north west of Walgun Cape Byron and the lighthouse, Wategos Beach is one of Byron’s best places to picnic, paddle and play.
    • Whale secrets Discover whale secrets at Cape Byron Lighthouse headland. Students will experience a playful mix of drama, games, story, and ocean discovery for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students. This excursion supports the Living World topic of the K-10 Science and Technology syllabus.
    • Whale secrets Discover whale secrets in a playful mix of drama, games, story and ocean discovery for Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) students. This excursion supports the Living World topic of the K-10 Science and Technology syllabus.
    Show more

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

      Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

      The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

    • Australian brush turkey, Dorrigo National Park. Photo: Rob Cleary

      Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)

      The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.

    • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

      Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

      The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

    Plants

    • Wonga Wonga vine. Photo: Barry Collier

      Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)

      The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.

    • Cabbage tree palm in Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer/OEH

      Cabbage palm (Livistona australis)

      With glossy green leaves spanning 3-4m in length and a trunk reaching a height of up to 30m, the cabbage tree palm, or fan palm, is one of the tallest Australian native plants. Thriving in rainforest margins along the east coast of NSW, in summer this giant palm produces striking spikes of cream flowers which resemble cabbages.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)

    School excursions (11)