Itineraries · Byron Bay

The Pass and Cape Byron lighthouse

Walk · Byron Bay. About an hour on foot up to the lighthouse and back, 3 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
The Pass and Cape Byron lighthouse
Duration
about an hour on foot up to the lighthouse and back (≈ 2 h 7 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
The Pass
Finish
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
morning: the lighthouse car park allows one hour only
Budget per adult
The Pass parking A$5 per hourPrices as of: 13 October 2026

Getting there

Park at The Pass on Brooke Drive: A$5 per vehicle per hour, tap and pay. Walk up to the lighthouse. The lighthouse lawn car park is A$10 per hour and capped at one hour per vehicle per day. An NPWS annual pass does not lift that cap. A shuttle from Ballina Byron Gateway is about 35 minutes.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. The Pass~30 min at the stop

    The beach at the start of the Walgun Cape Byron track. The full loop takes 1 to 3 hours and can start at Captain Cook Lookout, The Pass, Wategos or the lighthouse itself.

    Tip: Leave the car here. The Pass, Bawaii and Cosy Corner are A$5 per hour. The lighthouse is dearer and limited to one hour.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 12 min · 0.7 km

  2. 2. Wategos Beach~25 min at the stop

    The last beach before the cape, directly under the lighthouse. From here the track climbs the grass headland.

    Tip: Swim only when the water is calm and you can see a patrol. Otherwise stay on the sand and continue to the lighthouse.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 20 min · 0.6 km

  3. 3. Cape Byron Lighthouse~40 min at the stop

    The most easterly point of the Australian mainland. The lawn is open from 8:00am to sunset. The maritime museum in the old keeper's cottage is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The information centre is at 199 Lighthouse Road, daily 9:30am to 4:30pm, closed Christmas Day, phone 02 6639 8300.

    Worth knowing: Lawson Street becomes Lighthouse Road. The track runs through rainforest, beach, grassland and the cliff edge.

    Tip: The lighthouse café is closed while NPWS reviews the site, so bring water and a snack. Julian Rocks is visible from the cape: it's a marine reserve and landing is not allowed. Whales pass May to November.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.