Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander Lookout
Dharawal Country

1 h 30 min to 3 h

4.1 km
oneway

↑ 109 m
↓ -133 m

Hard track
This walk starts at the end of Cape Solander Dr and heads south along the coast to the end of Sir Joseph Banks Dr, in the Boat Harbour Coastal Reserve. The walk explores a vast array of environments including sand dunes, hanging swamps, rock platforms and dense heath. The Baily Lighthouse is a highlight and a nice place to rest. There are also city views from the top of a few of the sand dunes. 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.
Track at the end of Cape Solander Drive. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Track Heading along the coast. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Old Footing near end of Cape Solader Drive. | Photo by admin, 2007.
View of Water tank and radar instalation. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Along the Cliff line at Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Track just south of Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Cape Bailey track Sth of Tabbigai Gap. | Photo by admin, 2008.
view of an off shore platform. | 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.
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.
path up to the cape bailey lighthouse. | Photo by admin, 2008.
looking back up the coast. | Photo by admin, 2008.
following the cape bailey walking track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
some small sand dunes. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sir Joseph Banks drive Carpark. | 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 (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Captain Cook Drive
  • Turn on to Captain Cook Drive then drive for 460 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 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 (-34.0397959,151.2116467)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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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 300 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 235 m find the "Hanging Swamps" (40 m on your right).
Hanging Swamps
Hanging Swamps

There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Baily walk. They are home to a number of different plants and animals like reeds and frogs. Hanging swamps are formed on high ground when rainfall seeps out of surrounding hills and accumulates in a slight depression, over time forming a swamp. Interestingly, they are sometimes difficult to see from far away as the thick build up of reeds and other plant life often cover the water.
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There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Baily walk. They are home to a number of different plants and animals like reeds and frogs. Hanging swamps are formed on high ground when rainfall seeps out of surrounding hills and accumulates in a slight depression, over time forming a swamp. Interestingly, they are sometimes difficult to see from far away as the thick build up of reeds and other plant life often cover the water.

The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Cape Baily 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.
After another 850 m veer right.
After another 1.4 km turn right.
After another 35 m come to the end.
A car park.

An optional side trip to Cape Baily 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 Track from Cape Solander Lookout


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 4.1 km
Time 1 h 30 min to 3 h
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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