Cape Baily Coastline: Kurnell Visitor Centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

Downloads GPX PDF

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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-34.0050235,151.2216341)
Mode	Bus Car (Parking fees apply in the area.)
Directions	From Captain Cook Drive Turn on to Cape Solander Drive then drive for 420 m Keep left and drive for another 145 m
Finish	(-34.0397959,151.2116467)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the main exit of the Botany Bay Discovery Centre car park, the track heads south-east, out of the car park along the old service trail (Not on the Banks Solander Track). Partway along, the track passes over a small bridge. This is shortly before an intersection with Cape Solander Drive. Just across the road, another service trail begins.
From Cape Solander Dr, this walk heads south-east away from the discovery centre and along the management trail for approximately 200m until coming to an intersection with a sandy track on the left.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 8 m head into the park. The Meeting Place (about 150 m back from the start). The Meeting Place This circular seating area provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of this land. A chance to consider the Aboriginal people, their connection to this land and that 'At this place in April 1770 Aboriginal people gathered as a converted British coal ship, the Endeavour, appeared on the horizon and continued into the bay. As the landing party approached, two Aboriginal men advanced to the beach to challenge the group of strangers as they prepared to come ashore.' Toilet (about 40 m back from the start). Toilet Male and female toilet block. Entrance is 110cm wide, hand basins 90cm high, cubical doors 56cm wide, toilet seat 44cm high. Male toilet has a urinal 40 and 60cm high. No handrails. Toilet entrance is around the eastern side of visitor centre building. Seat (about 7 m back from the start). Seat A series of four timber slat bench seat, 44cm high, 32cm deep and 1.8m wide with no arm or backrest. The seats are outside the visitors center. Visitor Centre. W:botanybayeec.nsw.edu.au Then pass the car park (on your right). After another 40 m find the "Parking Accessible" (on your left). Parking Accessible There are about 60 car parking bays infrount of the visitors center. Two are marked mobiilty parking bays. The mobility parking area is ashphalt, 3.8m wide and 4.6m deep. Then find the "Visitor Centre" (9 m on your right). Visitor Centre This visitors' centre can be found on Cape Solander Drive, inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park. It provides great information about the area's history and environment, plus there is a souvenir shop, where some simple food and drink is also available. A Trailrider is also available for free hire for people with limited mobility. There is a male & female toilet block on the eastern side of the Visitor Centre. And a large parking area in front.
	Turn left.
	After another 30 m (from the Muru Fire Track) continue straight, to head along Muru Fire Track (a vehicle track).
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Muru Fire Track & Cape Solander Drive) continue straight, to head along Muru Fire Track.
	After another 165 m (from the Muru Fire Track) turn right (a walking track).
	After another 100 m continue straight. After another 40 m come to the "Kurnell Lookout" (9 m on your left).
	After another 225 m (from the Yena Track) turn left, to head along Yena Track.
	After another 80 m (from the Yena Track) turn right, to head along Yena Track.
	After another 460 m (at the intersection of Polo Trail & Yena Track) turn left, to head along Polo Trail (a walking track).
	After another 370 m (at the intersection of Yena Gap Trail & Polo Trail) turn left.
	After another 280 m turn right.
	After another 930 m turn right.
	After another 45 m (from the Tabbigai Track) 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 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 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". W:www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Turn around and retrace your steps back the 95 m to the main route.

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

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".

W:www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 95 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cape Baily Coastline: Kurnell Visitor Centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.9 km
Time	2 h to 2 h 30 min

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)

Some facilities on route

Entity|toilet: There is one -16 m back from the start.

Seat: There is one 15 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Entity\|toilet	-16 m	Toilet
Seat	15 m	Seat

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Visitor Centre
This visitors' centre can be found on Cape Solander Drive, inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park. It provides great information about the area's history and environment, plus there is a souvenir shop, where some simple food and drink is also available. A Trailrider is also available for free hire for people with limited mobility. There is a male & female toilet block on the eastern side of the Visitor Centre. And a large parking area in front.

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.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Cronulla Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
  
  Saturday 15 March
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Winds northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Sunday 16 March
  
  24°C → 37°C
  Becoming windy. Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the morning.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Extreme
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 8 [Very High]
  
  Monday 17 March
  
  18°C → 21°C
  Windy. Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Slight chance of a shower in the early morning. Mostly sunny day. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h turning southerly 25 to 40 km/h before dawn then decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h in the evening.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Tuesday 18 March
  
  18°C → 22°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Light winds.
  
  Wednesday 19 March
  
  19°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Thursday 20 March
  
  21°C → 27°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Friday 21 March
  
  22°C → 26°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Saturday 22 March
  
  22°C → 26°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Kamay Botany Bay National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Cape Banks fire trail closed for track upgrades
  Some parts of this park are closed from Monday 24 February to Friday 14 March 2025 while fire trails are being upgraded. The closed areas are:
  
  Cape Banks fire trail
  
  Access to Cape Banks is available via Henry Head walking track only.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Cricket Pitch carpark and amenities
  The Cricket Pitch carpark and amenities building are being upgraded as part of the Kamay Master Plan Project. The precinct will be closed during these works from October 2024 to March 2025.
  We apologise for any inconvenience.
  Toilets and parking are available at Commemoration Flat.
  For more information and updates on the project please visit the Kamay Master Plan Project website, email or call the local area office on 02 9337 5511.
  
  Closed areas: Area permanently closed - Skylight Cave
  Skylight cave is permanently closed to visitors due to serious safety risks. The cave is mid-way down an unstable cliff, and the risk of falling off the cliff edge while trying to reach it makes it very dangerous.
  There is no approved public access walking track to Skylight cave. Please do not risk your safety trying to reach this location.
  
  Closed areas: Kurnell Visitor Centre
  Kurnell Visitor Centre is currently closed until 2026. A new visitor centre is under construction. During these construction works the precinct, including parking, will be fenced off and work crews will be on site. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to onsite signage.
  Parking and toilets will be available at Commemoration Flat.
  We apologise for any inconvenience.
  Email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010 to learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project.
  
  Closed areas: Works at Commemoration Flat
  Services and pathways at Commemoration Flat are being upgraded from October 2024 to 2026. The picnic area remains open with limited closures, as work areas are fenced off and work crews are on site.
  The toilets and carpark will remain open, with a reduced number of parking spaces available. Access to some walking tracks will be impacted. Please refer to onsite signage.
  We apologise for any inconvenience.
  Email or call the local area office on 02 9668 2010 to learn more about the improvements being made as part of the Kamay 2020 Master Plan Project.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast

Alerts