Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

8.5 km One way

191 m

Hard track

This is the final of the three formal sections of the classic Light to Light track. This walk starts at Bittangabee Bay, where walkers can explore the ruins and and the scenic beach. The walk follows the coast through a variety of environments, mostly in open heath, taking full advantage of the coastal views. The walk explores a variety of natural splendours and human stories of triumph and tragedy. The walk finishes at the lighthouse on Green Cape.

Bittangabee bay camping and day use area

Track below road and camping area Bittangabee Bay

Arrow marker heading south og Bittangabee Bay camping area

Stairs through gully south of Bittangabee Bay

Looking North up the coast south of Pulpit Rock Rd

Track just north of Ly-ee-moon graveyard

Track to Green Cape Lighthouse from car park

Track along Green Cape Lighthouse buildings

Green Cape Lighthouse's Lightkeeper's Quarters

No entry sign on Green Cape Lighthouse gate

White metal tower below Green Cape Lighthouse

Bittangabee campground

A popular beach-side campsite, Bittangabee campground is a bush campsite with a short walk to the nearby Bittangabee Bay. The bay has a beach and a couple of creeks. This is a great place to access the coastal walking track - there is also plenty of swimming, fishing and snorkeling. The area has some interesting history, with the ruins of the storehouse and Imlay Brothers' house worth exploring. There are a some rainwater tanks, but these are not suitable for drinking so bring your own water.

Bittangabee Bay Beach

Bittangabee Bay Beach, Ben Boyd National Park, is a small beach at the south-western corner of the bay. The beach can be accessed by a short walk from Bittangabee picnic area in Ben Boyd National Park. The yellow sand beach has a small creek and lagoon behind. The beach also has rock platforms at each end and is fairly well-protected from swells, being tucked away in the bay. The historic storehouse is visible on the shore to the right.

(0km) Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area → Bittangabee Storehouse Ruins

320 m

8 mins

13m

-19m Hard track

From the picnic area, the walk follows the sign to 'Camping Area 500m', keeping the car park on your right. The track leads below the road (above on the right) for some time, following the arrow markers to a signposted intersection next to the log road barriers.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign for 'Walking Track' (not the same direction as the 'Beach' arrow) down the hill. The track leads down the hill a short way to an arrow track marker.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk does not follow the arrow marker but heads straight down the hill towards the water. The walk steps down to the water's edge where there is a roofless building on the right. The walk follows around the building on the water side, to an information sign.

Bittangabee Storehouse ruins

Bittangabee Storehouse ruins is located on the shore of Bittangabee Bay, near the campground, in Ben Boyd National Park. The concrete structure was built by Albert Aspinall (1839 - 1903) in 1881. The building was used to store material unloaded from ships onto a wooden jetty built at the same time. Aspinall then built a wooden tramway to move material and supplies to Green Cape to help in the construction of the lighthouse. The building is now a basic shell, missing roof, windows and a door. The concrete foundations of the timber wharf are still visible. Unfortunately, the building has been marred by graffiti, but is still worth the visit. More info.

(0km) Bittangabee Storehouse Ruins → Bittangabee Sth Headland Lookout

220 m

4 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk leads up the hill, keeping the bay on your left and the storehouse ruins behind on the right. The track veers right, up the hill to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking Track' sign and arrow posts up the hill. The track winds through the heath and melaleuca for a short time, passing near the campsite (on the right) while following the arrow markers. The track leads closer to the sea on the left, to a clearing overlooking a rock shelf below at the sea and the mouth of Bittangabee Bay.

Southern Bittangabee Point lookout

Southern Bittangabee Point lookout is an unofficial lookout on the southern headland forming the entrance to Bittangabee Bay in Ben Boyd National Park. The lookout is not fenced or signposted and does not have any facilities. The lookout provides a view across the mouth of Bittangabee Bay and a short way down the coast to the south. There is also a view of the red rock platform below, forming a picturesque contrast with the ocean on sunny days.

(1km) Bittangabee Sth Headland Lookout → Int. Light to Light Walk and Pulpit Rock Rd Access

3.8 km

1 hr 10 mins climb

99m

-62m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow markers around the headland, keeping the ocean to the left and the camping area to the right. The track soon comes to a set of wooden stairs. The walk heads down these stairs into the creek bed, and then up the stairs on the other side.
Continue straight: From the top of the stairs, this walk leads upstream of the creek, which is below on the right. The track follows this creek for some time, tending left away from it into the bush at times. The track winds slightly uphill for a while, then winds downhill to cross the rocky surface of another creek. The track heads up the hill and over the ridge before heading down to another creek bed. The track then leads up the hill to the cul-de-sac of a service trail.

(4km) Int. Light to Light Walk and Pulpit Rock Rd Access → Int. Light to Light Trk and Pulpit Rock Rd

260 m

4 mins

-2m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track markers up the hill to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track marker along the hillside, keeping the ocean on the left of the track. The track passes a few overgrown service trails on either side, as it continues on to the signposted intersection with the main service trail.

(5km) Int. Light to Light Trk and Pulpit Rock Rd → Pulpit Rock

700 m

14 mins

-49m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows none of the signs but instead heads down the hill towards the sea. The track winds down through the heath to the one-way car park and toilet. The walk continues through to the far side of the car park, where there is a fenced lookout over the rocks.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the stairs just near the lookout. The stairs lead onto the rock shelf, with stunning views to the north (left) and of waves crashing onto the rocks below. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock is a large rock platform on the south-east coast of NSW, between Green Cape and Bittangabee in Ben Boyd National Park. The rock platform is a popular spot for rock fishing. Pulpit Rock is accessed via a staircase near the end of a service trail off Green Cape Rd. Near the car park is a pit toilet and garbage facilities. From the rock platform, there are great views north up the coast, with the red rock cliffs providing a spectacular highlight.

(5km) Int. Light to Light Trk and Pulpit Rock Rd → Ly-ee-moon Graveyard

2.8 km

49 mins

44m

-70m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Green Cape Lighthouse 2.5km' keeping the ocean on the left of the track. The track meanders through the heath, then turns left and slowly head down through the heath. The track leads to an arrow-marked intersection with a badly overgrown service trail, on both sides of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads through the heath following the arrow marker, and keeping the ocean on the left of the track. The track leads through the heath and Banksias for a short time, coming to a slightly overgrown service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk keeps the ocean on the left of the track as it winds through the heath and the Banksias. The track soon becomes surrounded by melaleuca trees, which have many fallen branches. The track continues to a signposted intersection for 'Ly-ee-moon Cemetery'.

Ly-ee-moon Graveyard

The Ly-ee-moon Graveyard is a stark reminder of the horrific accident on the night of May 31st, 1886, when 71 men, women and children lost their lives. The white stone and single cross marks the positions of the unnamed graves. The nearby plaque names the people who lost their lives - sadly some names where not known and these people are remembered only by comments such as 'one who had a German accent'. During the dark night, the lighthouse keeper and assistant heroically rescued 16 people from the sea, and were left to listen to cries for help though the night of other people who could not be saved. The mother of Blessed Mary MacKillop, the first Australian to be beatified by the Catholic church, was one of those lost during the night. The fast and normally reliable ship, operated by the Australian Steam Navigation Company, was a single screw ship converted from a paddle steamer when it was brought to Australia in 1876. The graveyard is about 300m north-west of the Green Cape lighthouse, which was operational at the time the SS Ly-ee-moon struck the reef and sunk. More info.

(7km) Ly-ee-moon Graveyard → Green Cape Lighthouse Car park

250 m

4 mins

-3m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow marker through the melaleuca trees, away from the 'Ly-ee-moon Cemetery' sign (behind on the left). The track winds through the trees for a short time, to open out onto the clearing of the Green Cape Lighthouse car park. The walk continues to the far end of the car park where there are signs.

Green Cape

Green Cape is a headland at the southern end of Ben Boyd National Park, forming the northern head of Disaster Bay. The cape's traditional owners are the people of the Yuin nation, from whom there remains evidence of a number of camps in the area. The cape was named 'Green Point' by Matthew Flinders in 1798. The area began its notorious fame in 1802 when eight of Flinders' crew disappeared when fetching water, in what he then appropriately named 'Disaster Bay'. The Imlay brothers and Boyd both established whaling business in the area in the early to mid 1800's, leaving several buildings in the park. There were many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, the most famous being the SS Ly-ee-moon, whose victims are buried on the cape. The most visible feature on the cape is the 29-metre high lighthouse that is still operational today. NPWS run 1-hour tours of the site based on bookings . There is a composting toilet at the car park at the end of Green Cape Road. Accommodation is also available in the renovated lighthouse keeper cottages.

(8km) Green Cape Lighthouse Car Park → Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station

90 m

2 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the dirt car park[2] at the end of Green Cape Lighthouse Rd, this walk leads past the manual park entry fees station[3] to then turn right following the 'Walkway to Lighthouse' sign[4] along the boardwalk, gently uphill. The walk leads past the 'toilet' sign[5] and continues along the boardwalk (now with handrail[6]) to come to a 3-way intersection and a large sheltered 'Enjoying Green Cape' information sign[7].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the boardwalk[8] (between the two handrails) to the 'Get the message' information sign[9]. The path now follows 'lighthouse 200m' sign[10] and the fence line for another 20m to come beside the white 'Signal Flag Locker' building and signpost[11]. This is the site of the old Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station[12].

Green Cape Telegraph Station

Green Cape Telegraph Station was established in 1882. The station acted as a relay station, re-sending ship-to-shore messages from boats passing by. Ships, and communication staff on Green Cape, would use semaphore flags to communicate a message. When required, the messages could also be relayed using Morse code. The telegraph station is a white concrete building with a tin roof. The building has a blue painted base and is less than 100m north of Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park.

Cape Lighthouse Keepers

The Cape Lighthouse Keepers' cottages is a large concrete building near Green Cape Lighthouse in Ben Boyd National Park. There are two cottages that have been refurbished, each sleeping up to 6 guests and boasting 3.5 stars. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, bathroom, lounge room (with sofa bed), Master bedroom (Queen) and second bedroom (2 singles). The price starts from $250 a night per cottage. Bookings are essential, for more info call NPWS on 13000 72757 or online

(8km) Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station → Green Cape Lighthouse entry gate

180 m

3 mins

-3m Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the Telegraph Station, this walk follows the boardwalk along the fenceline, downhill towards the lighthouse[14]. After about 50m the path leads to a 'Jack of all trades' sign[15] and a section of 20m of hand railing either side of the path[16]. The path now leads uphill for about 45m to pass the large solar panel array[17] where the walk heads down for another 60m to come to a 'no entry' gate[18] beside the Green Cape Lighthouse tower[19].

Green Cape Lighthouse

Green Cape Lighthouse is a majestic, 29 meter tall, white octagon-shaped, concrete and blue stone monolith, at the southern tip of Ben Boyd National Park. The lighthouse construction was tendered in 1880 and Albert Aspinall started construction in 1881. He built a timber tram line from Bittangabee Bay to transport materials. After having to dig footing much deeper than expected, in addition to dealing with workers' disputes, Aspinall went broke and his creditors completed the project. The original lantern was oil-fired and was visible 19NM out to sea. Today, the lighthouse still operates with a solar-powered electric light. The lighthouse buildings and grounds can be visited on a tour, otherwise enjoyed from outside the fence. The lighthouse was functionally replaced with a more modern metal tower 60m down the hill in 1992.

(8km) Green Cape Lighthouse entry gate → Green Cape Lookout

150 m

3 mins

-11m Easy track

Continue straight: From the gate[20] beside the Green Cape Lighthouse tower[21], this walk leads downhill along the boardwalk, keeping the lighthouse to the left and immediately passing small seat

[Seat]

. After about 25m the fence leaves the path (there is a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

about 30m over the grass to the left[22]), where the walk continues downhill along the boardwalk[23] for another 45m

[Trip Hazard]

to come beside large white metal tower[24]. This tower has been the official lighthouse since 1992 .
Continue straight: From the modern lighthouse tower, this walk follows the boardwalk[26] downhill around the metal tower. Ater about 15m the walk leads past the 'Wildlife navigates the coast safely' information sign[27], then continues mostly downhill for another 70m to the fenced lookout.

Green Cape Lookout

The lookout at the point of Green Cape, at the southern end of Ben Boyd National Park, provides great views out to sea and along the coast. On the right, the view extends across Disaster Bay to Nadgee Nature Reserve[28] and down into Victoria. To the left, there are views north along rugged sea cliffs[29] and views of Green Cape Lighthouse and accommodation[30]. An information sign at the lookout tells some of the story of the Ly-ee-moon tragedy[31]. The lookout platform is fenced (1.07m high). There are no seats at the lookout.

(8km) Green Cape Lookout → Green Cape Lighthouse Car Park

410 m

8 mins

16m

0m Easy track

Turn around: From the lookout, this walk follows the boardwalk, mostly uphill for about 70m to 'Wildlife navigates the coast safely' information sign[32]. The walk continues up towards the lighthouses to come beside the large metal tower, the modern lighthouse for the area since 1992.
Continue straight: From the metal lighthouse tower, this walk follows the boardwalk

[Trip Hazard]

gently uphill for about 45m to come to the corner of the fence for the original Green Cape Lighthouse tower[33] (there is a picnic table

[Picnic Table]

about 30m over the grass to the right[34] here). The walking continues along the boardwalk for another 25m to the gate[35] beside the Green Cape Lighthouse tower[36].
Continue straight: From the gate, the walk heads up the hill towards the large solar panels[37]. This walk keeps the houses and fence on the right undulates along the fence line to come to the signposted 'Signal Flag Locker' building[38] at the old 'Telegraph Station'.
Continue straight: From the beside the Green Cape Lighthouse Telegraph Station[39], this walk follows the fence (keeping the fence and clearing to the right) along the boardwalk as it winds into the heath to then find a 3-way intersection and a large sheltered 'Enjoying Green Cape' information sign[40].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the boardwalk with a handrail as it winds down to the dirt car park[41] at the end of Green Cape Lighthouse Rd.

Maps for the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Narrabarba	1:25 000 Map Series	88232N NARRABARBA	NSW-88232N
Kiah	1:25 000 Map Series	88231S KIAH	NSW-88231S
Green Cape	1:100 000 Map Series	8923 GREEN CAPE	8923

Cross sectional view of the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

Altitude analysis for Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	8.5 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 3.9km has short steep hills. Whilst another 440m is flat with no steps and the remaining 80m is very steep.

Quality of track

7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 550m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (520m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse walk.

Pulpit Rock

110 m Return, 10 mins

This is a fantastic short walk, with views of the waves crashing into the spectacular red rock of the coast. The short walk down to Pulpit Rock goes straight down stairs onto the rock platform. The rock platform is popular with fishermen with fixed rod holders near the seas edge.

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track

Ly-ee-moon Graveyard

490 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk explores the somber and interesting heritage site of the Ly-ee-moon Graveyard. The graveyard covers quite a large area and is well signposted with information signs. The short walk is well worth the time, especially if you are in the area visiting the lighthouse. The sandy track pas

Total climbing: 8m

Easy track

Bittangabee Bay picnic area to the storehouse

This classic walk explores the coast from Boyd Tower to the Green Cape Lighthouse in the south, with overnight stops at the well established Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee Bay campsites (bookings required). The walk explores many of the scenic and historic highlights of Ben Boyd National Park. It

Total climbing: 794m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

Saltwater Creek to Mowarry Point

8.5 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk starts from the Saltwater Creek camping area, passing through some varied vegetation groups on its way to Mowarry Point Lookout. The walk passes the great view from the red cliffs before heading into a red platform bay, with an opportunity to see the rock formations up close. This great wa

Total climbing: 193m

Hard track

Mowarry Bay to Red Cliffs

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Mowarry Point to Red Cliffs is an interesting trip through quite a few distinct vegetation types, with a few money shots of the coast line. The grass, heaths, and melaleuca along the way break up the walk to Red Cliffs, which are absolutely stunning. Spend time at the Red Cliffs to see

Total climbing: 232m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse walk starts at the Bittangabee Bay Picnic Area (gps: -37.216819, 150.01486)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse ends at the Green Cape Lighthouse Car Park (gps: -37.259525, 150.04796)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the South Coast weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ben Boyd National Park

Ben Boyd National park is on the NSW South Coast, near Eden. The park was named and established in 1971, in the honour of Benjamin Boyd (1801-1851). Ben Boyd National park protects a wonderful section of coast line from Pambula to Green Cape, split into two distinct sections, one north of Eden and the other south. The park is well known for its contrasting red rocks, whale sighting, Boyd Tower, Green Cape Lighthouse and associated history. Ben Boyd National park offers some great insights into recent European history, Indigenous occupation and natural history. The park provides two campsites some other great recreational experiences.

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