Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

5.4 km One way

126 m

Hard track

This walk follows the coast, south, from the end of Cape Solander Drive, along the Cape Baily Track. The walk explores a number of gaps, sand dunes and hanging swamps. It also visits a light house, as it rounds the headland and winds down to the beach at Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve.

Along much of the way the track follows small markers

On the rock coast line South of Cape Solander Drive

View of Water tank and radar instalation

Along Cape Bailey track near Tabbagai Gap

small sand dunes that litter the cape bailey walk

great example of a hanging swamp lining the cape bailey walk

Water Glimpses from top of Dune over the Hanging swamp

South of the Lighthouse on Cape Baily Track

many great formations like this litter the coast line

Disphyma crassifolium (Pigface) flower in spring

(0km) End of Cape Solander Drive → Tabbigai Gap Track Int

950 m

21 mins

41m

-47m Moderate track

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.

(1km) Tabbigai Gap Track Int → Sand dune int

550 m

9 mins

-6m Moderate track

Veer left: From the Tabbigai Gap, this walk follows the clear, sandy track east (with the Tabbigai Gap on the left) up a short hill until it turns right at the small clearing. The track stays away from the ocean and soon comes to a large sand dune clearing. From the other end of the clearing, the walk follows the track south (ocean on the left) through the thick scrub, winding along until it rises up a hill to a long sand dune clearing. From the far end of this clearing, the walk follows the overgrown track through the thick scrub, until it widens out a little and continues south for a short distance, to the intersection in the pit of a sand dune, with a large hanging swamp on the right.

Hanging Swamps

There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Bailey 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.

(1km) Sand dune int → Int of Cape Bailey lighthouse track

950 m

18 mins

28m

-22m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow bush track that heads west to the top of the dunes. (From the top of the dune there are some great views of the hanging swamp straight ahead). The track then turns left and drops off the top of the sand dune, keeping the swamp on the right. The track then climbs a sandy hill to some more views before turning left and heading along a sandy track, through several more large sand dunes. After these dunes, the track starts to flatten out and widen, to head along to an intersection with a bush track (which heads to the lighthouse).

(2km) Int of Cape Bailey Lighthouse track → Cape Bailey Lighthouse

80 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy bush track, heading up and away from the ocean. The track is relatively defined for most of the way, however in the last 20m the track becomes quite overgrown and a little less defined (the lighthouse is always visible). Once at the lighthouse, there are good views inland, however the views to the east are largely blocked by the high scrub. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

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. More info.

(2km) Int of Cape Bailey lighthouse track → Sir Joseph Banks Drive Carpark

1.4 km

28 mins

30m

-56m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail south, along the coastline (keeping the ocean on the left). The trail winds down through tall heath for approximately 300m to the open rock platform. The walk bends right and continues south, down the hill and along the edge of the scrub for approximately 380m more. Here, the walk comes to the start of a track that leads back into the scrub.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail as it heads south-west off the rock platform (keeping the ocean on the left) and down the grassy hill, passing a few small tracks, coming to the end of the clear management trail. From here, the walk follows the coast (ocean on the left), cutting across the mouth of the sand dunes and bending around to the right and up the gentle hill to the Sir Joseph Banks Drive car park.

(4km) Sir Joseph Banks Drive Carpark → Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve

130 m

2 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn around: From the car park, this walk heads south-west along the bush track, initially heading towards the ocean, and tending right onto a long rock platform, keeping the ocean to the left, until coming to the 'Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve' signpost.

Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve

The Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve was established in 2001 by NSW Fisheries, incorporating the whole of Merries Reef and Pimelwi Rocks, and continuing 100m out to sea. Fishing is restricted in the area, and the collection of any invertebrates (dead or alive) is prohibited. More info.

(4km) Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve → Pimelwi Rocks

1.4 km

25 mins

17m

-20m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the 'Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve' sign, this walk heads west along the coast, keeping the ocean on the left as it winds around to a small shelly beach. From the beach, the walk heads north up the grassy hill, following the bush track as it winds along the coast. The track cuts across the mouth of some sand dunes and follows an old disused pipeline around the coast, as it bends around to the north and winds in towards the bay. The walk follows the track down a thin concrete path that drops down to the beach.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the beach west around the bay, keeping the ocean on the left as it winds around to the point at the other side of the bay (where the beach bends to the right), noticeable by the rocks that extend out into the ocean.

Maps for the Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return 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.

Port Hacking	1:25 000 Map Series	91294N PORT HACKING	NSW-91294N
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return

Altitude analysis for Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return

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	5.4 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		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

Around 4.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 950m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

3.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (700m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 4.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 950m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

4.2km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 700m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (550m) requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 460m 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 Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return walk.

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander lookout

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

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 hig

Total climbing: 107m

Hard track

The Cape Bailey Walk

5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This is an interesting walk, starting from Kurnell and following a series of bush tracks and service trails along the coast, with great ocean views. The walk offers some great views of the coast, city, and some great local landscapes, including sand dunes and hanging swamps. The small side trip up

Total climbing: 101m

Hard track

Cape Baily Coast Walk

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the cliff line of Kurnell, looking out onto the South Pacific Ocean, this is one of the most secluded walks in Botany Bay National Park. The coast line is a popular whale watching spot during the spring and this area provides great views along the coast and out to sea. Baily Lighthouse is

Total climbing: 191m

Moderate track

Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

5.7 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from Kurnell's Botany Bay Visitors Centre and heads south through the national park. The track winds through dry gum forest until it breaks out into heath, joining onto the Cape Baily walking track. As it continues south, through small sand dunes and in between hanging swamps, the

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Botany Bay Discovery Centre to Cape Baily

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk explores the heath and the great views between the Visitor Center and Cape Baily Lighthouse. The walk follows a mixture of service trails, bush tracks, rock platforms and sand dunes, as it makes it's way through the park. You will discover expansive views of the park and out to sea. There

Total climbing: 152m

Moderate track

Cape Baily track from visitor centre (return)

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs

This great return walk starts from the Discovery centre in Kurnell, and follows a series of bush tracks and service trails, that wind south through wooded forest, to the Cape Baily walking track. At about halfway, the track breaks into heath, winding in between hanging swamps and along the cliff top

Total climbing: 175m

Moderate track

Botany Bay Coastal Walk

12.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This great coastal walk follows the coastline from the cliff tops near Kurnell, south to the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, and around the coast to Cronulla station. Other great features of this walk are the many rock formations around the coast, the small sand dunes along the track, the hanging swam

Total climbing: 192m

Hard track

Cronulla to Botany Bay Discovery Centre

13.1 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This coastal walk starts from Cronulla station and follows the beaches around to the Boat Harbour Aquatic reserve, then continues along the Cape Bailey walk, winding through thick heath and between hanging swamps. The walk finishes at the Botany Bay Discovery Centre. There is an alternate exit to th

Total climbing: 185m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Cape Baily Coastal Walk Return walk.

Banks-Solander Track

960 m Circuit, 20 mins

Enjoy a pleasant meander through a varied forest from the Botany Bay Visitors Centre. This walk takes you through a lovely and diverse forest, there are plenty of small signs to help you learn about the different types of plants on the walk including a large scribbly gum and a spectacular Cabbage pa

Total climbing: 16m

Easy track

Muru and Yena Tracks

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Following the service trails, this track covers many of the major walking tracks on Botany Bay's south side. Thick eucalypts and ferns surround the trail and there are great views from the Yena Picnic Area - a good place to break, (although it lacks shade). This walk is a nice way to explore a fair

Total climbing: 57m

Moderate track

Burrawang foreshore walk

1.1 km One way, 30 mins

This pleasant stroll along a concrete footpath leads through a historically significant section of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the Visitor Centre, you take a short side trip to the Meeting Place where you will learn more about the Aboriginal people of the area. As the walk continues down to

Total climbing: 10m

Very easy

Quibray Bay viewing platform

84 m Return, 10 mins

This short and easy walk to to the Quibray Bay viewing/lookout platform provides some lovely views and opportunities for bird watching. The platforms give you views across the heart of the very special Towra Point Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is very close to Sydney and most of it is closed t

Total climbing: 1m

Very easy

Bare Island Walk

866 m Return, 30 mins

A wonderful and easy way to explore the beautiful and historic tip of La Perouse. Bare Island is a small island, which you can walk to across a large timber bridge. The island was originally fortified to prevent foreign invasion, however, it has also been a retirement home and is now a museum and to

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Henry Head Walk

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A worthwhile walk, traversing beach and headland to explore the WWII battlements of Henry Head. Both the Little Congwong Beach and Brown’s Rock sidetrips are recommended on this walk, as they are short detours and break the journey. Henry Head is good spot to stop for something to eat, grab a torc

Total climbing: 113m

Moderate track

Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

13 km One way, 5 hrs

CLOSED This walk is closed at the northern end as there is no safe access to Malabar Head, updates to come in time. Exploring the cliff line of northern Botany Bay, this walk has great views, both down at the water (Bare Island and Browns Rock) and up on the cliffs (the

Total climbing: 397m

Hard track

Cape Banks Circuit

6.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This Cape Banks Circuit has a lot to offer and is thoroughly recommended. The walking travels over beaches, through coastal forest and across exposed headlands. Historically, this walk shows glimpses into the fortifications required during both World Wars. The optional side trip to the coast hosp

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Henry Head Circuit

6.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk has a lovely mix of natural and war history combined within the scenic Botany Bay National Park. The track follows beaches and cliff tops as it visits World War One and Two gun and lookout stations. The side trip to the coastal cemetery is worthwhile, giving a glimpse into lives from the

Total climbing: 174m

Hard track

Little Congwong Beach Walk

1.1 km Return, 30 mins

A relaxing beach walk, ending at a sheltered sandy beach that has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. In the past, this walk has been used as a nudist beach, but this practice is being discouraged. The beach is very popular in the summer, but beware of the limited shade

Total climbing: 34m

Moderate track

La Perouse Historical Walk

792 m Circuit, 30 mins

This walk, primarily across open lawns, offers views across Botany Bay while visiting historically significant landmarks. The side trip to the Bare Island Fortifications is well worth it, with tours available on Sunday afternoons. However, a walk across to the locked gate on Bare Island is still w

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Cape Banks Island walk

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

On this walk, you will explore Cape Banks island surrounded by the aquaitic reserve and a beautiful coast line of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the end of Cape Banks Rd, you pass a historic gun emplacement, then explore the grassy coastline down to the water and edge of NSW Golf Course. There i

Total climbing: 47m

Hard track