Cape Banks Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

1.9 km Return

37 m

Hard track

This walk combines fine coastal views with two points of historical interest. From the start of this walk, the sidetrip to the coastal cemetery is short and gives a glimpse into lives of past generations. The World War II bunker is worth having a look around as you pass directly by it. Spend some time exploring the exposed headland that is Cape Banks. Look for old historical structures and the shipwreck of the SS Minmi on the western side of Cape Banks. If you're lucky, you could even see migrating whales on this classic Sydney coastal walk.

Coastal Cemetery near Botany Bay National Park

Pistol Club Rd near coastal cemetery in Botany Bay National Park

Locked gate to coastal cemetary near Botany Bay National Park

View of cemetery from Pistol Club Rd in Botany Bay National Park

Pistol club and helicopter shed in Botany Bay National Park

Sign at the boundary of Botany Bay National Park

Buildings and locked toilet near helicopter shed

Road near helicopter shed in Botany Bay National Park

Helicopter shed in Botany Bay National Park

Cape Banks management trail towards Cape Banks

Cape Banks management trail with cape Banks in the distance

End of Cape Banks management trail in Botany Bay National Park

Near Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Sign and bridge over to Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Bridge and sign near Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Metal bridge to Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Pigface flower on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Wildflowers (Pigface) on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Track on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

View and track on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

Concrete foundations on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

View from Cape Banks Botany Bay National Park

Concrete steps on Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

(0km) Int of Cape Banks Rd & Cemetery Trail → Coast Hospital Cemetery int.

150 m

2 mins

-5m Easy track

From the 'Cemetry Trail' trackhead and dirt car park[1] on Cape Banks Rd La Perouse (about 1km past NSW Golf Course main gate), this walk follows the 'Cemetry Trail' sign[2] around the locked gate[3][4][5]

[Pinch Point]

, and along the management trail. The grassy trail leads for about 20m to pass over a cobbeled stone section[6]

[Wheelchair Rough]

then continues to follow the level trail[7] for another 110m, to come to a large 3-way intersection[8] near the Coastal Cemetery[9] (on the right).

Coast Hospital Cemetery

The Coast Hospital Cemetery on the northern side of Botany Bay was first established in the early 1880’s and is now home to as many as 2000 graves. It serviced the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital, originally a smallpox hospital. People who died of smallpox were required to be buried at the hospital grounds. The hospital was built far enough from the city to provide quarantine and for this reason, the hospital in time became an infectious diseases hospital, also treating patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever and leprosy. Unfortunately, the cemetery has at times fallen into disrepair and some of the headstones are difficult to read. Many of the graves are unmarked. On the eastern edge of the cemetery is an information sign[11] explaining that in the area are also buried the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people returned from museums. A place steeped in history and worthy of respect.

(0km) Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Coastal Cemetery Management Trail → Southern End of Pistol Club Rd

320 m

5 mins

-2m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[12] (which is found about 1km past the 'helicopter sign' off Henry Head Rd), this walk follows the road[13] gently uphill for about 140m, to come to views of the coastal cemetery[14] (on the left). Then this walk continues to follow the road gently downhill for about 200m, until coming to a locked gate[15] and 'Botany Bay National Park' sign[16].

(0km) Southern End of Cape Banks Rd → Old toilet bock int.

40 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[17], this walk follows a management trail, passing around a locked gate[18]

[Pinch Point]

to then pass the 'Botany Bay National Park' sign[19] after about 10m. Then this walk continues to follow the asphalt trail beside the 'Westpac Helicopter' shed (on the right) for about 30m, to come to a 3-way intersection marked with an NPWS arrow post[20], just past a concrete building[21].

(0km) World War Two Bunker → Int of Cape Banks Management & Pistol Club Trail

110 m

2 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn right: From the World War Two Bunker[29], this walk follows a management trail away from the 'Westpac Helicopter' sign and shed[30], keeping the metal ring fence to the right[31]. The walk follows the trail for about 20m, then turns left at a three-way intersection to head up a gentle hill. After about 35m, the trail starts to descend steeply to a three-way intersection[32] (and views of the water).

(1km) Lifejacket intersection → Cape Banks bridge int.

390 m

8 mins

-18m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the grassy management trail keeping the ocean to the left[33]. After about 30m the trail descends steeply down a rough[34] 30m section

[Wheelchair Steep Rough]

, then leads more gently downhill for 100m before leading down another very steep and rough section of trail[35] mostly flattening out near the apex of a large cleft in the sea cliff[36]. Here the trail continues more gently downhill for another 160m towards the golf course and ocean, passing a large rock platform[37] (on the left) coming to concrete footpath marked with two 'Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve' signs[38] just after the 'Cape Bank' map signpost[39]. Be mindful of golfers and golf balls.

(1km) Cape Banks bridge int. → Cape Banks

50 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the 'Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve' sign[40], this walk follows the concrete footpath[41] gently downhill, away from the seat

[Seat]

, for about 20m to then cross over[42] to the island on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[43]. Then this walk continues over the rocky track[44] to come beside the golf tee-off green[45] (on the right).

Cape Banks

Cape Banks on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay, offers possibly the best view in Botany Bay National Park. From the unfenced cliff top, you can watch the power of the ocean as waves crash into the sandstone rock face below, or watch boats of all shapes and sizes, sail peacefully across the sheltered waters of the bay[46][47][48][49][50]. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the spectacle of migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales reasonably close to shore, spouting and sometimes breaching as they make their way northward and southward in pods of three or four. The shipwreck of the SS Minmi can be seen at low tide[52], lying on rocks on the western side of Cape Banks. There are concrete foundations of buildings remaining on Cape Banks, from when World War Two servicemen were stationed there.

Maps for the Cape Banks Walk 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.

Botany Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91303S BOTANY BAY	NSW-91303S
Bondi	1:25 000 Map Series	91302S BONDI	NSW-91302S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Cape Banks Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cape Banks Walk

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	1.9 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		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

390m of this walk is very steep and another 380m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 110m has short steep hills and the remaining 95m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 970m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 500m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 470m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 970m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 970m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 580m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 390m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Cape Banks Walk walk.

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

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

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

Maroubra to La Perouse

13.4 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.Following the coastline of Botany Bay's north side, this walk traverses the cliff line with spectacular views across the South Pacific Ocean. The walk wil

Total climbing: 406m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Cape Banks Walk walk.

Jennifer Street Boardwalk

750 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you along raised boardwalk through rare and engaged banksia ecosystem. An opportunity to appreciate a sensitive environment close up and in an environmentally sensitive way. The information sign at the start of the walk provides insight into the Banksia scrub and its value. This wa

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

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

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

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

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

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

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