Botany Bay

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 to the public to protect the very fragile ecosystems and the resting area for migratory birds. This walk gives views that most Sydneysiders never see.

Total climbing: 1m

The Coastal Hospital Cemetery Walk is an easy walk, near a beautiful coastline, visiting an early Australian cemetery. The cemetery is located on raised ground, with views out to the coast and sea. Used primarily as a cemetery for the old quarantine hospital from the 1880’s, it is home to over 2000 graves (most not visible). The visible grave sites are interesting and provide a fascinating glimpse into life (and death) 100 years ago. Worth a visit if you are in the area or if you have an interest in the local history.

Total climbing: 8m

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 walk is recommended if you would like to look at a type of vegetation that once covered a much larger area of Sydney. This walk is mostly downhill from Jennifer St. If the return trip is too much you can organise for someone to pick you up from Cape Banks Rd.

Total climbing: 6m

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 well worth the time – also, there are steps at the far side of the bridge down onto attractive unfenced rock platforms. Both the historic tombstone and monument by the museum are worth a visit, to contemplate our early explorers. Food, beach and a children’s playground are available close to the end of this walk. A magnificent location with so much history.

Total climbing: 9m

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 tourist attraction managed by NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. The main part of the island is locked but you can book a tour on Sundays. There is also a set of steps at the end of the bridge to get access to the rock platform of the island. Make a day of it by enjoying the local cafe, beaches and other museums in the area.

Total climbing: 22m

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 palm grove. It is no wonder why Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770 got so excited when walking in the area collecting, what was for them, new plant species.

Total climbing: 16m

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 and along the waterfront you will pass the actual landing site for the Endeavour in 1770. You also pass a series of monuments to different men on the ship, including Captain Cook. There are also plenty of information signs to give further insight into the impacts of the Aboriginal people of the area. A lovely stroll with the chance to grab a snack at the end. This walk can be started at either end, you can allow extra time and return the same way if you prefer.

Total climbing: 10m

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 on a hot afternoon.

Total climbing: 34m

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 is a foot bridge to give access to the island and a novel T for the golf course. The island has a series of faint rough tracks that allow you to explore the bald island and views.

Total climbing: 47m

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.

Total climbing: 37m

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 bit of the park.

Total climbing: 57m

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.

Total climbing: 107m

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 torch and explore the concrete structures or just watch the boats passing in and out of Botany Bay. A recommended and pleasant walk.

Total climbing: 113m

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 to the Cape Bailey lighthouse is well worth it and provides a nice spot for lunch.

Total climbing: 101m

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.

Total climbing: 126m

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 a great spot to sit and enjoy the views.

Total climbing: 191m

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 track winds in and out of the cliff top coastline to the end of the Sir Joseph Banks drive. The side trip up to the Cape Baily lighthouse is well worth the small climb.

Total climbing: 123m

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 hospital cemetery, with over 2000 graves, is worthwhile. The Cape Banks Circuit makes for a fascinating walk, both scenically and historically, and is recommended.

Total climbing: 182m

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 past. The Jennifer Street section of this circuit allows access through a section of endangered native Banksia scrub that once occupied a much larger part of the Sydney region. A varied and interesting day out in the Botany Bay National Park.

Total climbing: 174m

This great return walk follows the Cape Baily walking track as it winds along the coast, through thick heath and small sand dunes, to the Cape Baily lighthouse, with great ocean views all the way. Also of interest is the wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found on this walk, from a number of different types of reptiles and amphibians to the hanging swamps and wild flowers (in spring). There is even some good whale watching opportunities in June, July, Sept and Oct.

Total climbing: 135m

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 are even the occasional glimpses of the city.

Total climbing: 152m

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 tops to the Cape Baily Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a great spot for lunch before the return journey.

Total climbing: 175m

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 swamps and the Cape Bailey lighthouse. For a more relaxing finish you could stop off at the ocean pools in Cronulla before heading to the train station.

Total climbing: 192m

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 golf course). Make sure you allow time to walk around Bare Island and see the sites. Although in disrepair, the Coast Cemetery is also worth a little extra time.

Total climbing: 397m

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 the end of Polo street for those wishing to exit outside the park. There is a good, optional side trip up to the Cape Bailey lighthouse.

Total climbing: 185m

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 will take you through bushland, past beaches and around two golf courses. With good side trips out to Bare Island and down to Brown’s Rock, this walk explores all the environments that the north side of Botany Bay has to offer.

Total climbing: 406m