The Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk: A Guide from Waves Hotel

The Cape Byron walk is the one thing everyone should do in Byron Bay. The Walgun Cape Byron walking track is a 3.7km loop through rainforest, clifftops and beaches to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Here's how to do it from Waves.

Track at a glance

• Distance: 3.7km loop (NSW National Parks).

• Time: 1 to 3 hours, about 2 hours to enjoy it properly.

• Grade: 3, rated hard in places with steep stairs, but you can walk shorter sections.

• Lighthouse lawn: open 8am to sunset.

Walking from the hotel

There's no need to drive. Parking at the lighthouse costs $10 per vehicle per hour with a one-hour limit, and spaces fill quickly at weekends. From Waves, cross the road to Main Beach and walk east along the sand to Clarkes Beach and The Pass, where you join the track.

What you'll see

• The Pass and Wategos Beach, two of Byron's prettiest beaches, with dolphins often in the surf.

• Easterly Point lookout, the most easterly point of mainland Australia.

• Cape Byron Lighthouse, with a café and a maritime museum.

• Whales on their migration in the cooler months: bring binoculars.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise from Easterly Point is unforgettable and the track is quiet. Late afternoon is cooler in summer, and you can finish at Wategos for a drink. The park can close in bad weather or high fire danger, so check the NSW National Parks website first.

Before you go

• Wear good shoes: there are a lot of stairs.

• Take water, a hat and sunscreen, as parts of the track are exposed.

• Stay on the track and keep back from cliff edges.

Back at Waves, grab a coffee from our Light Start breakfast, then head straight to the beach with our towels and boogie boards. See our rooms and suites or book direct and save 10%.