Captain Cook Lookout: Coastal Views and History
Breathtaking coastal views from a historic lookout point in Byron Bay, perfect for picnics, whale watching, and exploring the Cape Byron walking track.
Captain Cook Lookout, located on Lighthouse Road in Byron Bay, NSW, offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and serves as a tribute to Captain James Cook, who sailed along this coast in the 18th century. It's a popular spot for picnics, whale watching, and accessing walking trails.
A brief summary to Captain Cook lookout & picnic area
- Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481, AU
- +61266398300
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure parking as it can be limited.
- Bring binoculars for whale watching during the migration season (June to November).
- Pack a picnic to enjoy the scenic views from the picnic area.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the Cape Byron walking track.
- Consider purchasing a NSW National Parks Single Country Park Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks in the area to save on parking fees.
Getting There
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Walking
From Byron Bay town center, head east on Jonson Street towards Main Beach. Continue to Lawson Street and follow it to the roundabout. Take the second exit onto Lighthouse Road. Walk along Lighthouse Road for approximately 1.5 kilometers. Follow the signs for Captain Cook Lookout. Note that this is an uphill walk.
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Public Transport
Take a local bus from Byron Bay town center towards the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Alight at the bus stop nearest to the lighthouse. Follow the signs to Lighthouse Road and walk towards Captain Cook Lookout, approximately 500 meters uphill. Bus fares are paid in cash to the driver.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From Byron Bay town center, a taxi or ride-share to Captain Cook Lookout takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Expect to pay around AUD $20-30, depending on the time of day and demand. Note that during peak times, securing a taxi or Uber can be difficult.
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Driving
From Byron Bay town center, follow Lawson Street which turns into Lighthouse Road. Continue along Lighthouse Road until you reach Captain Cook Lookout. Parking is available at the lookout. Parking fees are $5 per hour. Consider purchasing a NSW National Parks Single Country Park Pass for unlimited parking at multiple sites.
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