Captain Cook Lookout & Picnic Area

Captain Cook Lookout & Picnic Area is a useful stopping point for exploring the coastal landscape around Byron Bay. Set within Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, it offers parking, picnic tables and access to nearby beaches, making it a practical place to pause before heading out along the surrounding walking routes.

The standout option is the 3.7 km Walgun Cape Byron walking track, which runs beneath the Cape Byron Lighthouse and takes in coastal cliffs, rainforest and beaches. The area has a relaxed, outdoors-focused feel rather than a formal attraction setup: bring drinking water, a hat and sunscreen, settle in for a picnic, then continue towards the headlands, rainforest or shoreline. Accessibility is listed as medium.

It suits families looking for an easy break, groups wanting a picnic base and solo visitors combining a short stop with a longer coastal walk. The wider conservation area also has strong cultural and environmental significance. NPWS works with Aboriginal community partners to protect The Pass midden, archaeological material that was recorded in the area and repatriated to Country in 2013. Check current alerts before visiting, as the reserve can close in poor weather or during periods of fire danger.