Kamay Botany Bay National Park Sydney
Dramatic coastal park near Sydney with whale watching, hidden caves, and scenic walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime whale watching season
Kamay Botany Bay National Park Sydney
Best Time
Prime whale watching season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal park near Sydney with whale watching, hidden caves, and scenic walks.
"Discover Sydney's hidden coastal gem with breathtaking views and wildlife encounters."
🎯 Find the Secret Cave
Look for a small trail off the Cape Bay track near Cape Solander. Be prepared for rock climbing!
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Cape Solander Lookout is ideal. Visit June-July for the best chance to see whales.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secret Cave at Cape Solander
Cape Solander
Discover a magical, hidden cave with stunning ocean views. A bit of a climb, but worth it for the 'gram!

Whale Watching at Cape Solander Lookout
Cape Solander Lookout
One of Sydney's prime spots for spotting humpback whales during their migration.
Curracurrong Waterfall
Royal National Park (nearby)
Witness the unique sight of a waterfall cascading directly into the ocean. A breathtaking natural wonder.

Coastal Walks & Hidden Beaches
Various trails
Explore scenic clifftop tracks leading to secluded beaches and picturesque coves. Perfect for hikers and photographers.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views & Wildlife
Navigating Kamay's Coastal Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Secret Cave
Look for a small trail off the Cape Bay track near Cape Solander. Be prepared for rock climbing!
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Cape Solander Lookout is ideal. Visit June-July for the best chance to see whales.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Dramatic headlands, ocean views, and hidden spots offer incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Secret Cave
Look for a small trail off the Cape Bay track near Cape Solander. Be prepared for rock climbing!
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Cape Solander Lookout is ideal. Visit June-July for the best chance to see whales.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is a must for exploring.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Dramatic headlands, ocean views, and hidden spots offer incredible photo opportunities.
⚠️ Check Park Alerts
Some tracks might be closed. Always check official park updates before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and the thrill of whale watching at Cape Solander. The 'secret cave' is a highlight for photographers, though accessing it requires some effort. While generally well-maintained, some visitors note that certain trails can be challenging.
"A truly beautiful and peaceful place to explore! The views over the bay are stunning, and the coastal walk is easy and enjoyable for all fitness levels. The historic Captain Cook’s landing site adds a meaningful touch, making it both a scenic and culturally significant stop.
However, a couple of things to keep in mind: there are limited bathroom facilities and not many parking spots close to the main attractions. I’d recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to avoid a long walk from your car."
MIAO YU XU
"Beautiful coastline walk. In the winter sunny days you can just sit here and watch the whales 🐳 we were very lucky to saw them last winter ."
Juju Zhu
"Kamay Botany Bay National Park is an absolute must-visit for whale watching during the season! We had an incredible time spotting whales from the elevated lookouts – truly breathtaking. Beyond the whales, the park's natural beauty and trails make it a fantastic day out. Don't forget your binoculars! Highly recommend this stunning spot."
Raaman Doraisamy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Sydney CBD. You can drive and park at various points like Cape Solander Lookout or Congwong Beach. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there are several parking areas within the park, including at Cape Solander Lookout, Kurnell, and near Congwong Beach. Parking can fill up quickly during peak times, especially during whale watching season.
Public transport options are limited. You might be able to take a train to Cronulla and then a bus, but it's a less direct route. Driving is the most convenient way to explore the park.
The park is best explored by car, allowing you to access different lookouts and trailheads. Once at a location, walking and hiking are the primary ways to see the sights.
Absolutely! It's a perfect day trip destination from Sydney, offering stunning coastal scenery, hiking opportunities, and wildlife spotting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kamay Botany Bay National Park is generally free. However, some specific areas or activities within or adjacent to the park might have associated fees. It's always best to check the official NSW National Parks website for the most current information.
The park is typically open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, specific facilities or lookouts might have restricted access or be closed for maintenance. Always check for any alerts before your visit.
As entry is generally free, advance booking isn't required for general access. If you plan on any specific tours or activities, you may need to book those separately.
Since entry is usually free, specific passes for this park aren't typically needed for general access. However, if you plan to visit multiple NSW National Parks, a multi-park pass might be beneficial for other locations.
If you find the park or a specific area is closed, respect the signage and do not enter. Check the NSW National Parks website for alternative access points or information on when it might reopen.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular tracks include the Cape Banks Track for coastal views and access to the secret cave, and trails around Cape Solander for whale watching. The park offers a variety of walks for different fitness levels.
Cape Solander Lookout is renowned as one of Sydney's top whale watching spots. The elevated position offers excellent views of the ocean.
Yes, the 'secret cave' near Cape Solander is a popular find, offering dramatic photo opportunities. It requires some rock scrambling to access.
Besides whales during migration season, you can spot various seabirds, marine life in rock pools, and potentially kangaroos or wallabies in the more vegetated areas.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastline, ocean vistas, and unique rock formations make it a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The secret cave at Cape Solander, the dramatic cliffs, and the expansive ocean views from various lookouts are prime photography locations. Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for landscape and coastal photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing wildlife.
For personal, non-commercial photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you are planning a professional photoshoot or commercial filming, you will need to contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for permits and fees.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens is useful for whale watching. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance ocean colors.
Capturing the 'secret cave' with the ocean framed within it is a popular challenge. Photographing the Curracurrong Waterfall as it meets the sea is also a unique opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some of the more adventurous trails might be challenging for very young children, there are easier, flatter sections suitable for shorter walks. Congwong Beach is a calmer, more sheltered bay perfect for a family swim or sandcastle building. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for sunrise or sunset to capture the best light, known as the 'golden hour.' The coastal landscapes are particularly dramatic during these times. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas and a telephoto lens if you're hoping to capture wildlife like whales.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Trail Walkers
Ensure you wear sturdy hiking boots, as some trails can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer treks. The park is a great place to explore on foot, offering a chance to connect with nature and discover its hidden beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Secret Cave at Cape Solander
Many visitors discover this spot through social media reels and posts, often sharing tips on how to find the small trail leading down to the cave. It's important to be mindful of the tides and weather conditions when visiting, as the area can become hazardous. The effort to reach it is rewarded with breathtaking views and unique photo opportunities, embodying the adventurous spirit of exploring this coastal park.
Key takeaway: Be prepared for a bit of a climb and always prioritize safety when exploring this natural wonder. The views are spectacular, especially during golden hour.
Whale Watching: A Seasonal Spectacle
To maximize your chances of seeing whales, it's recommended to visit during the peak migration months. Early mornings often offer calmer seas and better visibility. While the Cape Solander Lookout is the most popular spot, other coastal vantage points within the park might also offer sightings. Remember to bring binoculars for a closer look and be patient, as whale sightings are never guaranteed.
Pro-tip: Check local whale watching reports or apps for real-time sightings. The experience of witnessing whales in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.
Coastal Walks and Natural Beauty
Popular routes include the Cape Banks Track, which leads to the aforementioned secret cave and offers stunning views towards Botany Bay. For those seeking a more challenging hike, exploring further along the coast can reveal hidden gems. The park is also home to the Curracurrong Waterfall, a unique natural feature where freshwater meets the sea, offering a picturesque scene.
Remember: Wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and be aware of the terrain. The trails are well-marked, but some sections can be rugged. Enjoy the fresh sea air and the stunning panoramas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit