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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
end of Polo street. | Photo by admin, 2008.radar service trail. | Photo by admin, 2008.following the cape bailey walking track. | Photo by admin, 2007.Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower). | Photo by admin, 2007.view of an off shore platform. | Photo by admin, 2008.hanging swamps that line that track. | Photo by admin, 2008.small sand dunes throughout the walk. | Photo by admin, 2007.a closer look at the platform. | Photo by admin, 2008.path up to the cape bailey lighthouse. | Photo by admin, 2008.half way up to the lighthouse. | Photo by admin, 2007.cape bailey lighthouse. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Captain Cook Drive then drive for 460 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 3.5 km
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 2.9 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Captain Cook Drive and drive for another 820 m
Turn right onto Polo Street and drive for another 520 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the end of the Polo St, this walk heads around the metal National Parks gate and south-east along the service trail, with some power lines on the right-hand side. As the track heads further south-east, the track steadily climbs up to the top of a gentle hill and continues along until it comes to the intersection of the Cape Bailey walk and the radar service trail.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 30 m head through/around the gate.
After another 370 m turn left, to head along Polo Trail.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Polo Trail & Yena Track) continue straight, to head along Polo Trail.
After another 370 m (at the intersection of Yena Gap Trail & Polo Trail) turn left.
After another 280 m turn right.
After another 930 m turn right.
After another 45 m veer left.
After another 230 m veer right.
After another 390 m continue straight.
After another 235 m find the "Hanging Swamps" (40 m on your right).
Hanging Swamps
Hanging Swamps
There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Baily walk. They are home to a number of different plants and animals like reeds and frogs. Hanging swamps are formed on high ground when rainfall seeps out of surrounding hills and accumulates in a slight depression, over time forming a swamp. Interestingly, they are sometimes difficult to see from far away as the thick build up of reeds and other plant life often cover the water.
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There are a number of hanging swamps that can be found along the Cape Baily walk. They are home to a number of different plants and animals like reeds and frogs. Hanging swamps are formed on high ground when rainfall seeps out of surrounding hills and accumulates in a slight depression, over time forming a swamp. Interestingly, they are sometimes difficult to see from far away as the thick build up of reeds and other plant life often cover the water.
After another 850 m turn sharp right.
Continue another 95 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.8 km to get back to the start.
About 15 m past the end is "Cape Baily Lighthouse".
Cape Baily Lighthouse
Cape Baily Lighthouse
Established in 1950, the lighthouse was required so north-bound shipping could hug the coast and avoid the strong southerly currents further out to sea. This lighthouse can be found a stone's-throw from the Cape Baily coastal walk, about 1.5 kilometres north from the Joseph Banks Drive car park.
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Established in 1950, the lighthouse was required so north-bound shipping could hug the coast and avoid the strong southerly currents further out to sea. This lighthouse can be found a stone's-throw from the Cape Baily coastal walk, about 1.5 kilometres north from the Joseph Banks Drive car park.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Cape Baily Lighthouse from Polo Street
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
7.7 km
Time
2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Bushwalk
2 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min
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After 30 m head through/around the gate.
After another 235 m find the "Hanging Swamps" (40 m on your right).
About 15 m past the end is "Cape Baily Lighthouse".
