Discover Cape Solander
Cape Solander, located in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, is one of Sydney’s most popular whale-watching locations. Set against a backdrop of rugged coastal cliffs and sweeping ocean views, this lookout offers visitors the perfect vantage point to witness the majestic migration of humpback whales. Every year from May to October, whale enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to Cape Solander to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures as they pass close to the shore.
The History of Cape Solander
Cape Solander is named after Daniel Solander, a Swedish botanist who accompanied Captain James Cook and fellow botanist, Joseph Banks, on their famous expedition to Australia aboard the Endeavour in 1768. Solander’s contributions to botany were significant, and he, along with Banks, played a pivotal role in cataloging an abundance of unique flora. This also provided inspiration for the initial name "Botanist Bay", for what we now know as Botany Bay.
This area is also the ancestral land of the Gweagal and Goorawal Aboriginal people. The intertwining of European exploration and Indigenous heritage makes Cape Solander a place of profound historical resonance. Visitors are encouraged to respect the space and take time to learn about the Indigenous history that enriches the area.
Whale Watching at Cape Solander
When to Visit
The peak months of June and July offer the best opportunities to see humpback whales as they journey north to warmer waters. However, sightings are common throughout the migration season (May to November), and if you're lucky, you might spot whales swimming as close as 200 meters from the coastline.
What You'll See
The most commonly sighted species include:
- Humpback Whales
- Southern Right Whales
- Occasionally, the elusive Gray Whale
Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
- Bring Binoculars and a Camera: Enhance your viewing experience and capture memorable moments.
- Dress Warmly: The area is unsheltered and can be windy, so wear appropriate clothing.
- Safety First: Stay within designated viewing areas and supervise children closely due to uneven surfaces and high cliffs.
The Cape Solander Viewing Platform
The lookout at Cape Solander features a specially designed concrete viewing platform equipped with information boards about the types of whales visitors might spot. During the migration season, friendly volunteers and park rangers are often on hand to share insights and help you spot these magnificent creatures. The choppy waters, combined with whitewash, can make it difficult to spot whales on windy days, but patience and persistence often pay off.
Visiting the Cape Solander Viewing Platform
Accessing Cape Solander’s viewing platform is straightforward. If traveling by car, follow Captain Cook Drive towards Kurnell and take the left at the T-intersection, followed by a right onto Cape Solander Drive. The roads are sealed and accessible for 2WD vehicles in all weather conditions. If you’re using public transport, plan your trip with Transport NSW’s Trip Planner to easily reach the area.
Once you arrive at Cape Solander the lookout area has ample parking, though it can get quite busy on weekends and during whale watching season. Accessible parking spaces are also available for visitors with disabilities.
Please note, a daily entry fee of $8 per vehicle is required to enter Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Be sure to check the gate opening times, which vary by season. From August to May, the gates are open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm, while from June to July, they close earlier at 5:30 pm.
Exploring Kamay Botany Bay National Park
Cape Solander is part of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, a stunning coastal area divided into two major headlands. The northern headland at La Perouse offers a range of family-friendly beaches, walking tracks, and historical sites. While the southern headland at Kurnell is home to Cape Solander and several scenic coastal trails.
Notable trails include:
- Cape Baily Walking Track: A 6 km return trail that leads to the Cape Baily Lighthouse, offering panoramic coastal views.
- Muru and Yena Tracks: These two tracks form a 3 km circuit that connects the Kurnell Visitor Centre with the Yena Picnic Area. Running parallel to each other, they offer a more gentle bushwalk through the park's coastal landscape.
The Cape Baily Walk
The Cape Baily Walk is a scenic, easy trail that begins at Cape Solander and stretches along the coastline to the Cape Baily Lighthouse. Covering a distance of approximately 6.9 km from the Cape Solander car park or 9.3 km if starting from Polo Street, this mostly flat path with little elevation gain, is a relaxed walk suitable for all fitness levels.
Allow about two hours to complete the round-trip journey, though whale watchers may want to extend their visit to maximize viewing opportunities.
Starting the Trail from Polo Street
- To avoid the $8 parking fee at Cape Solander, begin the walk at Polo Street, where parking is free.
- Follow the wide, tree-lined path for about 400 meters before veering left onto a narrower trail.
- Once you arrive at Cape Solander, take a moment to enjoy the ocean views from the viewing platform before continuing your journey along the coastal cliffs.
Cape Baily Walk Highlights
Leaving Cape Solander, the trail hugs the coastline, alternating between boardwalks and flat sandstone cliffs. The uninterrupted views of the ocean are breathtaking, particularly in whale season when you can witness these magnificent creatures breaching and tail-slapping just offshore. Even during the off-season, the walk is still a treat, with dramatic cliffs, rugged headlands, and crashing waves below.
As you continue along the cliffs, you’ll come across Tabbigai Gap. Between 1920 and 1969, a small community lived here in houses built directly into the cliffs. An information board displays fascinating photos, giving visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of these residents.
The boardwalk eventually leads you past a series of heathlands and swamps, alive with plant and animal life, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom. Keep an ear out for the distinctive sounds of frogs that inhabit these wetland areas.
The Cape Baily Lighthouse, while small, marks the turning point of the trail. Though not as visually impressive up close as it is from a distance, the lighthouse serves as a historical marker, helping ships navigate the treacherous coastal waters. From here, you can look back towards Sydney, with views stretching as far as the city’s skyline on a clear day.
Cape Solander Safety and Visitor Information
Stay Safe
Much like its precarious neighbor, Wedding Cake Rock, Cape Solander requires visitors to be careful when visiting its viewing platform and traversing its surrounding trails.
- Cliff Hazards: Be aware that the cliffs are unfenced, high, and overhanging rocks can be dangerously thin. Fatalities have occurred due to falls.
- Uneven Terrain: Wear sturdy footwear to navigate rocky and uneven surfaces safely. Always stay on the marked walking tracks and keep a close eye on children.
- Diving Caution: Diving conditions can change rapidly; only experienced divers should attempt, and always with caution.
- Phone Coverage: Mobile reception is limited, so it’s a good idea to download the Emergency Plus app for emergencies.
- Other Activities: For those interested in more adventurous activities like fishing, it’s essential to follow the relevant safety tips provided by the national park authorities.
Facilities
Cape Solander offers several stone benches along the lookout points where you can sit and enjoy the view. However, there are no toilet facilities or food and drink amenities directly at the lookout—the nearest amenities are located about 2 km away at Kurnell Visitor Centre, Commemoration Flat car park, and Cricket Pitch car park.
Essential Packing for the Cape Baily Walk
When embarking on the Cape Baily Walk, it’s important to be well-prepared, especially given the exposed nature of the coastal track. Here are some recommended items:
- Sunscreen: The open cliffs offer little shade, so a high-SPF (50+) sunscreen is essential.
- Rain Jacket: Sydney’s weather can be unpredictable, so a lightweight, waterproof jacket will keep you dry if conditions change.
- Comfortable Day Pack: A sturdy pack is helpful for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
- Good Hiking Shoes: With a mix of boardwalks, sandstone, and occasional muddy patches, supportive hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the walk by bringing plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Explore Beyond Cape Solander with CityDays
While Cape Solander offers a captivating experience, the exploration doesn’t have to stop there. CityDays provides a range of scavenger hunts and treasure hunts throughout Sydney, designed for team-building and adventure.
Our Secrets of the CBD Hunt is the perfect way to experience the city, promising an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
And the fun isn’t limited to Sydney—CityDays offers these dynamic hunts across the world, giving you a chance to engage in memorable adventures wherever you go.
For more information about our Sydney Scavenger Hunts then click here: Sydney Scavenger & Treasure Hunts | CityDays.
