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Bare Island Fort

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Bare Island Fort

Captain Cook first spotted the area now known as Bare Island in 1770, and referred to it in his journal as 'a small bare island'. The fort was built in the early 1880s to protect Sydney’s back door. It was in operation until 1908, after which time it became Australia's first war veterans' home. Bare Island Fort’s structure provides a picturesque backdrop for any event, with spectacular scenic views over La Perouse. You may also recognise the island as the location for some thrilling action sequences in the Hollywood film, Mission: Impossible 2. The water surrounding Bare Island Fort is also one of the most popular scuba diving sites in NSW, as well as a very popular location for snorkelling in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

La Perouse NSW

0.1 km away

La Perouse Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

La Perouse Museum

La Perouse Museum is located on Kamay Botany Bay National Park’s northern headland. The museum is housed within the historic Cable Station building, once Australia’s only link to the rest of the world. The La Perouse Monument is located nearby. Almost 2,000 items across several rooms of exhibits document the 1787–1788 expedition of French explorer the Comte de Lapérouse. Items include the complete Atlas of the Voyage of La Perouse. Lapérouse arrived in Botany Bay a week after the First Fleet. His expedition was last seen in what is now national parkland before mysteriously vanishing. The fascinating exhibits in La Perouse Museum also tell stories of the local area, including Aboriginal stories.

La Perouse NSW

0.2 km away

Congwong Beach

Natural Attractions

Congwong Beach

Congwong Beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing family day out in Sydney's Kamay Botany National Park. Easy to reach from Cann Park in La Perouse, via a 100m path with steps, this sheltered sandy beach is great for children. Lounge on your beach blanket, surrounded by nature, and take in beautiful views of Botany Bay and Bare Island. Bathe in gently lapping waves, or head to the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach to cast your fishing line. Congwong Beach and nearby Bare Island are popular spots for snorkelling and scuba diving, especially in spring and autumn. It's an ideal spot to cool off after hiking the return walking tracks to Henry Head and Cape Banks, or cycling the La Perouse loop. Watch seabirds dip and dive and keep an eye out for passing dolphins as you enjoy a beach picnic. Or, head to local cafes for lunch or dinner. Don't forget to take in the local history at Bare Island Fort and La Perouse Museum.

La Perouse NSW

0.4 km away

Henry Head Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Henry Head Walking Track

Grab your backpack and follow Henry Head walking track as it curves along the clifftops and beaches of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. This easy, four kilometre walk will reward you with dramatic views across Botany Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond as you make your way to Endeavour Lighthouse at Henry Head. There two options for where this walk can be started - La Perouse Museum at Cann Park on Anzac Parade; or the carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue. Take a break to admire the views, and check out Henry Head’s historic World War II battlements – part of Sydney’s early coastal defence systems. If all this isn’t enough to pique your interest, there’s always the bird watching. Kookaburras, lorikeets and yellow-tailed black cockatoos are just some of the species you might encounter as you stride along this walk. Reptiles such as skinks, blue-tongue lizards and water dragons are also common around here.

La Perouse NSW

0.5 km away

Little Bay Beach - Little Bay — Image credit: Randwick City Council

Natural Attractions

Little Bay Beach - Little Bay

It may be the steep, wooden staircase that keeps Little Bay Beach from being overrun with sunseekers despite its proximity to the city. But if you’re willing and able to make the descent, you’ll be rewarded with an uncrowded gem of calm waters and gold sands just south of Malabar. Rock ledges hem in this small, unpatrolled beach that is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and you’ll find a child-friendly, man-made rockpool on the southern end. There are toilets, changerooms and showers halfway down the staircase, and a café at the top of the beach (near the chapel) is on-hand to dispense coffee and other refreshments to fuel a day of relaxed beach-going.

Little Bay NSW

2.1 km away

Banks-Solander Track — Image credit: Photo: Andy Richards

Natural Attractions

Banks-Solander Track

Banks-Solander track highlights the important botanical value of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Kurnell. Many of Australia’s plants were first collected and described in the area by Cook's botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, in 1770. The track features informative panels showcasing numerous plant types that fascinated Banks and Solander more than 240 years ago. Starting at the Kurnell Visitor Centre, this well-maintained track offers an easy 700 metre walk past eucalypts, banksias and ferns. Banks-Solander track is a self-guided walk, so you can take as long as you like to complete it. It branches off from Yena trail, so continue on if you prefer a longer walk.

Kurnell NSW

2.1 km away

Captain Cooks landing place — Image credit: DPIE

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Captain Cooks landing place

In 1770, the HMB Endeavour with Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook and his crew landed at Botany Bay's Inscription Point. The crew stayed in the area for 8 days and had a dramatic impact on Australian history. Nationally heritage-listed, this reserve interprets the story of the meeting of European and Aboriginal cultures. Three bronze sculptures were installed in 2020 as part of the 250th anniversary of the encounter. These are named: The Eyes of the Land and the Sea, Nuwi/Canoes, and The Whales. These can easily be found on a walk along the foreshore. Visit Kamay Botany Bay National Park to discover this significant place yourself. The best way to get there is along the Burrawang walk that features a soundscape of Aboriginal songs and stories. As you pass over the dune you'll see views of the bay where the Endeavour was first sighted. A small plaque marks the location where Captain Cook landed; near Silver Beach on the Kurnell Peninsula headland. Take a virtual tour of Captain Cooks landing place, captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Kurnell NSW

2.2 km away

Burrawang walk

Natural Attractions

Burrawang walk

Like the Banks-Solander track, the Burrawang walk begins at the Kurnell Visitor Centre. This easy walk tells the story of the first meeting of European and Aboriginal culture. A soundscape, featuring Aboriginal language, children laughing and clap sticks will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time and give you a sense of the strong Aboriginal connection to Country. The Burrawang walk takes you past several of the area’s historic sites, including the welcome wall, the freshwater stream, the meeting place, Banks’ Memorial, Ferry Shelter Shed and Captain Cook’s Landing Place. Along the route, you’ll see several interpretive signs outlining the park’s cultural and natural history.

Kurnell NSW

2.3 km away

The Urban Beehive Port Botany

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Urban Beehive Port Botany

The Urban Beehive is driven by two beekeepers, Doug Purdie and Vicky Brown, who met through the New South Wales Beekeepers Association and decided things were getting serious with bees. The Urban Beehive aims to put beehives all over Sydney – to boost natural pollination and help maintain the honeybees' genetic diversity before it’s too late. They do this by capturing feral bee swarms to populate their beehives (where possible), rather than purchasing packaged bees or queen bees from breeders. In this way, they help protect the wild bee genetic lines that need strengthening in case the worst happens and Varroa or some other pest infiltrates the borders. They’re also offering the community a service by re-housing honeybees that otherwise might be destroyed.

Port Botany NSW

3.0 km away

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Filled with significant sites, coastal landscapes and heritage-listed attractions, Kamay Botany Bay National Park is an easy day out in Sydney's south. Separated by the marine-rich waters of historic Botany Bay, the park's northern and southern headlands feature a unique combination of natural and cultural heritage. Explore the southern area around Kurnell where in 1770, local Aboriginal people encountered the crew of the Endeavour. The northern area at La Perouse is just as fascinating, where French explorer Comte de Laperouse was last sighted in 1788. This park is also blessed with several sheltered coves and beaches, if you like swimming in salt water without fighting the surf. Its diverse waters offer plenty of beautiful snorkelling and scuba diving spots suitable for all levels of experience. You'll find rocky reefs at the entrance of Botany Bay, and underwater sea grass meadows inside the bay itself.

Kurnell NSW

3.1 km away

Cape Solander

Natural Attractions

Cape Solander

Want to go whale watching in Sydney? Cape Solander is undoubtedly one of Sydney's best whale watching spots. June and July are the best times to see humpback whales as they migrate north to warmer waters, but they can also be spotted between May and October. If you're lucky you won't even need to look far whales have been known to swim as close as 200m from the coast. Named after botanist Daniel Solander, Cape Solander features a lookout with a special viewing platform the perfect vantage point along with information on whales seen in Sydney waters. If you plan on a coastal walk through the park, then Cape Solander is a good starting point. It's also a great spot for birdwatching or simply gazing at the clear horizon. You can also learn more about the significance of the whale in local Aboriginal culture in this State Library video interview with Wallangang Elder, Glen Timbery . Take a virtual tour of Cape Solander captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Kurnell NSW

3.2 km away

Malabar Beach

Natural Attractions

Malabar Beach

Despite its proximity to tourist hotspots such as La Perouse and Maroubra Beach, Malabar Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Sydney. With calm swimming conditions and relatively few visitors, Malabar Beach is a top choice for young children and families. Its sands stretch for about 200 metres, with sandstone rocks and cliffs found at both ends of the beach. You can find a boat ramp towards the northern end of the beach, as well as a rock pool further south, just below Randwick Golf Club. Malabar Beach is backed by Cromwell Park, a grassy area featuring a children’s playground as well as public toilets, showers and change rooms. Popular activities at Malabar Beach area include swimming, jogging, snorkelling, rock fishing, kayaking and even scuba diving. In fact, there are two popular diving sites to explore here: the shipwrecks of the MV Malabar and the SS Goolgwai. Visitors should be aware that Malabar Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards. The best time of year for surfing Malabar with consistent clean waves is during autumn and most often the month of June. Clean surfable waves are typically found 16% of the time in June while 19% of the time it tends to be blown out.

Malabar NSW

3.3 km away

Silver Beach — Image credit: Sutherland Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Silver Beach

Silver Beach is a stretch of beach on the Kurnell peninsula fronting Botany Bay. There is a netted swimming area mid-way along Silver Beach. This swimming area is not patrolled. For a bite to eat head to Cook at Kurnell, The General Store, The Milkhouse or 1770 Bakery and Cafe. Silver Beach has a dog off leash area between the third and fourth groynes (jetties) from the western end. Dogs are prohibited on Silver Beach at all other locations. Access is off Prince Charles Parade.

Kurnell NSW

3.8 km away

Malabar Headland National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Malabar Headland National Park

Dramatic cliff top views and rugged bushland make Malabar Headland National Park a popular spot for coast walks and fishing. Keep an eye out for humpbacks cruising the Pacific Ocean during whale watching season too. Tucked between public beaches and parks, the natural landscape is dominated by towering cliffs, sandstone escarpments and remnant heritage structures. Get away from the urban crowds and discover expansive views all the way north to Bondi and south to La Perouse. If you're looking to cool off in summer you'll find popular swimming spots nearby, with Maroubra Beach and Malabar Beach located near either end of Western Escarpment walking track and Boora Point walking track. And nature lovers will find several species of wildlife and protected vegetation, including the critically endangered eastern suburbs banksia scrub. ANZAC Rifle Range The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park is subject to closure when the adjacent ANZAC Rifle Range is in use. This is the largest rifle range in the southern hemisphere and is headquarters to the New South Wales Rifle Association. Please check all safety messages and alerts before visiting.

Malabar NSW

4.1 km away

Western Escarpment Walking Track - Malabar Headland National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Western Escarpment Walking Track - Malabar Headland National Park

Get back to nature on Western Escarpment walking track in Sydney's Malabar Headland National Park, near Maroubra. This short 1.15 kilometre walking track links to the Boora Point Walking Track and provides a direct connection between South Maroubra Beach and Malabar Beach. Boasting an abundance of bird life, wildflowers and coastal views, you can also spot migrating Humpback Whales or Seals during June and July. Western Escarpment Walking Track offers a year-round alternative to Boora Point Walking Track, which closes when ANZAC Rifle Range is in use.

Malabar NSW

4.6 km away

Kurnell Area — Image credit: NPWS

Natural Attractions

Kurnell Area

Kurnell area is at the southern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Cronulla. Go whale watching or explore some of NSW's most significant heritage sites—and see why Kurnell Peninsula headland was included in the National Heritage List in 2004. 8AUD per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins. The park also has credit card accepting payment facilities.

Kurnell NSW

4.9 km away

Arthur Byrne Reserve — Image credit: Destination NSW

Parks and Gardens

Arthur Byrne Reserve

Arthur Byrne Reserve is a large grassed beachside park located directly adjacent to Maroubra Beach. It has many grassed areas screened by native trees and shrubs, making it an ideal location for a BBQ or picnic. Larger and more open areas are used for kite flying, informal ball sports, walking and jogging. Park facilities include picnic shelters, BBQs, bubblers, beach access and toilets and change rooms in the surf lifesaving club house. The Maroubra Skate Park is located within the reserve. There is also a free outdoor gym which contains a wide range of strength and cardio equipment. Alcohol is prohibited at Arthur Byrne Reserve from sunset to sunrise. Public toilets are located on the Maroubra Beach promenade.

Maroubra NSW

5.0 km away

Cape Baily Lighthouse

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cape Baily Lighthouse

Opened in 1950, Cape Baily Lighthouse is known for its unusual 1950s concrete tower and 19th century Chance Brothers lantern, powered by solar panels. Built to let north-bound ships travel closer to the coast to avoid strong currents further out to sea, it's still in use today. You can reach the lighthouse along a 3km walk from the end of Cape Solander Drive, which offers beautiful coastal views and seasonal whale watching. It's easily combined with a visit to Cape Solander lookout.

Kurnell NSW

5.2 km away

Mahon Pool — Image credit: Destination NSW

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Mahon Pool

Mahon Pool is a rock pool located to the north of Maroubra Beach at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve. The exposed rock outcrops and cliffs above it make it a spectacular venue. Steep steps lead down to the ocean pool from a car park on Marine Parade. There is a toilet block, showers and change rooms on the cliff overlooking the pool.

Maroubra NSW

5.9 km away

Quibray Bay viewing platform

Natural Attractions

Quibray Bay viewing platform

Nestled within Towra Point Nature Reserve near Kurnell, Quibray Bay viewing platform offers magnificent views of maintained, fragile ecosystems without disturbing the surrounding plants and animals. The short boardwalk features wild acacia and banksia on either side, which then opens out to the viewing platform. Birdwatching and nature photography are at their best here, as the views sprawl broadly across the coastline; migratory birds come to breed and nest along these ancient shores. The mangroves, saltmarsh and mudflats of Towra Point Nature Reserve are also visible and in spring, full-bloomed wildflowers dab the landscape with bright, untamed colour.

Kurnell NSW

6.0 km away

Come and Try - Archery! — Image credit: Serina Stretton

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sydney Bowmen Archery Club

Sydney Bowmen Archery Club is a family and disability-friendly club of children, women and men of all ages and nationalities, located in South Coogee. For people who are new to archery, they offer a two-hour introductory session every every Sunday. For a small fee, you will receive all equipment and be able to shoot in the non-members area, overseen by one of their trainers. Please note, that all children must be over eight years old. Please go to the website for booking details. Instructors will be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

South Coogee NSW

6.2 km away

Towra Spit Beach

Natural Attractions

Towra Spit Beach

A honeycomb-coloured stretch of sand surrounding a wildlife reserve, Towra Spit Beach is a wonderful spot for bird watchers, if you have a boat to get there. 16 kilometres southwest of Sydney, Towra Spit Beach's mix of RAMSAR protected wetlands, sand flats, mangroves and seagrass can only be reached by boat. Be sure to use one of the public moorings when you pull up with your boat to protect the fragile seagrass beds. The beach can be very busy on weekends and public holidays. If you're lucky enough to enjoy this tranquil beach on your own during the week then pack a picnic to enjoy by its calm waters. Visitors will mostly be of the winged kind; rare migrating birds wade the coastline. Dogs are not permitted and it's critical that endangered migratory shorebirds like the pied oystercatchers remain protected while nesting, roosting and feeding on the beach. Located inside Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, line fishing is permitted but spearfishing, beach collecting, anchoring, and other activities are not. The silhouettes of Captain Cooks and Tom Uglys bridges are a reminder that you're not far from the city, even though you'll feel miles away.

Kurnell NSW

6.7 km away

Towra Point Nature Reserve

National Parks and Reserves

Towra Point Nature Reserve

Towra Point Nature Reserve is a place of many contrasts. It forms the largest and most diverse estuarine wetland complex in Sydney. Representing around half of the remaining mangrove area near Sydney, and most of the saltmarshes remaining in the region, this park is as beautiful as it is fragile and complex. It's listed as an internationally significant RAMSAR site. Be sure to use one of the public moorings if you pull up with your boat and avoid anchoring in the fragile seagrass beds. With an abundance of mangroves, mudflat, fresh water wetlands, and seagrass beds, the reserve teems with life. It provides breeding, feeding and roosting sites for many threatened and migratory bird species, which makes this reserve ideal for wetland birdwatching. Dogs are not permitted and its critical that migratory shorebirds like pied oystercatchers remain protected. The reserve is surrounded Towra Point Aquatic Reserve with a mix of sanctuary zones and refuge zones.

Kurnell NSW

7.1 km away

Wylie's Bath, Coogee — Image credit: Destination NSW

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Wylies Baths

Wylie's Baths is located just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, sitting right below the magnificent Maroubra to Bondi coastal walkway. The Baths has sweeping 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooks the famous Wedding Cake Island. Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance and underwater swimmer, established Wylie's Baths in 1907. The construction of the Baths coincided with an emerging interest in seaside baths in Sydney at the turn of the century. Come to Wylie's Baths and after a refreshing swim, lay on a comfortable massage bed and enjoy the relaxing effect of trained, skillfull hands while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean... Individual learn to swim and coaching lessons by qualified instructors are available by appointment.

Coogee NSW

7.4 km away

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