Green Cape

Green Cape is a wild, windswept headland at the southernmost tip of New South Wales, where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean. This remote and dramatic coastline is part of the Ben Boyd National Park, offering visitors a raw, untamed landscape of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and historic maritime heritage. It’s a place for those who crave solitude, epic coastal walks, and a deep connection with nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Green Cape Lightstation – A beautifully restored 1880s lighthouse perched on the cliffs, offering guided tours that delve into the lives of keepers and the area’s shipwreck history.
• Whale watching – From June to November, humpback whales migrate past the cape; the viewing platform near the lighthouse is a prime spot.
• Coastal walks – The Light to Light Walk (a 30 km multi-day trek) hugs the coastline, with shorter sections like the 2 km walk to the lighthouse offering stunning ocean views.
• Bittangabee Bay – A sheltered cove with turquoise waters, ideal for a picnic or a swim, and home to the ruins of a 19th-century whaling station.
• Shipwreck remains – The wreck of the Ly-ee-Moon (1886) can be seen at low tide near the lighthouse, a haunting reminder of the cape’s treacherous waters.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring the lighthouse and nearby lookouts, but to truly absorb the area’s wild beauty, plan a full day. If you’re keen on hiking the Light to Light Walk, allow two to three days, with overnight stays at the basic campsites or the historic Keepers’ Cottage. The best time to visit is from spring to autumn (October–April) when weather is milder and whale migration peaks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eden – A charming fishing town 30 km north, with a killer whale museum, seafood restaurants, and the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.
• Ben Boyd National Park – The park itself offers more coastal walks, the historic Boyd’s Tower, and the red-and-white-striped Pinnacles (clay formations).
• Merimbula – A lively resort town 50 km north, known for its oyster farms, boardwalk, and family-friendly beaches.
• Tathra – A historic seaside village with a beautiful wharf, great for fishing and kayaking.
• Nadgee Nature Reserve – A pristine wilderness area south of Green Cape, perfect for birdwatching and remote beach camping.

Please check official sources for current details.