Exploring the Beautiful Cape Banks Walking Track, La Perouse
The Cape Banks Walking Track is one of Sydney’s best coastal walks!
If you’re after an easy walk with a good variety of landscapes, the Cape Banks Walking Track might be for you. This walk in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park is easily accessible by car and public transport. Although it is close to the city, it is a place where you can disconnect and feel utterly secluded. A few minutes into the walk and you’ll completely forget where you are.
The Cape Banks loop is one of the best coastal day hikes close to the city. It might not be as famous as the Bondi to Coogee walk or Manly to Spit Bridge, but I would argue it is just as beautiful. The walk is mostly flat and easy making it a good option for families.
Quick Facts: Cape Banks Walking Track
- The Cape Banks Walking Track is a 7km loop. You can take some small tracks off the main route which add another 2km. It is best to leave about 2.5 hours for the Cape Banks circuit.
- It is a Grade 3 walk, suitable for most ages and fitness levels. There are some inclines but it is all gradual and easy.
- Bare Island, Congwong Beach, Little Congwong Beach, Henry Head, Cruwee Cove, Cape Banks
- Water and toilets available at the beginning of the trail.
Map of the Cape Banks Walking Track
The Cape Banks Walking Track Route
The Cape Banks Walking Track begins at Le Perouse near the Boatshed restaurant. There is a loop road there with plenty of parking. Near the carpark and the start of the walk there are toilets and a water fountain. On weekends, there are usually a few food trucks or ice cream trucks in this area as it is a popular picnic spot for sunset.
The entrance to the Cape Banks walk is on the northeastern side of the ANZAC Parade loop road.
Before starting the hike, make sure you check out the Macquarie Watchtower and walk across the 130 year old bridge to Bare Island. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you can take a guided tour of the old fort on Bare Island. Book in advance on the National Parks NSW website.
From the start of the walk it is only about 300m to Congwong Beach.
Congwong Beach
It always surprises me that Congwong Beach is not more popular. Being as beautiful as it is and only 25 minutes drive from the city, it really is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.
Congwong Beach is the perfect place to set up for a few hours and enjoyr some beach time. It is fairly well protected and the waves peacefully lap on the shore, making it perfect for families.
If you are doing the Cape Banks Loop, you will need to walk along the sand of Congwong Beach. The trail continues on the other end of the beach and heads towards Little Congwong Beach.
Little Congwong Beach
Little Congwong Beach is a bit further and it is an out and back trail. It used to be a nudist beach, but there are signs up now asking people to keep their clothes on. Be aware, not everyone follows the rules!
It is a pretty little beach with turquoise waters and a very calm break. If you plan on spending a few hours at the beach, Little Congwong Beach is worth the short detour. If you want to keep to the main track, you can get a view of Little Congwong Beach if you look along the coast from the start of the trail.
Henry Head
As you continue on towards Henry Head, you’ll walk in the shade of towering eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for native birds and wildlife on this part of the walk.
You’ll walk past a few old World War II bunkers perched on the coastline. They are not particularly well preserved. Most are covered in graffiti and fenced off but there are a few you can take a closer look at.
There are some picturesque, small beaches along this part of the walk such as Cruwee Cove. If you’re into snorkelling, the water is calm and there are some shallow areas with rock pools that are worth checking out.
Cape Banks
As you continue on towards Cape Banks, you will be walking mostly out in the open along the headland. If it is a hot day, make sure you have enough sun protection as this part of the Cape Banks Circuit is very exposed.
There are incredible views making this one of the most impressive sections of the Cape Banks walking track. It feels wild and untouched and will trick you into thinking you are somewhere far more remote. It is areas like this, so close to the city, that truly make you understand why Sydney is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
There is a walkway through the golf course before you reach the small island at Cape Banks. You can access the island via a small bridge. The path here is not as well-maintained as other parts of the Cape Banks trail, but there are some beautiful views of the rugged coastline and out across the Pacific Ocean.
Cemetery Trail
There is an option to talk a short detour to explore the Dharawal Resting Place trail. This area holds significant to local Indigenous communities as a place where ancestral remains were reburied.
There are some graves on the hill from the old Coast Hospital Cemetery in various states of disrepair. Some of the graves dates back to the 1800s when the Coast Hospital was a centre for the treatment of infectious diseases.
If you continue a little further you can also get a nice viewpoint along the coastline.
Jennifer Street Boardwalk
The next part of the walk is less interesting. You will need to walk along the road for a while. It is not a busy road at all, but take care. There are some blind spots where cars can come around the corner rather quickly.
The Jennifer Street Boardwalk is another optional detour from the main Cape Banks walking track that is worth a short stop. It is a very well-maintained boardwalk that weaves through an endangered banksia scrubland. It is a nice place to sit and enjoy a snack as it is mostly shaded and you can spot lots of interesting native birdlife.
Returning to the ANZAC Parade carpark
To get back to the carpark, you will need to turn at the La Perouse National Parks Depot back towards Congwong beach. The track is very well signposted from here so there is little risk of getting lost.
For the final part of the loop, you will be retracing your steps along the Henry Head walking track, back to carpark.
Getting to the Cape Banks Walking Track
If you are driving, the best place to park is along ANZAC Parade at Le Perouse. There are lots of spaces so even on the weekend we were able to get a park without any problems.
Getting to the Cape Banks Walking Track by public transport is really simple. Take the 394X bus from the city, or the 390X from the Bondi Junction. Both buses will drop you at the end of ANZAC Parade near the start of the trail.
Things to bring on the walk
Whether you are walking to the Cape Banks Loop Track or stopping off at one of the beaches, there are portions of the track where shade is limited. For an enjoyable day out, I recommend bringing the following:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen
- Sun protective clothing and hat
- Decent walking shoes
- Long socks (to avoid ending up with sand in your socks after walking on the beach)
- Snacks
- Towel (if you plan on going for a dip)
FAQs
How long is the Cape Banks Walking Track?
The Cape Banks circuit walk is 7km long. If you want to take the side tracks to Little Congwong beach, the Cemetery loop and Jennifer Street boardwalk, the entire walk is about 9km.
I recommend leaving about 3 hours for the hike – maybe a little extra to spend some time at one of the gorgeous beaches!
How difficult is the walk?
The Cape Banks walk is relatively easy. The path is well-maintained in most places. It does involve some walking on rocks, sand and slippery surfaces.
Are there toilets along the Cape Banks Walking Track?
There are toilets at the very start of the walk, near the carpark. There are no toilets along the walk.
Can I fill up my water bottle?
You can fill up your bottle at the water fountain near the start of the trail. There isn’t anywhere to fill up water bottles along the trail.
Is the Cape Banks Circuit accessible?
The Cape Banks Circuit is a combination of sand, dirt paths and small sections of boardwalk. There is a few small sections where you will need to walk over some rocks. Overall, the path is very well-maintained and easy, but unfortunately, not very accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
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Looks like a fab walk – would definitely factor in some time on those gorgeous beaches!