
Kurnell Area

Park alerts
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
5 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 10:05 am
- Closed areas
Bare Island closed
Bare Island will be closed from 24 August 2026 and is expected to remain closed until late 2027 while major repairs are undertaken on the timber bridge.
During construction, the precinct, including the access road, bridge, rock shelf and Bare Island Fort, will be closed to visitors. Fencing will be in place and construction crews will be working on-site. Please follow all on-site signage and directions.
We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience while these important works are completed to ensure safe access to Bare Island into the future.
To learn more about the project, visit the Bare Island bridge repairs webpage, email the project team or call the local area office on 02 9337 5511.
About
The area at a glance
Kamay Botany Bay National Park
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.
Kurnell Visitor Centre is being upgraded and it's closed to visitors. When it reopens, it's a great place to start your exploration of Botany Bay’s southern headland. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and history, including encounters with the crew of HMS Endeavour in 1770.
Instead, visit Cape Solander lookout – one of Sydney’s best vantage points for whale watching. From here, take Cape Baily track for a longer walk through beautiful native heathland — keep your eyes peeled for native birds including sea eagles.
There are several easy walks including Banks-Solander track and Burrawang Walk which passes 3 huge bronze sculptures named: The Eyes of the Land and the Sea, Nuwi/Canoes, and The Whales. You'll also pass several historic sites, including Captain Cooks Landing Place.
If you’re into snorkelling and scuba diving, try diving around Inscription Point or off the more sheltered Sutherland Point.
- Walks
- 4
- Historic places
- 2
- Lookouts
- 2
- Picnic areas
- 2
Plan your visit
Access, facilities and practical details.
Best times to visit
Spring
Take the Cape Baily walk to birdwatch, see the Cape Baily lighthouse, and if you're lucky, spot humpback whales returning south. Visit in November when daylight saving begins in NSW - It's lighter for longer and the Kurnell area is open until 7.30pm. Pack a picnic and enjoy the cool sea breeze at Commemoration Flat.
Summer
Bring your scuba gear and explore the rocky reefs at Botany Bay's entrance, including Sutherland and Inscription Points and maybe even glimpse sea horses and sea dragons. Cool off with a quiet saltwater swim at Silver Beach. Pack a picnic and summer can be a busy time at this park.
Winter
Head to Cape Solander lookout to see migrating humpback whales swimming close to the coast. Winter is a very busy time in this park, and parking is not always available at Cape Solander. Set off on the extended Henry Head walking track to photograph the SS Minmi shipwreck, just off Cape Banks (low tide only).
Places to discover
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Historic places (2)
Walks in this area
- Banks-Solander track
Grade 2 · Easy · 0.7km loop · 15 - 30min
Plants and animals
Animals
- White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
Plants
- Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
- Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
- Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Frequently asked questions
8 questionsNearby places
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Before you go
Vehicle entry
$8 per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only
Get in touch
Website
Visit websiteKurnell Visitor Centre
02 9668 2010npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au21 Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell NSW 2231
CLOSED TO VISITORS; Email and phone contact only; Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, 9.30am to 4pm; Closed Christmas holiday
Where you'll be
Cape Solander Drive
Kurnell NSW 2231









