Green Cape, NSW: Lighthouse tours and whale-watching
Green Cape lighthouse tours in the Ben Boyd National Park near Eden, NSW, delve into shipwreck stories. You can also try land-based whale-watching from the Green Cape Lookout.
Green Cape, NSW, is one of the best places in Australia for land-based whale-watching. The Green Cape Lookout is located just south of Eden on New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast. It’s pretty close to the Victorian border, and is part of the soon-to-be-renamed Ben Boyd National Park.
Whale-watching from Green Cape Lookout
During whale season from May to September, migrating whales regularly pass the clifftops here. They’re easily sighted from the Green Cape Lookout.
Even if you don’t see whales, there’s a good chance of spotting other wildlife. Albatrosses, gannets and sea eagles can often be seen gliding, while seals and dolphins can be seen in the ocean below. There’s also a big muttonbird migration in October.
Green Cape Lighthouse tours
The other main reason to visit the Green Cape section of the Ben Boyd National Park is the Green Cape Lighthouse.
This is the southernmost second tallest lighthouse in New South Wales, and has a remarkable history. Tours led by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service cost $14, and delve into fabulous stories of disaster and survival. A key story is about the Ly-ee-Moon, a passenger ship that was wrecked beneath the lighthouse in 1886.
These Green Cape Lighthouse tours cost $14, and need advance booking. Visitors allowed to climb the stairs for panoramic views of Disaster Bay.
How to get to Green Cape, NSW
To get to Green Cape, you need to drive along a sometimes iffy road. After wet weather, a four wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended.
The other way there is walking on the Light To Light Walk. This 30km walk starts at Boyds Tower, and is best tackled over two to three days, camping at beachside campgrounds along the way.
The Light to Light Walk includes some pretty stunning clifftop views, as well as forest scenery, banksia woodland and cute cove beaches.
Other things to do in Eden include Cat Balou cruises on Twofold Bay, swimming at Aslings Beach Rock Pool and the Eden Killer Whale Museum.
Accommodation options in Eden include the central Heritage House Motel and the Snug Cove Villas, which come with spa baths.
This article came as a result of a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip in March/ April 2022. This trip was supported by Tourism Australia.
More New South Wales South Coast travel
Stop in Bungendore and Braidwood on the Canberra to Batemans Bay drive.
Go walking in Mimosa Rocks National Park near Bega.
Take the kids swimming in Moona Moona Creek between Huskisson and Vincentia, Jervis Bay.
See kangaroos at the Pambula caravan park in Pambula.