What is the easternmost point of mainland Australia?
Cape Byron in New South Wales is the easternmost point of mainland Australia. It sits beside the coastal town of Byron Bay, and a lighthouse built in 1901 stands on the headland.
Captain James Cook named Cape Byron in 1770 after John Byron, a British navigator and the grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. Today a walking track leads from the town to the lighthouse and the official marker at the easternmost point.
Many people walk to the cape to watch the sunrise, as it is one of the first places on the mainland to see the sun each day. Humpback whales pass close to shore during their winter migration, and dolphins are often seen in the waves.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is famous for surf beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and festivals. The surrounding hinterland is known for rainforest, farms and small villages.
Cape Byron State Conservation Area protects the headland, rainforest pockets and coastal heath, and the surrounding marine park protects reefs and fish.
Did You Know?
Cape Byron Lighthouse has one of the most powerful lights in Australia, visible far out to sea.