Cape Hawke Lookout Track NSW Australia

Named after First Lord of the Admiralty, Edward Hawke by Captain Cook (a Lieutenant at the time), the Cape Hawke Lookout Track is on the northern end of the Booti Booti National Park. With only a 10-minute drive to travel the 11km from the centre of Forster, it was easy to find. Parking is available in a small carpark at the start of the track, but this will fill up quickly on a busy day. From here it’s uphill for 500m with 420 steps to the top. Don’t be put off by the climb, as there is a bench seat provided to sit and rest on before tackling the rest of the climb.

Maintained by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the track was in very good condition during our visit. Trees have regrown around the 8m tower, but the view is still amazing and worth the climb.

The area is covered with littoral rain forest that is quite dense and very shady on a hot day. Although we heard animals moving through the vegetation, all we saw were some brush turkeys.

The walk downhill back to the car was much easier than going uphill.