Cape Byron evening walk: the May sunset spot most visitors miss

The standard Cape Byron lighthouse loop is a 3.7 km walk and takes about two hours. Most visitors do it at sunrise (good call — whales May-November) or in the middle of the day (less good — crowded, hot).

The under-rated alternative: 30-minute one-way at golden hour to the Captain Cook Lookout, then turn back. Mid-May sunsets are around 5pm. You'll be on the headland with golden light hitting the bay, the lighthouse silhouette to the east, and a fraction of the crowd that's up at the actual lighthouse car park.

Bring a torch — the walk back after sunset is dark fast in May (autumn light drops quickly). The track is well-formed; we'd still suggest the torch.

Best paired with: a Bay Kebabs walk-back-to-the-hostel, or one drink at the Beach Hotel sunset lawn beforehand. Pre-dinner timing works perfectly.