$1.25 million grant for much-needed Byron Bay footpath

Published on 20 May 2025

The walk from Byron Bay’s town centre to the Cape Byron lighthouse is done by thousands of people every month, but if you ask a local, the stretch from The Pass turnoff on Lighthouse Road is in desperate need of an upgrade.

The State Government agrees, this week announcing $1.25 million for a new footpath from Brooke Drive towards the lighthouse as part of its Get NSW Active program which aims to improve active transport infrastructure in cities and country areas.

“This news that we are getting a new, safe, formalised path will be well received by everyone who does this walk to the lighthouse,” Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said.

“The existing gravel walking track is narrow and there’s a constant stream of traffic going past which makes if feel quite unsafe at times.

“Over the years Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have invested a lot of money improving infrastructure in the area for pedestrians and this stretch of the walk is the missing link so we’re very grateful to receive funding,” Mayor Ndiaye said.

“As well as the safety improvements, this funding is intended to improve pathway designs with educational signage, additional seating and other placemaking features that enhance walkers’ appreciation of our beautiful environment.”

“We will also be adding traffic calming measures to slow everyone down and this will make it safer for wildlife as well as people.

“While locals often do the walk every day or weekly as part of their exercise regime, it’s also on the ‘must do’ list of many visitors.

“Council is all about getting people to leave their cars at home and walk, roll or ride so this project aligns perfectly with this,” she said.

Staff are in the process of finalising the design for the path, with construction expected to start in the second half of 2026.