Cape Byron Headland Reserve is a State Conservation Area managed by a local trust, the Cape Byron Trust. It comprises spectacular sea cliffs, rare and beautiful coastal vegetation, spectacular beaches and a high quality walking track system that offers spectacular views of both the surrounding Cape Byron Marine Park and the hinterland to the west.

Situated on the most Easterly point of mainland Australia, the Reserve is a popular tourist destination. The Cape Byron Lighthouse and light-keepers cottages, built in 1901, are an outstanding feature of the Reserve. All the buildings are listed on the National Estate Register, and offer visitors an insight into what life was like in the days of the lighthouse keepers.

Aboriginal culture is alive and well at Cape Byron. The Cape is very special to the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) Aboriginal people.