Malabar Headland Walk
Wow! This is a spectacular walk and easily one of my favourites. It combines the jaw dropping ocean views of the Boora Point Track with the more subtle bushland beauty of the Western Escarpment Track. And it’s not as busy as some of the other coastal walks in the area.
The first part of this walking trail winds around the ANZAC Rifle Range located in the middle of the Malabar Headland. To safeguard walkers from any stray bullets, the Eastern section of the headland is closed when the range is in use, which, rather annoyingly, includes every Saturday, every 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, and other times as advertised. (Check the National Parks website before heading out.) The Western Escarpment Track is still accessible at these times.
The path is steep and uneven in parts and there are steps making this walk unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs. And as it is within National Parkland, dogs are not allowed.
To start
You can start the walk at a few points but perhaps easiest is to park in Arthur Byrne Reserve. There is plenty of parking here if you’re early or visiting at non-peak times. It does get busy on weekends and hot summer days but surrounding streets offer an alternative.
Take the sandy trail that leads down to South Maroubra Beach and the headland at the southern end.
Boora Point Track
The path around the headland is easy to follow and the boardwalks are well-maintained. It’s also pretty exposed to the elements so be prepared to heat up quickly especially in the summer and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Along the way you’ll likely see some pretty wildflowers and meet some of the local birdlife including, if you’re lucky, one of the Peregrine Falcons or White-bellied Sea Eagles that breed and feed on the cliffs.
Between May and July, the headland offers a great viewing platform from which to see migrating humpback whales as they make their way north to breed. You might also spot them on their return journey between September and November, though they’re usually further out. Throughout the year, dolphins are also regularly spotted from here and seals have been known to bask in the sun on the rocks below.
Like other headlands up and down the coast, Malabar Headland was fitted out as a defence post during WWII. The graffiti covered concrete structures you’ll see as you round the point or wonder onto the Artillery Track side path, once served as gun emplacements and observation points for the Malabar Battery. There are tunnels and old tracks amid the buildings but much of it is dilapidated and boarded up for safely reasons. Some of the structures are also home to Eastern bent-wing bats, which are protected and should not be disturbed.
Malabar Beach
The Boora Point Track ends near Malabar Beach and you’ll leave the National Park for a bit before rejoining it to take the Western Escarpment Track.
Malabar Beach is a small, protected beach and a good place to stop for a swim, a toilet stop or a play in the park if you’re walking with kids.
From the playground, walk through Cromwell Park or along Dacre St until you get to pioneers Park where you’ll see signs leading to the West Escarpment Track.
Western Escarpment Track
This final part of the loop walk is less spectacular but still beautiful especially when the wildflowers are in bloom attracting the bees and the birds.
The Western Escarpment Track is a shorter track that winds through native heath. It is less exposed than the clifftop section and offers sweeping views over the rifle range and coast.
The track ends in a stairway that leads down to the reserve where the walk began.
In the area
Arthur Byrnes Reserve is a nice spot for a picnic and Maroubra Park which is adjacent, has a fenced-in playground, toilets, and a skate park as well as a couple of cafes. Head down Marine Parade for more dining options.
Maroubra Beach awaits if you’re up for a swim in the surf, or head north along the beach to Mahon Pool for calmer waters, (at low tide at least).
If you want to keep walking, the coastline from Maroubra to Coogee is spectacular and a bus from Arden St will bring you back this way.