The Malabar Headland Circuit Walk

The Malabar Headland Circuit Walk is a fascinating and enjoyable hike through the Malabar Headland National Park, located just south of Maroubra Beach.

This hike combines two distinct trails: the Boora Point Walking Track, which follows the stunning coastline, and the Western Escarpment Walking Track, winding through scenic bushland.

Malabar Headland Circuit Walk
Distance: 7 km (circuit)
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Easy / moderate
Dogs: Not allowed

Getting There

As a circuit walk, the Malabar Headland can be started and finished at various points. Most visitors, however, begin their hike at the car park in Arthur Byrne Reserve, located at the southern end of Maroubra Beach (see location on map).

To reach this starting point from the city, turn onto Fitzgerald Avenue from Anzac Parade towards Maroubra Beach. At the roundabout, take the third exit, entering Arthur Byrne Reserve via Bernie Kelly Drive.

Alternatively, Pioneers Park on the southwestern side of Malabar Headland offers a large car park and is another great spot to start this walk (see location on map).

Both Arthur Byrne Reserve and Pioneers Park car parks are marked on the map below.

Map of the Malabar Headland Walk

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Track Notes

The Malabar Headland Circuit Walk is made up of the Western Escarpment Walking Track in the west and the Boora Point Walking Track in the east.

This circuit winds around the ANZAC Rifle Range, which sits at the centre of the Malabar Headland. As a result, access to the Boora Point Walking Track is restricted during rifle range operations.

When shooting practice is underway, park entry gates are closed, and red flags are displayed above the range. For more details on opening times, you can visit the NSW National Parks website.

1. Western Escarpment Walking Track

The first leg of the Malabar Headland Circuit Walk begins at the large information board at the Arthur Byrne Reserve car park, which is easy to spot.

Take some time to read the information provided on the board, as it offers insights into the Malabar Headland, its local flora and fauna, the walking tracks, and the traditional custodians of the land.

Start of the Western Escarpment Walking Track
Start of the Western Escarpment Walking Track

The Western Escarpment Walking Track connects Maroubra Beach with Malabar, winding through pristine bushland and offering stunning panoramic views.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of natural and man-made vantage points, as well as benches where you can pause to enjoy the scenery.

Malabar Headland
Malabar Headland

At the end of the Western Escarpment Walking Track, you’ll reach Pioneers Park. From there, follow the trail leading towards Malabar Beach.

To continue, turn right onto Franklin Street, then left onto Dacre Street, and finally make another left onto Fishermans Road, which runs directly behind Malabar Beach.

2. Boora Point Walking Track

From Malabar Beach, follow the trail past the boat ramp car park and continue on towards Boora Point. Here marks the official beginning of the Boora Point Walking Track.

Malabar Beach
Malabar Beach

Opened in April 2017, this 3.7 km coastal trail connects the southern end of Malabar Headland with South Maroubra Beach.

Views from Boora Point
Views from Boora Point

In addition to offering spectacular views of Sydney’s unique coastline, the track is home to several heritage structures dating back to the Second World War.

Malabar Battery

The Malabar Battery, constructed in 1943 as part of the coastal defence system, was one of several batteries established in the Botany Bay area.

Remnants of the Malabar Battery
Remnants of the Malabar Battery

The battery featured gun emplacements, an underground facility, and even a tramway used to transport weaponry. Exploring the area offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many remnants still accessible.

Boora Point Walking Track
Boora Point Walking Track

From the former battery site, the walking track continues along the coastline, largely following metal boardwalks until it reaches South Maroubra Beach.

Coastline

The stunning coastline at Malabar Headland is defined by high cliffs and impressive sandstone escarpments, with numerous lookouts and rest areas to enjoy along the way.

The Malabar Headland coastline
The Malabar Headland coastline

On a clear day, the views are truly breathtaking, stretching from Bondi and the city skyline in the north to La Perouse and Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the south.

Magic Point

A highlight along the Boora Point Walking Track is Magic Point, a small peninsula with rock platforms offering spectacular ocean views.

Maroubra Beach views from Malabar Headland
Maroubra Beach views from Malabar Headland

From Magic Point, it’s just a short walk back to either Maroubra Beach or Arthur Byrne Reserve.

If you’re feeling peckish after completing the Malabar Headland Circuit Walk, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink near the beach!

We liked the Malabar Headland walk so much that we have it included in our list of best hikes in Sydney. Explore that list for more great hiking ideas.
 

Discover the Malabar Headland

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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6 Comments
  1. One of my favourite walks, love the Western escarpment with its panoramic views, and thank you to Parks and Wildlife for doing up the track and making it safe to walk in any weather.

    Reply
    • Hi Linda, the first boardwalk section up until Magic Point is meant to be wheel friendly, but then the path from the car park to the start of the boardwalk is on uneven ground, so unfortunately we can’t call it wheel friendly.

      Sydney could certainly do with more wheel friendly trails, and we’re planning on collecting them here on this website.

      Reply
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