Malabar Headland National Park
Malabar Headland National Park is a coastal reserve in Malabar NSW 2036 whose standout feature is one of the few surviving original banksia landscapes in southern Sydney, including critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. Its sandstone cliffs, wartime lookouts and coastal walking tracks sit on the headland near Maroubra Beach.
Best for
About Malabar Headland National Park
Banksia Scrub Bushland at Malabar Headland National Park
Malabar Headland National Park has one of the few remaining areas of original landscape in southern Sydney, with banksia bushes growing across it. The critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub is found within the park's bushland. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, working with the Friends of Malabar Headland, carries out regular weed and pest work to protect this vegetation. The bushland supports possums, bats, sea eagles and black cockatoos.
Boora Point Walking Track and Lookouts at Malabar Headland National Park
Malabar Headland National Park is crossed by the Boora Point track, a 5.6 km return walk that takes about an hour and a half. The track follows sandstone cliffs with views up the coast and passes wartime gun emplacements and lookouts. A shorter Western Escarpment track also runs through the park and is open every day. NSW National Parks plans to keep walking tracks, lookouts and signage maintained, while historic heritage on the headland is protected from vandalism until safe public access options are investigated.
Recreational Fishing Rules at Malabar Headland National Park
Malabar Headland National Park allows recreational fishing for anglers who hold a current NSW recreational fishing licence. Line fishing is prohibited more than 50m offshore, a boundary set to protect Magic Point, which is critical habitat for the endangered grey nurse shark. Anglers visiting the headland should keep their lines within that 50m zone.
Facilities at Malabar Headland National Park
Visitor tips for Malabar Headland National Park
- ✓Visit in spring to see the banksia scrub in flower, when the endangered eastern suburbs banksia is at its best.
- ✓Mobile reception is limited and you need reception to call Triple Zero (000), so check your signal before heading out along the cliffs.
- ✓The cliffs are high and unstable with no barriers, so keep children close and stay on marked routes at all times.
Getting to Malabar Headland National Park
Main entry points are from Anzac Parade, Malabar Road and Fishermans Road. The western section is reached by following Anzac Parade to Pioneers Park carpark and then the Pioneers walking track, or from the south-eastern corner of Arthur Byrne carpark. The eastern section is reached via Fitzgerald Avenue toward Maroubra Beach. Parking is at South Maroubra Beach carpark, Arthur Byrne Reserve, Pioneers Park carpark and Fishermans Road carpark, and it is limited and can fill on busy days. Bus routes 396, 399, 394X, 390X, 375 and 350 stop at Maroubra Beach and Pioneers Park.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Malabar
- 📍Pioneers Park
- 📍Arthur Byrne Reserve
- 📍South Maroubra Beach
- 📍Maroubra Beach
- 📍ANZAC Rifle Range
- 📍Magic Point
Frequently asked questions about Malabar Headland National Park
Can I bring my dog to Malabar Headland National Park?
No. Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in the park, except certified assistance animals.
Are there any off-leash areas for dogs near Malabar Headland National Park?
Pioneers Park has an off-leash dog area and Arthur Byrne Reserve has an on-leash area. Both are council-managed rather than part of the national park.
What are the opening hours for Malabar Headland National Park?
The western section is open all year but can close in poor weather or fire danger. The eastern section is closed every Saturday and the first and third Sunday of each month, and is often closed on weekdays when the ANZAC Rifle Range is in use.
Which walking paths are there at Malabar Headland National Park, and how long are they?
The Boora Point track is a 5.6 km return walk taking about an hour and a half. The shorter Western Escarpment track is also open every day.
Are there toilets and cafes near Malabar Headland National Park?
There are no toilets or cafes inside the national park. Toilets and bins are available at the council-managed Pioneers Park and Arthur Byrne Reserve.