Western Walkway now permanently opens up Malabar Headland, avoids rifle range
SINCE 1850, the western section of Malabar Headland National Park has been inaccessible to most people but a special walking track has been built so that walkers can enjoy the endangered ecosystem without fear of bullets flying over their heads.
Southern Courier
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SINCE 1850, recreational shooting has made the western section of Malabar Headland National Park unsafe for people to explore. That is, until now.
Sydney’s newest coastal bush trail will officially open this Saturday.
The new Western Walking Track will unlock the sweeping views and ancient bushland unique to the headland, while safely navigating around the Anzac Rifle Range.
During migration months it will also provide an excellent vantage point for whale watching.
Built by Randwick Council in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service, the headland will be open to the public seven days a week.
“I’m incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to ... create a brand new walk for people to experience in Maroubra that provides easy access to essential green space,” Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey said.
Coogee state Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith said by connecting the walkway to the Boora Point Walking Track people would now have the option to complete a 4km loop around the headland.
“The community have fought decades for this area to be protected and made accessible,” Mr Notley-Smith said.
“Now make your way into the heart ... to enjoy the bushland and catch some beautiful views.”
The 1.15km track provides permanent access to Malabar Headland. The eastern section of the headland was opened up to the public last year, but only on an ad hoc basis, around the activities of the rifle range.
The new walkway now forms part of Sydney’s famous Coastal Walkway and links South Maroubra to Malabar Beach. It is also part of the council’s long-term plan to build a continuous walkway from Vaucluse to La Perouse.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the protected headland was home to a number of endangered species. “(It) contains large areas of native vegetation including the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub,” she said.
Project manager Ryan Zammit said its construction involved extensive planning as a result.
“We were aware that there were endangered plant communities in the headland and that there is significant cultural heritage associated with the site as well, which we took into consideration with every decision we made. I think we’ve created a walk that people will really enjoy and will allow them to appreciate the natural beauty of the headland.”
The track is made of recycled plastic bearer and joints, mesh and wood and nestles effortlessly into the natural ecosystem. The grid pattern allows for sunlight to filter through to the vegetation below, so the bracken can grow up and through the walkway. The precious ecosystem also includes a species of moss believed to be thousands of years old. An extra 17m of boardwalk was installed to reduce foot traffic to the ancient flora.
See our video of the track above.