Sydney’s newest coastal bush trail will be officially opened at 9.30am on Saturday 17 February 2018 by Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey. The walk opens up the western section of Malabar Headland National Park and is a joint initiative between Randwick City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The 1.15km track provides public access to Malabar Headland, which recently re-opened to the public for the first time in 100 years, and creates a circular loop by linking with the coastal NPWS Boora Point Walking Track.

“I’m incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to work closely with NPWS to create a brand new walk for people to experience in Maroubra that provides easy access to essential green space,” said Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey. “This new track is critical in providing a healthy habitat for humans, wildlife and plants and ensures that Randwick remains a liveable city.”

Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said she was thrilled to announce the opening of the western section of Malabar Headland National Park to the public.

“Malabar Headland is a place of high significance to local Aboriginal people, and evidence of cultural activities remain today. The headland also contains large areas of native vegetation including the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub.”

Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith said the collaboration meant people now have the option to complete a 3km coastal walk along the Boora Point Walking Track, 1.15km inland walk along the Western Walking Track or do both for a 4km loop around Malabar Headland.

“The community have fought decades for this area to be protected and made accessible, so I’m absolutely thrilled with the result. You can now make your way into the heart of Malabar Headland National Park to enjoy the bushland and catch some beautiful views,” Mr Notley-Smith said.

The walk forms part of Sydney’s famous Coastal Walkway and links South Maroubra Beach with Malabar Beach. Council has plans to build a continuous path along the entire coastline between Clovelly in the north and La Perouse in the south.

The Western Walking Track will be open seven days a week and is located in an area of the headland that will not be impacted by the ANZAC Rifle Range shooting days.

“Visitors to this beautiful space will be able to walk beneath Sunshine Wattle and alongside Eastern Suburbs Banksia one moment, and the next enjoy a spectacular elevated view across the headland and out across the ocean,” said Mayor Shurey. “If they’re lucky, they may even spot migrating whales.”