Need a break from the crowds on your usual walking track? The Boora Point and Western Escarpment Walking Tracks offer a refreshing change, combining stunning ocean views with rugged bushland. Winding through Australia’s newest national park, this route is perfect for walkers and trail runners looking to explore a different side of Sydney’s coastline.
Getting started
Grab a hat, water bottle and sunscreen and get ready for an adventure. You’ll need to leave pups at home (no dogs permitted in National Parks) and be aware that the track is not wheelchair or pram accessible.
The Boora Point walking track (the eastern most track around the headland) is closed to public access on Saturdays and every third Sunday of the month when the ANZAC Rifle Range is operating. But the Western Escarpment track is open year-round. Before you head out, check online for any safety messages and local alerts.
There are a few different entry points for the track, but the easiest option is to park at Arthur Byrne Reserve, right near Maroubra Beach. From here, take the sandy path to South Maroubra Beach and start on the Boora Point Walking Track.
500m
Follow the marked route as Maroubra Beach fades behind you and get your first glimpse at the coastline. The urban noise disappears as you walk, replaced by the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs.
1km
The track winds towards one of the first major vantage points overlooking the ocean. This section features exposed sandstone pathways, making it a great spot to pause and take in the scenery. If you’re walking between June and October, keep an eye on the horizon for migrating whales breaching offshore. Locals say you might even spot seals basking on the rocks below.
1.5km
Approaching Boora Point, you’ll pass the Malabar Battery, where old gun emplacements offer a glimpse into Sydney’s WWII coastal defences. These relics, now covered in graffiti, sit atop the cliffs providing some of the best viewpoints along the walk. The terrain remains mostly flat, with occasional rocky patches.
2km
The next stretch follows the coastline closely, with waves crashing below as the track winds around the sandstone cliffs. The views here are some of the most dramatic on the walk. The terrain becomes slightly uneven, but the path is well-defined and easy to follow. This is an ideal spot for a sunrise or sunset walk, with the changing light casting incredible colours over the ocean and landscape.
2.5km
At Boora Point, you’ll reach one of Sydney’s most spectacular coastal lookouts. Looking south, Malabar Beach curves along the shoreline, and on a clear day you can see as far as Botany Bay. To the north, the cliffs stretch towards Maroubra creating a stunning contrast between the ocean and bushland. Take a moment to soak in the view before continuing toward Malabar Beach.
3km
Leaving Boora Point, the track gradually descends towards Malabar Beach, a great spot for a quick break or a swim, with calm waters and seating areas. This section briefly exits the national park, following a pathway toward Pioneers Park. Walk through Cromwell Park or along Dacre Street until you reach Pioneers Park, where signs point the way to the Western Escarpment Track.
3.5km
Re-entering the Malabar Headland National Park, the landscape shifts from coastal cliffs to bushland. The vegetation thickens, with banksia and native grasses lining the track. This area is home to the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, a beautiful but endangered plant community unique to Sydney.
4km
The track climbs gently, offering glimpses of the ocean through breaks in the trees. This section is quieter and more shaded than the exposed coastal track. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including honeyeaters and kookaburras.
4.5km
A clearing in the trees reveals breathtaking elevated views over Malabar Beach and the surrounding headland. The contrast between the ocean and the greenery of the national park makes this one of the highlights of the return journey.
5km
The track winds downhill, weaving through dry bushland. This stretch feels peaceful and remote compared to the busier coastal sections. There’s a dramatic descent down a metal staircase over a rock ledge. The staircase was brought in by helicopter during construction by Council in 2017. As you descend, the city skyline reappears in the distance, marking the transition back toward urban surroundings.
5.5km
The trail exits the bushland and leads back to Arthur Byrne Reserve. Take a moment to catch your breath and appreciate the ocean, cliffs and bushland you’ve just explored. The Malabar headland was only reopened to the public in 2017 for the first time in 100 years. If you have time, grab a coffee from a nearby cafe or – if conditions allow – take a dip at Maroubra Beach to cool off.
