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Malabar Headland National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Malabar Headland National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Lismore:

    • Drive 35km to the northern rivers area of NSW
    • Road access is from one of five roads from the Richmond Valley in the south, four of which are unsealed

    Park entry points

    Parking

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    Best times to visit

    Spring

    The critically endangered eastern suburbs banksia scrub is in flower along with other plant species that attract birds such as New Holland Honeyeaters. If you missed the winter whales heading north, there’s still a chance to spot them as they return to the food-rich Antarctic waters.

    Summer

    Bring your swimsuit to enjoy popular Maroubra Beach and Malabar Beach at the beginning or end of your walk in the park. If you’re planning a picnic with the family, the western section of the park offers more shade than the eastern section.

    Winter

    Keep an eye out for humpback whales on their annual migration, as you walk along Boora Point or Western Escarpment walking tracks. If you’re very lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rarer southern right whale, which cruise close by the headland on their way up to tropical waters.

    Facilities

    There are no facilities within the national park. Toilets, bins, carparks and dog walking areas are located nearby at the council-managed Pioneers Park and Arthur Byrne Reserve.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    ANZAC rifle range closures

    • When the nearby ANZAC Rifle Range is operating, the eastern section of the park is closed to public access. 
    • The eastern section of the park is always closed on Saturdays and every first and third Sunday of the month.It is often closed on weekdays also.
    • Always check the local alerts before planning to visit
    • Please do not enter the eastern section of the park if red flags are flying above the Rifle Range and observe area closure signs at all times
    • More safety information can be found on the NSW Rifle Association website

    Rifle range safety procedures

    The NSW Rifle Association (NSWRA) is responsible for range safety during operation, including the danger template encompassing the eastern part of the park.

    Prior to conducting live firing at the range, the New South Wales Rifle Association will:

    • Erect 'closed area' signage at rifle range and park entry points (Fishermans Road and South Maroubra Beach)
    • Close and lock the park access gates (Fishermans Road and South Maroubra Beach)
    • Carry out physical checks of the range complex and all restricted areas, including the park to ensure the area contains no unauthorised persons.
    • Station security personnel at the rifle range and park entry points for the duration of range operation (Fishermans Road and South Maroubra Beach)
    • Erect red danger flags at the rifle range boundary and above the targets.

    Bushwalking safety

    There are high, unstable cliffs and no barriers in Malabar Headland National Park. Please supervise children closely and stick to marked walking routes.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    Visit the Water Safety website for more information on staying safe when rock fishing.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    While fishing is permitted at Malabar Headland, it can be very dangerous. Life jackets are compulsory when rock fishing. Please see our fishing safety page for more.

    Recreational fishing off Magic Point is permitted. However, line fishing is prohibited more than 50m offshore because Magic Point is a critical habitat area for the endangered grey nurse shark. Check this map showing the critical habitat area

    Prohibited

    Cycling

    Bicycles and trail bikes are not permitted on walking tracks in Malabar Headland National Park.

    Drones

    Flying recreational drones is not permitted in this park because it is located within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) states that drones should not be flown within 30m of vehicles, boats, buildings or people, or within 5.5km of an airfield. Drones can also impact on public enjoyment and privacy, interfere with park operations, and may pose a threat to wildlife in some areas. Please contact the park office for consent if you wish to fly a drone for commercial filming or photography purposes. For more information, see the Drones in Parks policy.

    Fishing

    Line fishing is prohibited more than 50m offshore because Magic Point is a critical habitat area for the endangered grey nurse shark. Check this map showing the critical habitat area.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    There are off-leash dog areas at Pioneers Park and on-leash areas at Arthur Byrne Reserve. See the Randwick City Council website for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Map of Malabar Headland National Park.

    Contact

    • in the Sydney and surrounds region

    • Eastern section: Often closed because of the ANZAC rifle range operation. Closed every Saturday and every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Check local alerts and safety messages before visiting.

      Western section: Open all year but may close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • More

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Maroubra

    Famous for its consistent waves, Maroubra Beach is a popular destination for experienced surfers and beginners keen to learn from the local experts. The beach is 40 minutes by bus from the city centre.

    www.sydney.com

    Sydney City Centre

    No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.

    www.sydney.com