Malabar the Suburb
Malabar Headland
One of the last remaining wild areas on the eastern seaboard of Sydney has recently been rescued from the hands of developers through protest and last-minute government intervention. Malabar Headland, named after a ship that was wrecked there in 1931, is linked to Maroubra Beach at one end, and to the suburb of Malabar at the other. From the headland, you can experience spectacular views of the coastline from Bondi to Coogee. (See blog: http://www.david-noble.net/blog). Malabar Headland is 177 hectares in area, with rugged terrain and sandstone cliffs, as well as diverse and protected vegetation and wildlife.
The planned walking track across the headland has been put on hold because of disputes from previous claimants for use of the land. One of these is the Anzac Rifle Range Association; the rifle range has been in existence up on the headland since the 1850s. Other interesting artefacts to be found there are remnants of fortifications left over from World War II. Built in 1942 in response to threats from Japanese submarines in Sydney Harbour, these are still largely intact.
Significant, too, in this week of NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee), is the theme for 2015 of: We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate. We need to recognise the Aboriginal use of this headland for fishing and cultural activities well before, and also after, European settlement. For more information about Aboriginal people, languages and place see http://www.sydneybarani.com.au/sites/aboriginal-people-and-place/
See also “Friends of Malabar Headland” http://malabarheadland.org.au/ a wonderful group to belong to.
The Malabar Battery
Malabar Battery and Watchtower
Malabar Battery Tunnels
Battery Tram Line
1 comment
Hurrah for people power!