Skip to Content

La Perouse Walk Options: 3 Epic Coastal Trails You Need To Do

La Perouse Walk Options: 3 Epic Coastal Trails You Need To Do

There are many fine coastal walks in and around La Perouse. When talking about La Perouse walks, most people are simply referring to a short walk around La Perouse Bay. But, others will be referring to the La Perouse Circuit Walk, which encompasses the Cape Banks Walking Track and Henry Head Walking Track. In this guide, we’ll talk about the La Perouse Circuit Walk. But, we’ll also talk about walks near or involving La Perouse. These include the Malabar Headland Walk (includes the Maroubra to Malabar Walk [AKA the Boora Point Walking Track] and Western Escarpment Walking Track) and the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk (AKA the Malabar to La Perouse Walk).

Read our Royal National Park Coast Track Guide

The 3 Best La Perouse Walks

Sydney is bursting at the seams with stunning coastal scenery, so there is a tonne of coastal walking options. In particular, the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney has one very well-known coastal walk – Bondi to Coogee. But what if you’re keen to avoid the crowds and hoards of tourists?

This guide will detail three excellent walks in, around or near La Perouse, that’ll be much quieter than other busy Eastern suburb coastal trails. Please find the three La Perouse walks that we’ll talk about in this guide listed below.

  1. Malabar Headland Walk (Maroubra to Malabar Walk [AKA the Boora Point Walking Track] and Western Escarpment Walking Track)
  2. La Perouse Circuit Walk (Cape Banks Walking Track and Henry Head Walking Track)
  3. Maroubra to La Perouse Walk (AKA the Malabar to La Perouse Walk)
Dan walking away from the Malabar Headland on the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk. Dan hikes on a boardwalk by a white sandstone platform, with the ocean and green land in the distance. The sky is overcast.
Dan walking away from Malabar Headland

The 3 Best La Perouse Walks Trail Notes

We’ll cover all of the highlights and natural attractions that you’ll see during these three La Perouse walks. Basically, we’ll start with the walk just north of La Perouse – the Malabar Headland Walk. We’ll then talk about the La Perouse Circuit Walk, which includes the Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks. Finally, we’ll tell you about the epic Maroubra to La Perouse Walk (AKA the Malabar to La Perouse Walk), which covers the coastal trails explored in the other two walks.

Personally, Beck and I did the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk and can highly recommend it. By doing this walk, you’ll see all of the highlights of the Malabar Headland Walk, the La Perouse Circuit Walk and everything in between. If you’re keen on a long exploratory walk, then the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk will suit you perfectly. Alternatively, if you want to do a shorter walk, then, it’d make sense to do the other La Perouse walks separately.

As well as talking about the highlights of these three epic coastal trails, we’ll also provide La Perouse walking track maps and trail stats.

Travel Insurance

Heymondo Travel Insurance

Don’t leave for your trip without booking travel insurance. We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo travel insurance could save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. Click the button below to receive a 5% discount!

1. Malabar Headland Walk

  • Type: Loop
  • Distance: 6km
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 75m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead: Maroubra Beach
  • Map: AllTrails

Maroubra Beach

The Malabar Headland Walk starts at Maroubra Beach. It’s a popular beach for Sydneysiders, keen to escape the hustle and bustle of the suburbs. So, Maroubra Beach can be a busy destination. With many surfers out at sea and yuppies attempting to upgrade their tans, you should make your way to the southern end of the beach. Here, you’ll find a flat slab of orange rock, surrounded by darker scattered rocks on the shoreline. It’s a nice spot to soak in the smell and spray of the salt water, plus the soothing crashing of waves.

But it’s time to leave that behind! Departing Maroubra Beach, you’ll immediately face a small scramble onto a trail called the Boora Walking Track (AKA the Maroubra to Malabar Walking Track). This leads you into the eastern section of the Malabar Headland National Park.

Beck admires Maroubra Beach, the start of the walk to La Perouse. Standing on a light brown rock platform with darker rocks in front of her, an overcast sky looks ominous over the ocean. The Maroubra to La Perouse Coastal Walk starts here.
Beck admires Maroubra Beach

Malabar Headland National Park Warning

Keep in mind that the eastern section is closed on Saturdays from 7:30am and the first and third Sundays of every month due to ANZAC rifle range operations. So you’ll have to plan this adventure around these closures. To be on the safe side, check local alerts before you go, just in case of any sudden or unexpected closures.

Alternatively, the Western Escarpment walking track set slightly away from the coast, but still in sight of it, remains open all year round. It’s the only other official walking track of the Malabar Headland National Park and could be a decent backup option if needed!

Maroubra to Malabar Walk (Boora Point Walking Track)

The Maroubra to Malabar Wak was one of our favourite parts out of all of the La Perouse walks described in this guide. Essentially, the Boora Walking Track is the main track of the Malabar Headland National Park. There is a clear boardwalk to follow with spectacular views of the adjacent coastline. But there are many opportunities to go ‘off-trail’ to explore the remarkable geological features of the cliff walls. So with the numerous detours, you’ll feel compelled to do, there is the odd rock scramble on an otherwise flat track.

There are no safety fences along the coast here, so be very careful when exploring these sandstone cliffs. Of course, with a little bit of common sense, they can be enjoyed safely. The first large sandstone platform to check out is around Magic Point. You’ll see insanely carved-out rock formations in all directions. Compared to the more structured walking path of Bondi to Coogee, this hike gets you up, close and personal with much rawer and dramatic landscape. You’ll feel entirely removed from the nearby suburban life of the Eastern Suburbs.

Beck on the Maroubra (Malabar) to La Perouse Walking Track

Dragon Rock

One of the highlights of Magic Point is, what we’ve come to call, Dragon Rock. It was unknown to us before hiking here. But we’re convinced this rock is shaped like the head of a dragon! Of course, you’ve got to use your imagination. But yeah sure, there’s an open mouth, and a nostril and eye, formed from varying depths of holes in the rock. Yeah, it’s definitely a dragon’s head! Eat your heart out Wedding Cake Rock.

The Dragon Rock of the Malabar Headland National Park. Dan rides the dragon head shaped rock, which makes up the sandstone cliff walls. Exploring Malabar Headland is a highlight of the Maroubra to La Perouse Coastal Walk.
The Dragon Rock at the Malabar Headland National Park

Again, before you storm this place to get your Instagram-worthy material, keep in mind, that this attraction is nearing the cliff wall. So proceed with caution!

Around the corner from Dragon Rock near Magic Point, is the equally impressive Boora Point. Expect to see more stunning sandstone cliffs as you follow the coastline. Even on an overcast day, this hike feels epic, like there’s almost an elevated sense of adventure and thrill-seeking. But even on a gloriously sunny day, pack a windproof jacket, as at times, you’ll be exposed to the coastal breeze.

After enjoying more epic coastline, you’ll enter the home stretch of the coastline trail of Malabar Headland, following a straight section of the track, adjacent to Long Bay. You’ll hike past some graffitied fortifications, and begin to see the vast green expanse of golf courses across the bay. To complete the Malabar Headland Walking Track, you’ll eventually turn right, heading inland towards the Western Escarpment Walking Track.

Malabar Beach

Before joining the Western Escarpment Walking Track, it’s possible to add on a short walk to Malabar Beach and the Malabar Beach Ocean Pool. Basically, you’ll briefly exit Malabar Headland National Park, following the footpaths that bend around the beach. You’ll soon find a welcome bathroom stop.

The beach itself is far less known than the likes of Maroubra Beach. It’s essentially a small bay, with Boora Point to the left and the Randwick Golf Course to the right. Feel free to wander and explore the beach. In comparison to some of the spectacular beaches and bays we had recently explored on the South Coast of New South Wales, we didn’t find Malabar Beach overly extraordinary. But then again, it’s a relief to have an Eastern Suburbs based beach that’s not overcrowded.

If anything, Little Bay Beach, the next beach found on the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk, is a better beach in our opinion. It’s a tad more secluded and removed from the suburbs. Although, the beaches found in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park are even better!

Malabar Beach and Malabar Ocean Pool. Some coastal heath is seem in the forefront, rock platforms beyond that, an ocean, ocean pool and corner of headland are seen in the distance. There is an overcast sky.
Malabar Beach and Malabar Ocean Pool

Malabar Ocean Pool

One thing that Malabar Beach has going for it, is a lovely ocean pool. If you haven’t realised by now, Beck has a thing for ocean pools. She is genuinely mesmerised by each and every ocean pool that we pass. To access the Malabar Ocean Pool, follow the paved footpath, lined with a white wooden fence, that bends around the beach. You’ll walk adjacent to the ocean, and then be led down to the ocean pool.

Western Escarpment Walking Track

Once you’ve scoped out Malabar Beach, retrace your step back to the end of the Boora Walking Track in the Malabar Headland National Park. You’ll then head through Cromwell Park before joining the Western Escarpment Walking Track. Set away from the coast, the Western Escarpment Walking Track is a boardwalk, that provides stellar views of the coast. This track will lead you back to Maroubra Beach to finish the Malabar Headland Walk.

Read more: Malabar Headland Walk – The Ultimate Guide

2. La Perouse Circuit Walk: Cape Banks Walking Track + Henry Head Walking Track

  • Type: Loop
  • Distance: 8.45km
  • Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 150m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead: La Perouse (Cann Park)
  • Map: AllTrails

Also known as the La Perouse Walk and La Perouse Coastal Walk, the La Perouse Circuit Walk is a fantastic walk. Basically, the La Perouse Circuit Walk combines the beautiful Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks. Indeed, the highlights of these walking tracks are Cape Banks, Henry Head and the Congwong Beaches.

Jennifer Street Boardwalk

Starting at Cann Park, you’ll initially follow a section of the Henry Head Walking Track in an easterly and clockwise direction, before joining Cape Banks Road. Early on, you’ll pass an optional side trail, known as the Jennifer Street Boardwalk. By all accounts, it’s a nice boardwalk; but, nothing overly extraordinary. So, it’s up to you whether to add on the approx. 350 metre Jennifer Street Boardwalk. Personally, we recommend pressing on to the Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks.

Coast Hospital Cemetery

You’ll then arrive at the Coast Hospital Cemetery, also known as the La Perouse Cemetery. Before reaching the Cape Banks Walking Track, you’ll continue south onto the Cape Banks Fire Trail (AKA Coastal Cemetery Management Trail). Around this area, you’ll also find a helicopter base and some seemingly abandoned fortifications. Continuing further south, the Cape Banks Fire Trail soon transitions into the Cape Banks Walking Track, which later joins the Henry Head Walking Track.

Cape Banks Walking Track

You’ll soon discover more epic coastline before reaching Cape Banks. Keep an eye out for an amazing gap in the rock platforms along this part of the hike.

Outstanding coast line near the Henry Head Walking Track. A large gap has formed in the cliff side. Waves penetrate the gap, filled with rocks.
The outstanding coastline around Cape Banks

To your left, stretching some distance will be the magnificent Cape Banks. Similar to Cape Solander across the bay, Cape Banks is a great spot for whale watching. Whilst its ruggedness and dramatic surrounding landscape make this landform worth exploring in its own right. It’s quite a shame that the New South Wales Golf Club have set up one of its teeing grounds on the edges of Cape Banks. Golfers attempt to hit over Little Bay, often falling short, and having their ball land in the ocean. We can’t imagine this is great for the environment.

With that said, the golf course does diminish the ambience of the walk. Well, at least in this small section. That’s what you get by doing a coastal walk in a busy and densely populated city! Thankfully, as you pass by Cape Banks, and continue on the boardwalk toward Cruwee Cove Beach, a sense of peacefulness and tranquillity returns.

Cape Banks, near the Henry head Walking Track. A large rocky headland protrudes out into the ocean. The sky is mostly cloudy.
Cape Banks

Cruwee Cove Beach

This next stretch of the walk is nice and quiet. Expect to see and hear wildlife on this part of the walk. In particular, you’ll be weaving and dodging the many sunbathing skinks. On top of that, the dense coastal heath surrounding the boardwalk provides a welcome environment for many different bird species.

The boardwalk meanders along the coastline, and in several parts, briefly disappears, making way for rough patches of seaside rock platform. Eventually, you’ll descend onto the rock platforms of Cruwee Cove Beach. As far as hidden beaches go, it’s one of Sydney’s best.

Although, further along the La Perouse Circuit Walk, is Little Congwong Beach. Perhaps, an even better, relatively hidden beach. However, it’s much easier to access, being so close to La Perouse. So in Cruwee Cove Beach, you have a genuinely harder-to-reach beach, that gives it a more serene ambience.

Cruwee Cove Beach is a small hidden beach along the Maroubra (Malabar) to La Perouse Walk. From a vantage point, the calm ocean is covered by a mostly cloudy sky.
Cruwee Cove Beach

Henry Head Walking Track

After climbing out of Cruwee Cove Beach, the boardwalk leads you to the Henry Head Walking Track. You’ll pass some gently cascading and damp rock platforms, to the left side of the track, emptying into the ocean, before reaching some wartime fortifications at Henry Head. Slightly off track are a lighthouse and the ruins of Henry Head Battery. Exploring the underground bunker adds to the La Perouse Circuit Walk’s diversity and character. It’s not just pretty coastal views on this walk. You’ll have some quality cultural and historical sites to enjoy, particularly along the Henry Head Walking Track.

To continue, you’ll briefly head inland, hiking away from Henry Head, but adjacent to, Botany Bay. The site of the New South Wales golf course in the distance isn’t ideal. But this is very brief. From here, you’re welcome to continue towards the Congwong beaches, by continuing along the Henry Head Walking Track. But first, we recommend a slight detour to Brown’s Rock.

Brown’s Rock

As mentioned, there is an optional side trail to Brown’s Rock, which isn’t too long. It’s a slight detour to the left, departing Henry Head Walking Track, that descends down to the shore of Botany Bay, on a leaf-littered track with some loose rock underfoot. What awaits you are brilliant turquoise waters that you’ll likely have to share with some fishing enthusiasts. There’s a tiny patch of rock platforms that you can explore to give you a closer look of the small, but stunning pocket of water.

Brown's Rock is a worthwhile detour on the Maroubra to La Perouse Coastal Walk. Turquoise waters fill the shallow bay and is surrounded by green bushland.
Brown’s Rock

Brown’s Rock will actually provide your first glimpse of Bare Island Fort – one of the final attractions of the La Perouse Circuit Walk. It’s a little bit of a distance away, across the bay, but it still gives you a good idea of what’s to come. You’re nearing the end of the walk, so hike your way up and out of Brown’s Rock, back onto the Henry Head Walking Track, to reach some more beautiful beaches.

Little Congwong Beach

Once you rejoin the Henry Head Walking Track, you’ll be a close distance to Congwong Beach. Although technically, you’ll pass adjacent to Little Congwong Beach initially. But you cannot access Little Congowng Beach at that time. You’ll need to head all the way to Congwong Beach. From there, you have two options.

Most people will follow the Congwong Walking Track to get to Little Congwong Beach. This is the most straightforward and obvious option. However, it is possible to access, or at least get closer to, Little Congwong Beach, via some oceanside rock platforms from Congwong Beach. Refer to our map below for clarification.

Two trail options, off the Henry Head Walking Track, for exploring between Congwong and Little Congwong Beach.
Two trail options for exploring between Congwong and Little Congwong Beach

Although more time-consuming and difficult, we preferred the unofficial oceanside trail. That’s because, along the way, you’ll see absolutely stunning sandstone formations. They’re orange, red and white geological structures, interestingly layered in formation. With the stunning turquoise waters of Little Congwong Beach in the background, you’ll have some of the best views of the entire Maroubra to La Perouse Coastal Walk.

Admittedly, we didn’t go all the way to Little Congwong Beach from here. The views more than satisfied us. However, if you’re keen to explore Little Congwong Beach in more detail, it’s probably possible to go this way to get there. But, it’s safer and much easier following the actual Congwong Walking Track.

Walking from Congwong Beach to Little Congwong Beach. Sensational orange marbles sandstone created natural rock platforms to explore. The sky is partly cloudy and the waters of Little Congwong Beach in the distance are turquoise.
Walking from Congwong Beach to Little Congwong Beach

Congwong Beach

Besides being larger than Little Congwong Beach, Congwong Beach, in La Perouse, isn’t quite as pretty or charming. Its ease of access from La Perouse makes it much busier. But as we mentioned, it provides an easy access point, from the southern end of the beach, to those incredible sandstone rocks and views of Little Congwong Beach. So it’s worth spending time here for that reason alone.

Not being overly impressed with the beach itself, we didn’t stay for long nor did we take any photos. In hindsight, we were probably verging on being hangry and so wanted to press on with the walk. Congwong Beach is actually a great spot to relax and soak up views of Botany Bay and Bare Island Fort.

To exit Congwong Beach, you’ll hike up a small sand hill from the northern end. Almost immediately, you’ll feel like you’ve re-joined civilisation. You’ll join a paved path, alongside Anzac Parade, leading towards La Perouse. Before reaching the footbridge, known as Bare Island Bridge, leading to Bare Island Fort, there are more public bathrooms to your left.

Bare Island Fort

Bare Island is a heritage-listed military fortification, which even has built-in tunnels! Unfortunately, the fort itself remains closed except for guided tours on Sundays. We had visited during the week, so we didn’t have the luxury of organising a tour. We think it would certainly be worth doing a tour for a more in-depth historical understanding and a greater overall experience of the area.

Otherwise, you’re free to walk the footbridge towards the closed gate of the fort. There are some nice rock platforms to explore at both ends of the footbridge. But it can get crowded on the weekend with plenty of people rock fishing. Having visited previously, we decided to just walk the footbridge and back. Besides, by this point, you would have already enjoyed so many epic rock platforms and formations. Your quota may already be full!

Bare Island Fort as seen from La Perouse. A walk bridge extends from the mainland and connects to the island fort. The sky is partly cloudy.
Bare Island Fort as seen from La Perouse

The La Perouse Circuit Walk finishes around La Perouse Point where you can enjoy more stunning views of Botany Bay or explore La Perouse Bay. You’re welcome to finish your day with a relaxing swim at Frenchmans Beach.

Find out more: The Epic Cape Banks Walking Track and Henry Head Circuit

3. Maroubra to La Perouse Walk (Malabar to La Perouse Walk)

  • Type: One-way
  • Distance: 16.5km
  • Time: 4.5–6 hours
  • Accumulated elevation gain: 245m
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trailhead: Maroubra Beach
  • Map: Wikiloc

Another option is the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk (AKA the Malabar to La Perouse Walk) which is a less-known trail option. Basically, this walk combines the Malabar Headland Walk and the La Perouse Circuit Walk (Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks) and everything in between,

With that said, the Randwick City Council still hasn’t completed an official walkway taking you from Maroubra to La Perouse. The main issue is the lack of a continuous track through the mid-section of the walk that takes you through a bunch of golf courses. Unfortunately, the council haven’t provided an estimated date for when construction will take place to build such a walkway. Although, it seems to be on the cards.

Despite this, there’s nothing stopping you from smashing out the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk in the immediate future. With epic sandstone cliffs, a couple of gorgeous national parks, wartime fortifications, plus hidden beaches and bays, there’s plenty to enjoy on this hike. So pencil in a date with your hiking buddies to give this one a crack!

Highlights of the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk

Below, you’ll find the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk broken down into different sections.

Of course, in describing the Malabar Headland Walk and La Perouse Circuit Walk (Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks), we’ve already talked about a lot of these destinations. So, we won’t repeat any information already covered about these attractions. We’ll simply describe the part of the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk, between the Randwick Golf Course and the Coast Golf Course, not visited during the other two walks discussed in this guide.

Randwick Golf Course

After completing the Malabar Headland Walk, you’ll head up the hill from Malabar Beach towards the Randwick Golf Course. At this point of the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk, we weren’t sure whether we could walk through the golf course or around it. However, you’ll see signs encouraging and welcoming you to walk on the golf course, by sticking strictly to the coastline at all times. There’s no actual seaside trail, but rather, guidance from several signs instructing you to hug the coastline.

Even so, it felt a bit odd to be hiking on a golf course. You’ll be looking over your shoulder for potential incoming golf ball missiles the whole time. Although, we assume an official walkway would have to pass through here anyway, in order to stay by the coast. But surely with a more official walkway, hikers would feel a little more at ease.

We look forward to the day when an official path is constructed! This would nicely connect Malabar Headland National Park with the La Perouse section of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. So the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk will be even better. But for now, rest assured, this part of the walk is still very nice, with stunning coastal views all the way to Little Bay Beach.

Little Bay Beach

Arriving at the secluded Little Bay Beach, near La Perouse, was the perfect spot for lunch. If anything, it was a bit of a relief to get off the golf course, and onto the sand. I remember coming here with some mates when I was younger which immediately filled me with a sense of nostalgia. Don’t you love that feeling?

The body of sand is split into two sections by a rocky platform and the converging golf course. We opted for the larger stretch of sand to sit down and relax. So after crossing the first body of sand, you’ll need to scramble up the rock platform and briefly ascend onto the golf course. You’ll then find a staircase that leads you down onto the beach. Expect the odd snorkeler or young local families enjoying the calm, shallow and serene bay.

Little Bay Beach, during the Malabar to La Perouse Walk. An overcast sky dominates over a small bay, split into two main areas of sand.
Little Bay Beach

After you finish your lunch, head back up the stairs, and follow a paved path, briefly away from the coast. It would have made sense to exit the southern end of the beach to continue by the coast, but there are signs forbidding this.

The Coast Golf Club

Upon exiting Little Bay Beach, the paved path will briefly lead you roadside. Take the first left and you’ll pass a small cafe. The path continues towards the Coast Golf Recreation Club and leads you into their car park. Strangely enough, the warm invitation for walking on the golf courses seems to abruptly stop at the Coast Golf Course.

It’s anyone’s guess how to actually proceed from this point. With respect to the golfers and in trying to do the right thing, Beck and I continued hugging the coast as much as possible. Although inevitably, you’ll cross a couple of fairways at unideal points. Let’s hope there aren’t too many golfers out when you’re hiking in no man’s land!

Thankfully, this awkward section doesn’t last too long. Soon enough, you’ll see the Cemetery Fire Trail, which officially signals your entrance into the Kamay Botany Bay National Park (La Perouse area). This is at about the same time, another golf course – St. Michael’s Golf Course, begins. But by joining the fire trail, you’ll avoid having to negotiate this other golf course.

Luckily, the amalgamation of brilliant coastal trails at the start and end of the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk saves the day. Of course, you could just do the Malabar Headland Walk and La Perouse Circuit Walk (Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks) to avoid this unideal mid-section of the Maroboura/Malabar Coastal Walk. Or, simply divert away from the coastline for this part of the walk. That way, you’ll miss the stink-eye of the golfers.

Entering Kamay Botany Bay National Park (La Perouse)

Upon setting foot on the land of the Goorawal and Gweagal People, you’ll soon arrive at a fork in the trail. To your left are more beautiful rock platforms to explore. We’re sure you won’t be able to resist. You’ll be surrounded by dense coastal heath and sweeping ocean views at this point.

However, you’ll be met with some serious bush bashing if you follow this path, to the left, any further along. So it’s best to re-join, or simply, just stay on the fire trail the whole time to stay on track! Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Coast Hospital Cemetery and join the La Perouse Circuit Walk, which soon joins the Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks.

As far as Sydney-based coastal walks go, there’s a lot going for the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk. It’s much less crowded than other coastal walks in the Eastern Suburbs. Plus, there are many epic viewpoints, cliff walls, hidden bays and historical sites to explore.

Malabar Headland National Park. Stunning orange rock platforms parade the Malabar Headland. Another highlight of the Maroubra to La Perouse Coastal Walk.
Malabar Headland National Park

How to Get There

Thankfully, there’s plenty of free parking at Maroubra Beach. But parking directly opposite the beach on Maroubra Parade has a four hour limit. So we recommend parking on Bernie Kelly Drive near the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. It’s free and unlimited. Weirdly enough, Google Maps doesn’t recognise the street name, but it’s right by Arthur Byrne Reserve. This is where you’ll park to do the Malabar Headland Walk and the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk.

Where to park for the Maroubra (Malabar) to La Perouse Walk.
Where to park for the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk

In terms of parking for the La Perouse Circuit Walk, we recommend parking at the car park at Cann Park or the car park located at the trailhead of the Henry Head Walking Track.

Of course, you’ll need your own set of wheels to get to these car parks in the first place. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one.

Car Hire

DiscoverCars.com

If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Getting Back to Maroubra From La Perouse

After you conquer the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk, you’ll need to coordinate a couple of buses back to Maroubra from La Perouse. Unless you’re keen to walk back! There’s a bus stop fairly close to where you finish the hike.

There’s no bus that directly goes from La Perouse to Maroubra Beach though. So you’ll need to get the L94 or 391, and then get the 353 or 317. Alternatively, you can just get the L94 or 391 and then walk about 15-20 minutes back to your car. We chose the latter option.

If you don’t have a set of wheels at all, use the NSW Transport Trip Planner to figure out your initial bus routes to Maroubra Beach as well.

About La Perouse

La Perouse, set on Botany Bay, in Sydney, is a suburb in the south-eastern area. It’s part of the City of Randwick local government area. Once you’ve finished the La Perouse Circuit Walk or Maroubra to La Perouse Walk, it’s certainly worth exploring La Perouse.

La Perouse Beaches

There isn’t a La Perouse Beach in NSW as such. But, you’ll discover some beautiful beaches in La Perouse. These include Little Congwong, Congwong and Frenchmans Beaches.

Where to Eat

There are many shops and restaurants around La Perouse. Personally, we recommend eating at Bare Grill in La Perouse for one of the best burgers in Sydney!

La Perouse Museum

If you want to learn a little more about the history of La Perouse, head to the free La Perouse Museum!

Accommodation

Being based in Sydney, personally, we didn’t need to look into accommodation. When searching for accommodation though, we always compare Booking.com, or use WikiCamps or Campermate for camping.

Getting to Sydney

Of course, you’ll need to fly to Sydney to do this trip from abroad!

Booking Flights

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is our go-to website for booking flights. If you’re looking to find the cheapest flights, we recommend getting the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. It allows you to scan all airlines and platforms to find the cheapest airfares.

To find out more about booking the cheapest flights, read our Skyscanner review.

Hiking Gear Essentials

Osprey Skarab 30
Osprey Skarab 30

The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.

Osprey Ultralight Raincover
Osprey Ultralight Raincover

A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.

GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.

BUFF Original Ecostretch
BUFF Original Ecostretch

The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.

Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII

Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Trail Navigation

Trail navigation can be a bit of a nightmare around the golf course mid-section of the Maroubra/Malabar to La Perouse Walk. We can’t guarantee we navigated perfectly through the golf courses, but for a general idea, check out our Wikiloc for GPS-guided directions. Otherwise, the Malabar Headland Walk and La Perouse Circuit Walk (Cape Banks and Henry Head Walking Tracks) are a bit easier to navigate. Of course, feel free to use the maps provided in this guide for additional navigational help.

For those not so prepared, if you’re needing navigation help during the hike and don’t have any phone reception, consider using Maps.me. Although you need to have at least downloaded the map of the general area beforehand.

Bonus Tips

  • Start the Maroubra to La Perouse Walk at Maroubra: finishing off your hike with a burger at Bare Grill in La Perouse means you should start your hike in Maroubra!
  • These walks are a bit harder than you may think: without being too hardcore in intensity or terrain, Beck and I found the gently undulating trails of La Perouse walks to be fairly tiring.
  • Consider the La Perouse to Little Bay Coastal Walk: this is another La Perouse walk option!

Please share this hiking guide with your buddies on Facebook.

We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Daniel Piggott

Dan is a travel blogger, physiotherapist, hiker, natural wonder seeker and world traveller. He loves writing travel guides to help his readers explore the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *