MALABAR HEADLAND - BATTERY TRAMWAY - 10-12-2023

 

The light railway that served the Malabar Headland Battery (built 1943) is one of those lesser-known lines around Sydney. Despite being a local, it has only been in the last few years that I learned of its existence.

Last weekend opportunity finally arose to have a bit of a squiz at a significant piece of local World War Two history for myself.

The weather was horrid, but that did not deter either myself, or my heritage photography counterpart Virls, from setting out to see what remained of the line.

There was far more to be seen than I had been expecting. It would be a worthwhile adventure for any fan of light railways, parking is quite convenient, and the walk is not all that hard.

A: Where the rail track actually starts nowadays.
 According to an article in 'Light Railways' magazine, it did extend further to the main dirt track leading to Fishermans Road.

Photo: Brad Peadon

While doing some initial research to have something seemingly intelligent to say, I found several photos showing the track mostly covered in dirt, even inside the tunnel at the end. 
It is assumed there was a project to clean it all up at some stage.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Until this visit, I really had little idea of the length of the surviving track that still existed. I had only seen a couple of images, neither giving any idea of the size. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

The track was of 22 inch (560mm) gauge, and was utilized for conveying 6" projectile munitions. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

B: These heavily vandalised structures remain a little over halfway along the track. 

Being ignorant of things military, I really have no idea what these rooms were used for. However, just beyond was a tunnel, with a tall four-story observation post for seeing possible approaching enemies.
Photo: Brad Peadon

The aforementioned tunnel and structure on top. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

Virls enjoying a bit of Aussie rail adventure. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

The only good glimpse inside these structures is the southern most room. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

The approach to the tunnels at the end of the line.

That deck across the track is for stairs taking you on another track (walking, not rail) all the way to Maroubra Beach. 
Photo: Brad Peadon

C: The very end of the line sees it go underground with a point (see below) leading it off in two directions.

The line to the left is believed to go to the northernmost gun emplacement.
 The light at the end of the right track is believed to be under the southernmost gun emplacement, the location of which is under the next photo. 

The tunnel is believed to be 94 metres long, servicing both of the '6-inch Mark XII' guns used at the site.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Location of the southernmost gun emplacement. 
In the middle rear that reddish cage protects a hole. It is believed that drops down to the track, where more ammunition would be sourced.

  There is a second located a short way to the north. Something I didn't know on the day, and now on the list for the next visit.
Photo: Brad Peadon

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Time to head back to the main walking track.

There were two of these along the rail track cutting. Obviously there must be an issue with snakes falling in and not being able to escape.

As both 'Snake Ladders' were on the east side, it must be hugely annoying for any westward bound reptiles.
Photo: Brad Peadon

While checking out the 'Snake Ladder' Virl mentioned the very well known game of a similar name.

I remember playing that with my late nan many, many, years ago.

Despite the many cultural differences, it is nice to see some things that were common to both countries.

Photo source.

Very unimpressed with all that grafitti.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Just like that we were back at the start of the line.
Photo: Brad Peadon

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Huge thanks to the wonderful Virls for accompanying me, and ensuring I didn't stray off any unseen cliffs. :-)

Light Railway Research Society of Australia

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We have plans to return in cooler months, on an actual sunny day. This will no doubt be covered on the site later on.

We braved the rapidly declining weather to continue walking the track towards Maroubra Beach.
If you are interested in such, you are hereby invited to our 'travel blog site' where that will soon appear.

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Video: Coming in March, Virls and I take you for a walk along the whole line.

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