On the morning of April 2nd 1931 the "MV Malabar", a 4500 ton merchant ship, crashed into the rocks of what is now known as Long Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The seas were calm but heavy fog was reported at the time. There were over a hundred persons on board but fortunately no loss of life was reported. What followed however can only be described as a media and spectator circus as thousands of people clambered over the neighbouring headlands and rocky shoreline to get a better look at this huge ship floundering on the rocks. The ship was never fully salvaged. Wasted time, sea movements and financial circumstances meant that for many years the wreck remained pinned on the rocks until it became nothing more than a site of amusement and a fashionable place to visit on a Sunday afternoon,(see photo) Eventually, it rusted and crumbled until nothing was visible above the waterline. To mark the event it was decided to name the surrounding suburb after this ill-fated vessel.
24 years later, as the last visible remains of the wreck were still dissolving into the sea, the Malabar was joined by another ill-fated ship. This time a large Trawler named the "Goolgwai" ran aground during heavy seas only metres from the same site. The ship broke up very quickly however and sank below the waves within days. There was no loss of 'human' life, but the ships dog "Sluggo" drowned after being thrown overboard. Rumour has it that Sluggo now haunts the bay area. I spoke to one local resident who told of often finding lone dog pawprints in the sand even though no stray dogs are ever sighted. Today the wreck site is a popular scuba diving destination, divers will tell you that the remains of the wrecks have now intermingled below the water and it is often hard to tell which relics are from which ship.
If you wish for more info visit. Diving the Goolgwai or Diving the Malabar
These links will take you to a great site that tells of the many wrecks up and down the coast of Australia.
Now to our cache.... The location is only a few metres from the same rocks where these ships met their demise. Suitably adorned with pictures of the Malabar you shouldn't have too much trouble locating the stash.
The walk to the cache passes a sign that warns of the Rifle Range nearby but don't worry as long as you stick to the obvious walking track which stays close to the rocks you will not be trespassing. To confirm this I have included a map from Randwick council's website that points out the border in relation to the rocky shoreline. Do not walk too far beyond the cache location however as this will put you in private property.
Finally a word on the carpark at the end of Fisherman's Road. My advice is DO NOT leave your car unattended there. The many piles of smashed car window glass tells the obvious reason. If you come alone use the carpark on the other side of the beach near the houses and shop. It's far safer and you can see your car the whole time you're away.
Good luck. We hope your ship comes in.
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Hounddog and Snifter.