Trial Bay Gaol

"It’s right next to the beach, a funny place for a jail. Imagine lying in a dark cell listening to the sounds of the ocean."

Step back in time on a guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol, soaking up the history and the amazing coastal views that surround it.

The gaol opened in 1886, after 13 years of construction. It must have been a strange feeling building a prison in such a beautiful setting. The prison labourers were there to construct a breakwater to make Trial Bay a safe harbour between Sydney and Brisbane. Unfortunately the scheme failed, however you’ll still be able to see the remains of the breakwater from the guard tower lookout. During World War I the gaol became an internment camp for people of German descent who were feared to be enemy sympathisers.

Today, this picturesque historic ruin stands as a testament to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial for visitors to get a better idea of life in those days. Feeling energetic? try the nearby Powder Magazine walking track or Monument Hill walking track.

Highlights

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Trial Bay Gaol campground »

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Monument Hill walking track »

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Getting there

Getting there:

Trial Bay Gaol is in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park.

From South West Rocks:

Follow Phillip Drive
Turn left onto Cardwell Street
Continue along Cardwell Street until you reach Trial Bay Goal

Vehicle access:

Sealed road - 2WD vehicles - All weather

Parking:

Parking is available at Trial Bay Gaol, including designated bus parking.

Important info

Facilities:

Amenities block
Gas/electric barbecues (coin-operated)
Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
Boat ramp
Carpark
Drinking water
Drinking water
Other facilities/equipment
Lookout
Picnic tables
Hot showers
Flush toilets
Venue

You should know:

Peak rates apply from 1 December to 31 January and NSW school holidays (excluding winter school holidays).
Shoulder period from 1 February to start of the Easter holiday break.
Between August and September, Trial Bay hosts the annual Sculpture in the Gaol, a public sculpture competition. For more information contact the park office.
For further information regarding the German internees, please visit the Migration Heritage Centre website.

Wheelchair access:

Hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty

There are stairs to the museum and guard tower
Assistance to the beach is required
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available in four amenity blocks
Wheelchair accessible showers are available in the beach front and main amenities blocks

Opening hours:

Trial Bay Gaol is:

open 9am – 4.30pm
open 9am – 6pm (NSW Christmas school holidays)
closed on Christmas Day

Fees:

Camping fees:

Off-peak (all sites): $28 per night for 2 people Extra adult or child $14/ $6 per night
Beachfront & Powered sites (peak): $54 per night for 2 people Extra adult or child $27/$9 per night
Back Beach sites (peak): $52 per night for 2 people Extra adult/child $27/$9 per night.
Terrace, Overflow, General, Roadway, Shelter Shed sites (peak): $42 per night for 2 people Extra adult/child $21/$9 per night
Beach Front & Powered sites (shoulder): $54 per night for 2 people Extra adult/child $27/$6 per night
Back Beach (shoulder): $32 per night for 2 people Extra adult/child $27/$6 per night
Terrace, Overflow, General, Roadway, Shelter Shed sites (shoulder): $28 per night for 2 people Extra adult/child $14/$6 per night

Contacts:

South West Rocks (Trial Bay Gaol), Phone: 02 6566 6168