Heritage detectives

Stage 3 (Years 5-6), History, Arakoon National Park

Overview

Image of a group touring the magnificent granite walls of Trial Bay Gaol

Image of kids peering through the bars in historic Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park.

Image of kids talking to a ranger while exploring Trial Bay Gaol.

Image of children peering in the window of an old gaol cell at Trial Bay Gaol

View photo in full screen

View full screen Pause Play

Stage 3 HSIE Heritage Detectives Arakoon National Park

Get directions

Help unlock mysteries of the past while exploring historic Trial Bay Gaol from top to bottom. Who were the prisoners and where did they came from? What crimes did they commit to deserve their punishment and what work they carry out in captivity?

Read more about Heritage detectives

This Stage 3 (Years 5-6) school excursion to Arakoon National Park focuses on HSIE.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage	Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Learning area	History
Student outcomes	HT3-2. Describes and explains different experiences of people living in Australia over time HT3-5. Applies a variety of skills of historical inquiry and communication
Objectives	Students will: Hear stories of people and groups who lived and worked at this site in the past, rich and poor, educated and illiterate, free and enslaved Discover the role that people of diverse backgrounds have played in the development and character of this site Use skills of historical inquiry and communication to uncover the history of the gaol Use a range of sources such as photographs, newspapers, oral histories, diaries and letters Explore the site to understand how it has changed Find out why this place is a national park, how it is used, cared for and managed today.

Excursion details

When: Available on weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Easy. Tracks and paths not suitable for most wheelchairs. If you have someone with special needs, please let us know in advance so that we can plan ahead.
Price: $260 per group, which includes Gaol admission and your own ranger guide. Price includes GST. Max 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Main gates of Trial Bay Gaol.
Booking: If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Port Macquarie
02 6588 5519
npws.northcoasteducation@environment.nsw.gov.au
NPWS Manning - Hastings Area Office, 22 Blackbutt Rd Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Park info

in Arakoon National Park in the North Coast region
Arakoon National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info

Heritage detectives

Excursion details

Operated by

Park info

Links