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Monument Hill walking track

Arakoon National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Monument Hill walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.4km one-way

Time

30min - 1hr

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills: There are short to medium sections of the track that have steep hills.

Quality of path

Formed track: The track is 2m-wide and mostly bitumen along its length, except for short sections at the start and the end of the track, which are asphalt.

There's also a short steep section of gravel and asphalt between the monument and Little Bay.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are 2 steps at the start of the walk as you approach the track head from the Trial Bay Gaol carpark. The steps are wide and asphalt.

Other barriers

Pinch points: There may be points where the track narrows due to vegetation.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Monument Hill walking track starts at Trial Bay Gaol in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park.

    From South West Rocks:

    • Follow Phillip Drive
    • Turn left onto Cardwell Street
    • Continue along Trial Bay Gaol Access Road until you reach Trial Bay Gaol
    • The walk begins 200m back up Trial Bay Gaol Access Road

    Alternatively, if starting from Little Bay picnic area

    • Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street)
    • Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri Street
    • Continue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic area

    Parking

    Trial Bay Gaol carpark is the closest carpark to the start of the track. it has 2 accessible parking spots and designated bus parking

    There are also 2 small asphalt carparks at Little Bay picnic area where the walk ends.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Arakoon National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Spring

    The wildflowers will be out so it’s a great time to hike the park’s walking tracks. Keep an eye out for the glossy black cockatoos that feed on the seeds of ripe she-oak fruit during spring.

    Summer

    School's out and it's a great time for a family camping holiday – spend your days swimming, snorkelling, fishing and exploring the park's attractions.

    Winter

    Catch the whales on their journey north along the coast.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    20°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    41.7°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    12°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    4°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    September

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    343.7mm

    Facilities

    The nearest toilet and picnic facilities are located at Trial Bay Gaol. There's also an amenities block at the other end of the track at Little Bay picnic area.

    Seats and resting points

    There are 5 bench seats with backrests at regular points along the track.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Monument Hill walking track is 2m-wide and mostly bitumen, with short sections of asphalt at the start and end of the track. 

    There are parts of the track where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:

    • There are 2 wide asphalt steps at the Trial Bay Gaol track head
    • There are some steeper sections along the walk, including a short steep section of gravel and asphalt between the monument and Little Bay.
    • There may be points where the track narrows due to vegetation.

    There are 5 bench seats with backrests at regular points along the track.

    Accessible parking is available in an asphalt carpark at Trial Bay Gaol where this walk begins, and there's one accessible flush toilet at the Bayview amenities block at nearby Trial Bay Gaol campground. There's also an accessible amenities block at the end of the track (at Little Bay picnic area).

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Monument Hill walking track

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    Park info