Back to previous page
Print
Special Offer

Hat Head and Arakoon guided tours

Visiting South West Rocks? Book ahead for a NSW National Parks guided tour.

Climb to the top of Smoky Cape Lighthouse, the highest in NSW, for breathtaking coastal views available only on our guided tours. Or do one of our Trial Bay Gaol tours and discover the history of this site. Families can enjoy the Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour, a relaxed sunset walk perfect for all ages. Or put the kids ‘behind bars’ with fun and games on our tour for children aged 5 to 12. Adults can take a ‘walk on the dark side’ tour for an uncensored look into the gaol’s past.

With 4 unique tour options, your visit to Hat Head and Arakoon national parks is sure to be memorable, with something for every age and interest.

A group of holiday-makers holding lanterns pause to listen to their NPWS guide during the Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour, Arakoon National Park. Photo: John Spencer/DCCEEW © DCCEEW

Book now

Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Credit: Louise Walpole/DCCEEW ©DCCEEW

Smoky Cape Lighthouse tour

Walk alongside a NPWS ranger on a fascinating tour of Smoky Cape lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in New South Wales. Take in the stunning coastal scenery along the way.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When

2026:

  • 28 January
  • 7 February
  • 7 March
  • 8, 11 and 15 April
  • 2 May
  • 6 June
  • 1, 4, 8, 11 and 15 July
  • 1 August
  • 5, 23, 26 and 30 September
  • 3 and 7 October
  • 7 November
  • 5 December

Tour times:

  • 10am to 10.45am
  • 11am to 11.45am
  • 12pm to 12.45pm

Arrive at least 10 mins before your tour starts, to give yourself time to walk up to the lighthouse.

Where
Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Read more
A tour group with a Discovery Ranger visiting Trial Bay Goal by torchlight at sunset in Arakoon National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Trial Bay Gaol twilight tour

Explore Trial Bay Gaol by twilight with an NPWS guide by your side. Discover what life was like for prisoners as you watch the sun set in beautiful Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request.

2026 tour times:

  • 6 March, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 10 April, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 1 May, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 5 June, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 3 July, 4.30pm to 6pm 
  • 7 August, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 4 September, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 2 October, 4.30pm to 6pm
  • 6 November, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 4 December, 6.30pm to 8pm
Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Read more
A NPWS ranger taking a family on a guided kids' tour through Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, near South West Rocks. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour

Come along and find out what life behind bars was really like for the prisoners at Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon National Park near South West Rocks. Explore the gaol on this action-packed family tour.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request.

2026 tours

  • 7, 8, 14 and 15 April, 4pm to 5.30pm
  • 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 July, 4pm to 5.30pm
  • 23, 29 and 30 September, 4pm to 5.30pm
  • 6 and 7 October, 4.30pm to 6pm 

2027 tours:

  • 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 January, 4.30pm to 6pm
Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Read more
A group on a historical tour at sunset inside Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

Walk on the dark side: Sunset tour for adults

Wander through the old Trial Bay Gaol at sunset, in Arakoon National Park, near South West Rocks. Visit the darker side of history and hear stories of prisoners' crimes and experiences here.

Price
Fees apply. Free park entry.
When
Available on request.

2026 tours:

  • 29 January, 6.30pm to 8pm
  • 9 and 16 April, 5pm to 6.30pm
  • 9 and 16 July, 5pm to 6.30pm
  • 1 and 8 October, 5pm to 6.30pm

2027 Tours

  • 7, 14 and 21 January, 6.30pm to 8pm
Where
Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park
Operated by
Image of: NSW National Parks logo
Read more

Why create an account?

  • Create lists of your next adventures
  • Get closure alerts by email
  • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
  • And more features coming soon