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Powder Magazine walking track

Arakoon National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Powder Magazine walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.1km one-way

Time

30min - 1hr

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The walk starts from Trial Bay Gaol along Monument Hill track, which is an asphalt track. After around 185m, Powder Magazine track begins, which is hard-packed ground for the rest of the walk.

Parts of the walk have large, protruding tree roots that make the track uneven. The walk can become boggy and wet after rain.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are informal steps along the walk, mostly from mid-way along the track to the Bridle trail intersection.

Other barriers

Other barriers: There are 2 timber-treated elevated pedestrian bridges towards the end of the walk that narrow the track to 1.2m wide.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Powder Magazine 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 Goal
    • The walk begins 200m back up Trial Bay Gaol Access Road

    Parking

    Parking is available at Trial Bay Gaol in an asphalt carpark, including 2 accessible parking spots and designated bus parking.

    To reach the track head from the carpark you'll need to walk along the main road until you reach the start of the Monument Hill track.

    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

    Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Trial Bay Gaol campground and Little Bay.

    Seats and resting points

    There are timber bench seats with backrests along the walk, one towards the middle of the track and two near the end where the track intersects with Bridle trail.

    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 - hard

    To reach Powder Magazine walking track, you'll first need to walk a short 185m section of Monument Hill track, which is asphalt. There are 2 steps to get from the road onto the track.

    Once you're on Powder Magazine walking track, the walk becomes 1-2m wide hard-packed ground. The track is not suitable for prams.

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

    • Parts of the walk have large, protruding tree roots that make the track uneven.
    • The walk can become boggy and wet after rain.
    • There are informal steps along the walk, mostly from mid-way along the track to the Bridle trail intersection.
    • There are 2 timber-treated elevated pedestrian bridges towards the end of the walk that narrow the track to 1.2m wide.

    There are timber bench seats with backrests mid-way along the track and towards the end.

    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.

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    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.

    Powder Magazine walking track

    Park info