Trial Bay Gaol, NSW: Entry prices, tours & campground

The historic Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, New South Wales, offers a prison museum, guided tours and a campground with bay views.

Trial Bay Gaol, near South West Rocks in New South Wales, is one of the most fascinating historic sites in Australia.

The former prison, now part of Arakoon National Park, was opened in 1886. At least part of the reasoning behind it was that prison labour could be used to construct a breakwater, creating a safe harbour between Sydney and Brisbane. Alas, that scheme came to nothing.

During World War I, Trial Bay Gaol was transformed into an internment camp. People with German descent who were considered enemy sympathisers were locked away here.

Trial Bay Gaol entry prices and tours

These days, Trial Bay Gaol is a ruin, albeit a very picturesque one. On the site, there is a museum and memorial. Entry prices are $11 for adults and $8 for children at time of writing.

It’s also possible to take a guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol, with three themed tours on offer. The 90 minute twilight tours cost $20 per person in December and January, as do the limited schedule sunset tours.

There’s also a kid-friendly life behind bars tour.

Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, New South Wales. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

Trial Bay Gaol campground rates and facilities

The Trial Bay Gaol is open from 09.00 to 16.30 daily. But if you want to stay longer, there is a campground near the old prison. Run by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife service, the Trial Bay Gaol campground has 97 sites. Some of these have pretty spectacular bay views.

Unpowered sites at the Trial Bay Gaol campground cost from $34.85 and powered sites cost from $45.10. That said, prices vary seasonally.

Facilities at the Trial Bay Gaol campground include barbecus, picnic tables, hot showers, a kiosk and a boat ramp.

You can stop at Arakoon National Park on a road trip from Newcastle to Coffs Harbour or Port Macquarie to Yamba.

South West Rocks accommodation picks

The best South West Rocks accommodation options are:

For families: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park.
For an indulgent villa: Salt.
For charm and character: Heritage Guesthouse.
For great value: Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks.
For good location, a pool and free parking: Rockpool Motor Inn.

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