Arakoon National Park
Overview
Arakoon National Park, home to historic Trial Bay Gaol, offers beachside camping, rocky foreshores with great fishing and beaches perfect for whale watching and swimming.
Read more about Arakoon National Park
The idyllic Arakoon National Park on the NSW mid north coast is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and is a wonderful place for a daytrip to explore Australian history or for a family camping holiday. There are great picnic and camping spots by the tranquil Trial Bay, and the area is surrounded by rocky foreshores and sandy beaches.
Trial Bay Gaol, dating from the 19th century, was built to house prison labourers who were tasked with building a breakwater. Today the gaol is a picturesque ruin and a fascinating place to explore. There are excellent fishing spots around the park’s rocky headlands and the park’s sheltered beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddling.
Don’t be surprised if you see dolphins frolicking in the calm waters and if you’re visiting around July or August, you might see whales on their annual migration.
Highlights in this park
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General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Contact
- 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.
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Trial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
02 6566 6168
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - 73 Trial Bay Gaol Road, Arakoon NSW 2431
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Email: npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Trial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
In this park:
Things to do (16)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (3)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Canoeing/paddling (2)
- Cultural heritage (2)
- Fishing (2)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (3)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (1)
- Sightseeing (7)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Swimming (3)
- Walking (5)