About Trial Bay Gaol
Trial Bay Gaol is a heritage-listed former prison located at Arakoon on the Trial Bay foreshore near South West Rocks in Kempsey Shire, New South Wales. Built between 1877 and 1886 to house prisoners constructing a breakwater, it later served as a World War I internment camp. The well-preserved ruins, museum displays and coastal setting within Arakoon National Park make it a significant historic attraction illustrating colonial penal and maritime history.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the well-preserved stone ruins of the former gaol set on a headland overlooking Trial Bay within Arakoon National Park. Expect cell blocks, watchtowers, kitchen and mess hall remains, museum displays with artefacts and interpretive panels, and coastal views. The site includes a visitor centre, self-guided paths and guided tours explaining prison life, breakwater construction and internment camp history in an exposed coastal environment.
Key highlights
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Well-preserved 19th-century prison ruins including cell blocks and watchtowers
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Museum and interpretive displays on convict labour and breakwater construction
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Panoramic views over Trial Bay and the coastline from the gaol precinct
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History as a World War I internment camp for German internees
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Location within Arakoon National Park with beach and headland setting