Trial Bay Gaol is a heritage-listed former public works prison and internment camp at Cardwell Street, Arakoon, Kempsey Shire, New South Wales, Australia. The property is owned by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 14 May 2010.
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Monument Hill walking track
4.9
(8)
Arakoon National Park
4.7
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Trial Bay Kiosk
4.2
(146)
Nothing quite like learning about historic events and the world well before our time. Had no idea the English treated the Germans so poorly but I guess that’s the way the world was back then. There’s a small fee everyone must pay if you want to wander through Trial Bay Gaol and absorb the impressions of the people left behind in this place. Visitors can read through stories of prisoners and why they ended up in here and the daily sufferings of abuse victims had to endure for months and years as a consequence for their petty crimes which wasn’t petty back then. After all we are referring to 1885 where life was a lot harder and small crimes sometimes punishable by death.
On a more positive note. Visitors get to see another part of Trial Bay Gaol. As you walk around to the rear from the entrance and climb a set of stairs. You’ll get to enjoy picturesque ocean scenery and wonder wildly and differently from what you’ve just learnt about life way back then.
It’s obvious the workers of Trial Bay Gaol had it good. So glad to live in times where jails like this … merely exist. Society as a whole had become more open to kindness rather than cruelty and violence. But who knows what the world will become in 50 - 100 years from now. Places like this sure do...
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Great spot, snag the good view of you can and you'll be able to see as far as the South West Rocks SLSC.
The attentive staff are practicing COVIDsafe tasks like its second nature now, with everyone is signing in before ebteringt. I was pleased to be asked to wait just a minute whilst the team promptly sanitised our table before we sat down. Important in this day and age!
Our food was on point too. Good sized serves and great flavours. Not the longest menu in the world but all the brekky classics on there. Coffee was good too. A little bitter for my taste but still good.
The only reason this place loses a star for me is this was the 4th time my Wife and I had tried to come to this establishment. It isn't open public holidays or Sundays, apparently due to not being able to staff the restaurant adequately on these days (these just happen to be the main days of our visits to SWR).
I hope they find an answer to that short term problem though as we will be back for sure!
Keep up the great work. See...
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Was recommended by my Airbnb host to check this place out, and I am so glad I took their advice! This is a interesting spot to learn about some Australian history! The exhibits were well-done with lots of interesting experiences throughout the various parts of the gaol. You may get to see kangaroos here too, but watch out for their poo (it's everywhere!).
Climb to the top of the outlook and you will get amazing views of the bay. It's a little cramped so you may have to take turns if there are other visitors. Despite its offbeat location, I could easily spend 2-3 hours here. If you are along the way and have some time to spare, I would definitely recommend making a short detour to check this place out! (Note that they charge admission fee of...
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