Visit the Trial Bay Gaol campground

Aerial view of Trial bay gaol

If you’re an Austracker planning your next adventure, you might want to check out Trial Bay Goal campground. Located in the NSW Arakoon National Park, the campground is situated in a gorgeous spot next to Front Beach overlooking the bay and nestled around the historic prison up on the hill.

The campground is 5 km east of the town of South West Rocks on the mid-north NSW coast, a drive of just over 5 hours from either Sydney or Brisbane.

The Trial Bay campground offers over 100 sites for camper trailers, caravans, tent trailers, camper vans and tents. All sites are level, most include water and sullage and several have power, perfect for the camping lifestyle.
There are several amenity blocks, a camp kitchen and BBQ facility, several beach showers, toilets (some with disabled access), numerous picnic tables, a boat ramp, kiosk and restaurant. So much for everyone.

Aerial view of Trial bay gaol


Things to do

Pack your snorkel, swimmers, scuba gear, surfboard, fishing rod and hiking shoes since there are plenty of opportunities to use them.

Fish Rock

Fish Rock is the best ocean cave and shark dive in Australia. The site is a rock island situated two kilometres off the coast. The island has a 125 m long cave or ‘swim through’ that cuts through it. The cave is a haven for docile grey nurse sharks, manta rays, turtles, and many fish species, allowing divers to get up close with the spectacular marine life.

Trial Bay Gaol

Trial Bay Gaol sits above the campground. Once the prison opened in 1886, convicts were assigned there to construct a breakwater to make the bay a safe harbour for ships sailing between Sydney and Brisbane. During World War I, Australians of German descent were held captive in the jail.
Aerial view of Trial bay gaol Smoky Cape Lighthouse

The Smoky Cape Lighthouse is one of the first ever built in Australia. It is also the most elevated lighthouse in NSW, reflecting the tall cape. Captain Cook’s Lookout sits next to the lighthouse and is a great picnic spot.

Walking tracks

A network of connected walking trails can be accessed from the campground. They all hug the coastline, showcase native flora and wildlife, lead to a point of interest and are well signposted.

No matter where your adventures take you, you can rely on an Austrack Camper to get you there safely and in style. Contact us today and kickstart your Austrack adventure.

Trial Bay goal ruins