Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour
Arakoon National Park
Overview
Come along and find out what life behind bars was really like for the prisoners at Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon National Park near South West Rocks. Explore the gaol on this action-packed family tour.
- When
Monday 14 April, Wednesday 16 April and Wednesday 23 April 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm.
Monday 7 July, Wednesday 9 July, Monday 14 July, Wednesday 16 July 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm.
Monday 29 September and Wednesday 1 October 2025, 4pm to 5.30pm
Wednesday 8 October 2025, 4.30pm to 6pm.
Every Wednesday from 31 December 2025 to 28 January 2026, 4.30pm to 6pm.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for all ages, particularly children aged 5 to 12 years. Younger children are welcome with close parental supervision. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You'll be walking over uneven surfaces, grass areas and paved stonework.
- Price
-
Adult $20 per person. Child (5 to 16 years) $10 per person. Children under 5 free. Family $50 for 2 adults and 2 children.
- Meeting point
- Entrance to Trial Bay Gaol.
- What to
bring - Sturdy shoes, suitable clothing
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park is brimming with stories. Join us these school holidays, as we explore the gaol and learn about its history. Its mysterious towers, impenetrable walls and rows of old cells are sure to ignite the imaginations of young and old alike.
There'll be fun activities, games and treasure hunting. We'll use photo cards to locate special items and places. Come and play some old-fashioned German games, including Kegel bowling. Build a wall just like the gaol's prisoners did. Search for the missing gaol keys to earn your release!
This tour is great for the whole family. You'll leave with a greater insight into the lives of the prisoners of the past.
Don’t forget to wear enclosed shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Bring along a small hand torch if the tour continues after sunset.
Bookings
- 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
Operated by

- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Arakoon National Park 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.
What's nearby:
Things to do (24)
- Aboriginal culture (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (7)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Canoeing/paddling (2)
- Cultural heritage (2)
- Cycling (1)
- Fishing (3)
- Historic heritage (10)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sightseeing (12)
- Snorkelling and scuba (1)
- Surfing (1)
- Swimming (4)
- Walking (9)