Monument Hill walking track
Arakoon National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Monument Hill walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
1.4km one-way
Time
30min - 1hr
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills: There are short to medium sections of the track that have steep hills.
Quality of path
Formed track: The track is 2m-wide and mostly bitumen along its length, except for short sections at the start and the end of the track, which are asphalt.
There's also a short steep section of gravel and asphalt between the monument and Little Bay.
Steps
Occasional steps: There are 2 steps at the start of the walk as you approach the track head from the Trial Bay Gaol carpark. The steps are wide and asphalt.
Other barriers
Pinch points: There may be points where the track narrows due to vegetation.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Monument Hill walking track starts at Trial Bay Gaol in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park.
From South West Rocks:
- Follow Phillip Drive
- Turn left onto Cardwell Street
- Continue along Trial Bay Gaol Access Road until you reach Trial Bay Gaol
- The walk begins 200m back up Trial Bay Gaol Access Road
Alternatively, if starting from Little Bay picnic area
- Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street)
- Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri Street
- Continue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic area
Parking
Trial Bay Gaol carpark is the closest carpark to the start of the track. it has 2 accessible parking spots and designated bus parking
There are also 2 small asphalt carparks at Little Bay picnic area where the walk ends.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Arakoon National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
The wildflowers will be out so it’s a great time to hike the park’s walking tracks. Keep an eye out for the glossy black cockatoos that feed on the seeds of ripe she-oak fruit during spring.
Summer
School's out and it's a great time for a family camping holiday – spend your days swimming, snorkelling, fishing and exploring the park's attractions.
Winter
Catch the whales on their journey north along the coast.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
41.7°C
Winter temperature
Average
12°C and 20°C
Lowest recorded
4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
343.7mm
Facilities
The nearest toilet and picnic facilities are located at Trial Bay Gaol. There's also an amenities block at the other end of the track at Little Bay picnic area.
Seats and resting points
There are 5 bench seats with backrests at regular points along the track.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Monument Hill walking track is 2m-wide and mostly bitumen, with short sections of asphalt at the start and end of the track.
There are parts of the track where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:
- There are 2 wide asphalt steps at the Trial Bay Gaol track head
- There are some steeper sections along the walk, including a short steep section of gravel and asphalt between the monument and Little Bay.
- There may be points where the track narrows due to vegetation.
There are 5 bench seats with backrests at regular points along the track.
Accessible parking is available in an asphalt carpark at Trial Bay Gaol where this walk begins, and there's one accessible flush toilet at the Bayview amenities block at nearby Trial Bay Gaol campground. There's also an accessible amenities block at the end of the track (at Little Bay picnic area).
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Trial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6566 6168
- npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 73 Trial Bay Gaol Road, Arakoon NSW 2431
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.