Bridle trail
Arakoon National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bridle trail.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.6km one-way
Time
15 - 45min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
Occasional steps
Quality of path
Formed track: The track is 2-3m wide and hard-packed gravel along its length.
Other barriers
Pinch points: The track may narrow at points due to rocks, plants and other natural features.
Getting there and parking
Bridle trail starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park. To get there:
From South West Rocks:
- 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
Parking is available in an asphalt carpark at Little Bay picnic area.
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
Facilities are located at Little Bay picnic area, where this walk begins, including:
- Accessible toilets
- Picnic tables
- An outdoor cold water shower
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Bridle trail is a 2-3m wide hard-packed gravel trail. The track may narrow at points due to rocks, plants and other natural features.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
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.