Arakoon State Conservation Area

 

WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE:

 

INTRODUCTION:

The Arakkon State Conservation Area preserves the Trial Bay Gaol site on Laggers Point and the surrounding area. It is an area covering some 110 plus hectares.

The gaol was built in the 1870s and has been used to hold prisoners working on the local breakwater and as an internment location for Germans during WWI. A memorial to the German internees is located on the top of Monument Hill.

Laggers Point, upon which the gaol is built, is an ideal location for watching whales in the autumn and winter migration. Near Laggers Point is Little Bay, which is a secluded beach area with picnic facilities.

Though preserving a human built site, Arakoon State Conservation Area also protects habitat for Ospreys, Glossy Black Cockatoos, Sugar Gliders and Brush-tailed Phascogales, among others.

Arakoon is reached via the Pacific Highway and is located 40km north of Kempsey, not far from South West Rocks.

 

WALKING TRACKS:

Monument Hill (1.2km - 30 mins):

The Monument Hill track heads off from near Trial Bay Gaol and heads up Monument Hill. On the way to the summit is the memorial to the German detainees. There are spectacular views of Trial Bay and the South West Rocks from the top.

 

Powder Magazine Track (0.8km - 20 mins):

The Powder Magazine Track heads off the main Monument Hill track and leads to the ruins of the old powder magazines which were used in the construction of the gaol. This was an area where blasting powder was stored during the construction of the gaol and breakwater.

 

Trial Bay Gaol:

The Trial Bay Gaol was built in the 1870s out of the local granite. It was used to house prisoners who were engaged in local building projects, as well as an internment facility during WWII. At the top of Munument Hill is a memorial to German internees who died during this period of Trial Bay's use.

The Park Office is open between 9am and 4.30pm daily, with access to the gaol and museum closing at 4.15pm. There is an entry fee for the gaol and museum.

 

Little Bay:

Little Bay is located close to Trial Bay Gaol. There is a pleasant secluded beach here between the cliffs. However, it should be noted that surf conditions are unpredictable and therefore dangerous.

Also located at Little Bay is the 'Duck Pond,' which is the historic Overshot Dam used as a water supply facility during the early gaol days.

 

CAMPING:

A caravan park next to the gaol offers both powered and non-powered sites. There are hot showers, electric BBQs, toilets and fireplaces provided. Fees apply.

 

ARAKOON TRIP - 2003:

In 2003 I visited the Arakoon State Conservation Area. For a look at my journal of the trip and some photos visit the link below:

http://kevinswilderness.com/NSW/arakoon_2003.html

 

ACCOMMODATION AND RESOURCE LINKS:

 

Kevin's Wilderness Journeys Homepage
New South Wales
Top Of Page

30/07/2006