Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Advance bookings are essential, and you’ll need to pay the full amount before arrival.
- There is only one campground at Arakoon National Park, and it can book up quickly at peak periods. Book at least three months in advance for summer visits and bank holiday weekends.
- Note that only 7-night (Saturday to Saturday) bookings are available during NSW and QLD school holidays.
When to Go
Summer (December through March) is peak season in Arakoon National Park and the ideal time to swim and snorkel at the park’s beaches. To avoid the crowds, opt for a spring or autumn visit instead, when it’s still warm enough to hit the beach. Wildlife watching is possible year-round—come in spring to hike amid the wildflowers and spot glossy black cockatoos or in winter (July-August) to see humpback whales during their annual migration.
Know Before You Go
Summer (December through March) is peak season in Arakoon National Park and the ideal time to swim and snorkel at the park’s beaches. To avoid the crowds, opt for a spring or autumn visit instead, when it’s still warm enough to hit the beach. Wildlife watching is possible year-round—come in spring to hike amid the wildflowers and spot glossy black cockatoos or in winter (July-August) to see humpback whales during their annual migration.
Nearby Attractions
A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.
Arakoon National Park
History and nature meet with beachside camping, coastal walks, and a 19th-century gaol.
Sandy beaches, rocky coves, and bush-covered headlands await in Arakoon National Park, along with one of NSW’s most fascinating historical sites. Learn about Australia’s convict history on a tour of the Trial Bay Gaol, then climb up to Monument Hill for a view over the South West Rocks and Mermaid Pools. Rainforest trails and bushwalks lead the way to the scenic Little Bay picnic area, but the main beach lies along the peninsula’s west coast. Cool off with a swim, enjoy surfing or snorkeling along the coast, or try your luck fishing from the shore before pitching your tent at the beachside Trial Bay Gaol Campground. Here you’ll find powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans, and camper trailers, with direct access to the beach.
Sandy beaches, rocky coves, and bush-covered headlands await in Arakoon National Park, along with one of NSW’s most fascinating historical sites. Learn about Australia’s convict history on a tour of the Trial Bay Gaol, then climb up to Monument Hill for a view over the South West Rocks and Mermaid Pools. Rainforest trails and bushwalks lead the way to the scenic Little Bay picnic area, but the main beach lies along the peninsula’s west coast. Cool off with a swim, enjoy surfing or snorkeling along the coast, or try your luck fishing from the shore before pitching your tent at the beachside Trial Bay Gaol Campground. Here you’ll find powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans, and camper trailers, with direct access to the beach.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summer (December through March) is peak season in Arakoon National Park and the ideal time to swim and snorkel at the park’s beaches. To avoid the crowds, opt for a spring or autumn visit instead, when it’s still warm enough to hit the beach. Wildlife watching is possible year-round—come in spring to hike amid the wildflowers and spot glossy black cockatoos or in winter (July-August) to see humpback whales during their annual migration.
Know Before You Go
Summer (December through March) is peak season in Arakoon National Park and the ideal time to swim and snorkel at the park’s beaches. To avoid the crowds, opt for a spring or autumn visit instead, when it’s still warm enough to hit the beach. Wildlife watching is possible year-round—come in spring to hike amid the wildflowers and spot glossy black cockatoos or in winter (July-August) to see humpback whales during their annual migration.
Nearby Attractions
A beautiful partially sheltered beach with an elaborate past, Trial Bay is a great place to spend your day exploring both nature and history.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Trial Bay Gaol Campground cancellation policy?
Trial Bay Gaol Campground is managed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. Their cancellation policy states that if you cancel your booking more than 7 days before your arrival date, you will receive a full refund minus a $12 administration fee. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival date, no refund will be given. You can find more information about their cancellation policy on the NSW National Parks website.