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Arakoon National Park
Attraction
Park alerts
Arakoon National Park
1 current alert · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 6:05 pm
- Closed areasUntil 30 Oct 2026
Area permanently closed - Mermaid Pools
Access to Mermaid Pools is permanently closed including for swimming. Sudden large swells and tides create major waves that wash over the rocks and pools.
Do not access this area. The severe conditions at this site have caused a number of significant injuries and deaths in the past.
Mermaid Pools have never been a designated visitor site due to the extreme nature of the surf and tides at this location. There is no approved public access walking track to Mermaid Pools.
For further information call the NPWS Verges Creek area office on 02 6561 6700.
About
The idyllic Arakoon National Park on the NSW mid north coast is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and is a wonderful place for a daytrip to explore Australian history or for a family camping holiday. There are great picnic and camping spots by the tranquil Trial Bay, and the area is surrounded by rocky foreshores and sandy beaches.
Trial Bay Gaol, dating from the 19th century, was built to house prison labourers who were tasked with building a breakwater. Today the gaol is a picturesque ruin and a fascinating place to explore. There are excellent fishing spots around the park's rocky headlands and the park's sheltered beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddling.
Don't be surprised if you see dolphins frolicking in the calm waters and if you're visiting around July or August, you might see whales on their annual migration.
The park at a glance
Arakoon National Park, home to historic Trial Bay Gaol, offers beachside camping, rocky foreshores with great fishing and beaches perfect for whale watching and swimming.
The idyllic Arakoon National Park on the NSW mid north coast is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and is a wonderful place for a daytrip to explore Australian history or for a family camping holiday. There are great picnic and camping spots by the tranquil Trial Bay, and the area is surrounded by rocky foreshores and sandy beaches.
Trial Bay Gaol, dating from the 19th century, was built to house prison labourers who were tasked with building a breakwater. Today the gaol is a picturesque ruin and a fascinating place to explore. There are excellent fishing spots around the park’s rocky headlands and the park’s sheltered beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddling.
Don’t be surprised if you see dolphins frolicking in the calm waters and if you’re visiting around July or August, you might see whales on their annual migration.
- Walks
- 10
- Campgrounds
- 3
- Places to stay
- 2
- Historic places
- 2
Plan your visit
Access, facilities and practical details.
Best times to visit
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.
Explore Arakoon National Park
See what each part of the park offers.
- Hat Head National Park
- Normally open · check alerts
- $8 per vehicle per day
- 7 walks · 2 campgrounds · 2 picnic areas · 1 place to stay · 1 historic place
Places to discover
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Places to stay (2)
- Little Bay Cottagesleeps 5
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottagessleeps 8 · Hat Head National Park
Walks in this park
- Bridle trail
Grade 2 · Easy · 0.6km one-way · 15 - 45min
Plants and animals
Animals
- Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea)
- Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
- Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Plants
- Black sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
- Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
Protected species listed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Frequently asked questions
9 questionsNearby places
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Before you go
Opening
Usually open · check alerts
Nearby towns
South West Rocks (4 km) · Kempsey (37 km) · Crescent Head (58 km)
Get in touch
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteTrial Bay Gaol Visitor Centre
02 6566 6168npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au73 Trial Bay Gaol Road, Arakoon NSW 2431
9am to 4.30pm daily; Closed Christmas Day
Where you'll be
Trial Bay Gaol Access Rd
South West Rocks NSW 2431