Arakoon State Conservation Area

Arakoon State Conservation Area

Arakoon State Conservation Area Camping is located at the base of the historic Trial Bay Gaol. It opened as a Public Works Prison with the first wing completed in 1886. The prisoners were employed to build a breakwall to offer a safe harbour to sailing ships, however this project was abandoned and the prison closed in 1903. During world war one it was reopened to hold German internees that were rounded up in Australia and the South Pacific to prevent them hindering the Australian war effort.The Prison was closed in 1918 and the infrastructure sold off in 1922, leaving the amazing granite structure that we see today.It’s a magnificent camping area on the ocean facing west over Trial Bay, with flushing toilets and showers. Windsurfing, sailing, sail boarding, snorkeling, swimming, whale watching, bush walking, barbecues and picnic areas are available for day visitors as well as camping.