Arakoon National ParkArakoon National Park at a Glance#
Arakoon National Park is a coastal protected area on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales near the town of South West Rocks. The park includes the shoreline around Trial Bay and the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol.
The park offers rocky headlands, sandy bays and low coastal cliffs with short walking tracks and picnic areas. Rock platforms and small beaches provide opportunities for coastal exploration, fishing and panoramic ocean views.
The most prominent historic feature is the Trial Bay Gaol complex, built in the late 19th century; the site was later used to hold internees during World War I and is interpreted for visitors. Over time the area has been managed for both heritage conservation and coastal recreation.
The park sits on the Tasman Sea coast adjacent to the town of South West Rocks on New South Wales’ Mid-North Coast. The landscape is dominated by coastal cliffs, bays and maritime vegetation.
- Trial Bay Gaol access: The gaol ruins are the park’s main historic attraction and have parking and short walkways for access.
- Best viewpoints and time: Coastal lookouts face east over the Tasman Sea, making mornings ideal for sea and sunrise photography.
What to See#
- Trial Bay Gaol: A 19th century prison complex in ruins located on the park shoreline, interpreted with walking paths and interpretive signs; the site was used as an internment camp during World War I.
- Headlands and rock platforms: Rugged coastal headlands, rock platforms and small sandy bays that provide panoramic ocean views, informal fishing spots and short walking routes along the shoreline.
Nearby Attractions to Arakoon National Park#
Best Time to Visit Arakoon National Park#
Arakoon National Park is best visited in spring and summer for wildlife activity and comfortable coastal weather.
Weather & Climate near Arakoon National Park#
Arakoon National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1457 mm/year), wettest in March.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 153 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.1 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.7h |
| February | Very Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 5.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
| March | Very Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 193 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 16° - 24° | 20° | 157 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.2h |
| May | Good | 14° - 22° | 18° | 150 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| June | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.1h |
| July | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 71 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.3h |
| August | Very Good | 10° - 20° | 15° | 52 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 4.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.9h |
| September | Excellent | 12° - 22° | 17° | 55 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 4.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.8h |
| October | Excellent | 14° - 23° | 19° | 90 mm | some cloud | 72% | 5.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.7h |
| November | Very Good | 16° - 25° | 20° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 5.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.5h |
| December | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 128 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.9h |
How to Get to Arakoon National Park#
Arakoon National Park is reached from Coffs Harbour and Kempsey regions, via the Pacific Highway and local coastal roads. The park is a short drive from the town of South West Rocks; signage on local roads directs visitors to parking and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Arakoon National Park#
- Check tide and road conditions for coastal access points within the park.
- Rare plants and nesting seabirds can be found - bring a field guide or join a ranger walk if available.