trial bay gaol

An incongruous juxtaposition of eerie prison ruins set against the beautiful backdrop of rocky cliffs overlooking sandy beaches.Fascinating bit of Australian history and preservation of the remains of a part of a social experiment with prison labor for public works (to create a breakwater and make Trial Bay a safe harbor between Sydney and Brisbane, which project ultimately failed). Also used as an internment camp for Germans during WWI.Bonus: wild 'roos wandering the ruins add to the surreal atmosphere.

Historically it has been well preserved. An interesting way to spend a few hours, and in a pretty location. Plenty of parking and picnic spots in the area too. But my goodness, I found it so creepy, unsettling and dark vibes, and that was in daylight. Ghost hunters would have a field day here! NO way would you get me here at night.

Having been here years ago, it was a pleasant surprise to find it even better one the second visit. The history of the place is told well, through a variety of different ways, including well written and placed signage, video, old photos and a cool and well organised museum. The grounds are meticulously maintained and the freedom to wander the prison gives it even more appeal. Set in such a picturesque setting and with its history of the reasonable treatment of internees, it is an interesting place.

The Goal is easily accessible, with plenty of parking. It is a little expensive to enter, but not bank breaking. The signage and information around the gaol is very informative, the set up provides a fun and engaging self guided tour. The Museum has a lot of interesting articles inside. The view from the gaol grounds is fantastic. As an added bonus, some local kangaroos roam the gaol!

This place is reasonably priced, well laid out and in a stunning location. Easy to find, plenty of parking, and informative signs all the way through. We visited with three children (aged 10, 7 and 5) and we all had an enjoyable time. Also the people there were super friendly, and it was amazing to see kangaroos just sitting there inside the goal.

Trial Bay Gaol is an interesting place to have a wander around on a sunny day. Real sense of history made real by good signage, an interesting museum and video room. Would be a great way to entertain the kids for a couple of hours.

Easy to get to by car, easy to park, easy to enter, modest entry fee, easy to tour with the self-guide as long as it is not raining (no rooves!). Make sure you go right to the rear of the complex to climb up to the Watch Tower, from which you get an excellent view of Trial Bay and the breakwater wall which motivated the creation of the gaoll in the first place.There is a nice restaurant on the way with a good view over the water.

I once again enjoyed my time at the goal. Parking was good the grounds and goal were great to wander around. Views were beautiful.

trial bay goal is a wonderful place to visit all year round. the history of trial bay and Arakoon area is well documented. there are tours through the goal and at Christmas plays host to carols by candlelight, always a highlight in the lead up to Christmas. throughout the year there are many other events held there. Sculpture by the Sea is a fantastic event inviting artists to display their works and visitors can vote for their favourite pieces. the Goal also has a viewing platform that enables visitors to take in the panoramic views of south west rocks and over to Yarrahappini and up the coast.

We have often visited this site and have always enjoyed reading about our History. Its a place that you should give enough time to look around plus read, I really like to go to all different places as the learning is never complete, Hope you enjoy Trial Bay Goal as we did. Beautiful place as well, very Clean good for kids

Not a just a gaol but a look at what life in one was like many years ago - great for the kiddies too

The Gaol is located in a beautiful location It was good to just walk around at our own pace and enjoy reading all the information provided.

The goal is one of the main attractions of south West rocks. The goal is a major part of the towns history. Entry price was cheap 7 dollars for students and 10 for adults. I Iver heard one women say how they found a empty prison and we're "milking" it for money, not the case as the place was kept tidy and clean.

Excellent and well preserved historical site. Staff are freindly. Mozzies were not.Has an eerie feel, but the sandstone walls are stunning.

This place certainly has an interesting history. During the the early years it was used to contain real criminals who oft tried to escape and some did.....then to hold approx 500 Germans who were thought to be spies during ww1. These Germans build a bakery that was so good...people outside the prison used to go there just to buy their bread. They also built three tennis courts and tried to build a break wall that could protect ships from winds of the ocean. My wife and I also enjoyed the great scenery around this place and plan to return in the not so distant future and do a spot of fishing.