Trial Bay Gaol Campground reopens after $6.7 million upgrade

The Trial Bay Gaol campground in Arakoon National Park has reopened in time for the summer holidays, following a $6.7 million upgrade.

The upgrades provide new picnic shelters as well as improved amenities, road access, beach access and formalised walking and cycling paths – all sensitively designed to respect the site’s heritage and landscape.

A further $3 million has been invested into foreshore protection works to protect the beach for the community and visitors into the future.

It is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality camping and day-use facilities while protecting the park’s unique natural and cultural values, delivering a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors.

This upgrade is part of the Government’s $91 million investment in National Parks visitor infrastructure in 2025–26, underpinning the nature-based tourism sector and delivering significant economic benefits to regional NSW.

Alongside the iconic Great Koala National Park, these improvements will secure the local region’s reputation as a must-see visitor destination on the Australian East Coast.

Across the NSW North Coast, National Parks generates $6.3 billion annually, supports over 12,300 jobs and hosts 560,000 overnight stays.

By improving facilities and visitor experiences, the project will encourage longer stays, attract new markets and create flow-on benefits for local businesses and jobs.

Bookings can be made online at Trial Bay Gaol campground or by calling the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

National Parks and Wildlife Service Area Manager Shane Robinson said:

“Trial Bay Gaol is a jewel of the Macleay Coast and a favourite for families and visitors from across NSW.

“This upgrade is a win for the community and local businesses ahead of summer, providing better facilities like new picnic shelters and improved amenities, road and beach access.

“Investing in iconic destinations like Trial Bay Gaol supports regional communities and preserves our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.”

“Tourism is vital for the mid north coast, and these upgrades will help drive economic growth and create jobs.”