The importance of the area for recreation purposes was recognised as early as 1946 when a Reserve for Public Recreation was notified over Trial Bay Prison and surrounding lands. In 1974 the State Recreation Area was established and has been increased in importance by the addition of Gap Beach in 1977, parts of Front Beach in 1979 and Saltwater Lagoon in 1983.
Photo: Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park / Harry Creamer/OEH