Macleay Coast Destination: update July 2025

Project overview

We are working to improve and modernise visitor infrastructure and facilities in the Arakoon and Hat Head national parks, in line with the finalised Macleay Coast Destination master plan.

When finished, the project will complement the historic and cultural significance of key visitor precincts and enhance visitors' experience. The 3-phased project is funded with $6.7 million. For more details, see the Macleay Coast Destination master plan.

Cardwell Street car park upgrade completed

We have completed the car park upgrade at the Cardwell Street Precinct in Arakoon National Park. This upgrade improves parking for visitors using the Cardwell Street day use area. The amenities block will be ready by October 2025 and we are currently planning the connecting green space and picnic facilities.

Trial Bay Gaol campground infrastructure upgrade – Stage 1

We started upgrading the Trial Bay Gaol campground infrastructure in early February 2025. Unfortunately, severe wet in the mid north coast between March and May caused significant delays in construction works. This has extended the works completion date to the end of October 2025.

Despite the wet weather disruption, we are making good progress in the northern campground area. We have reconstructed a dual-access road that will reopen on 30 July 2025, improving access across the site.

Essential stormwater excavation and trenching works unearthed large volumes of rock. We repurposed these rocks in the new seawall as part of the foreshore protection works. We also used excavated dirt to fill the low areas of the construction site.

Over the coming months, we will continue to reconfigure the campsites at Bayview. This will improve the layout and functionality of the site to better accommodate peak season demands. We will redevelop car parking areas and add line marked parking bays. Extensive landscaping will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and ecological balance of the area.

Trial Bay Gaol campground infrastructure upgrade – Stage 2

By managing and addressing anticipated risks in the Stage 1 works, we have enough contingency funding to start Stage 2 works earlier than planned.

Stage 2 works will start on 7 July 2025 and will not impact the final works completion date of 30 October 2025. A 2 weeks contingency window is only for the Stage 2 footprint as shown on the map. All Bayview camping areas in the northern section of the campground will reopen from early November.

Stage 2 works will upgrade the lower southern section of the campground roads, which are in very poor condition. This stage will also include the installation of improved drainage and critical stormwater infrastructure.

During the construction period, we will close the northern and southern section of the campground for safety. For details, visit the Trial Bay Gaol campground, Arakoon National Park page.

Boat ramp access and pedestrian beach access

From Wednesday 30 July 2025, the two-way access road at the campground will reopen providing road access to the boat ramp and seafront. The Bayview amenities block will also reopen to the public at the same time.

Pedestrian access to the seafront will remain via the walking track from the Trial Bay Gaol car park. The public will also have ongoing access to the Cardwell Street day use area and beach.

National Park and Wildlife Services commitment

The Trial Bay Gaol Campground upgrade works helps us preserve the environmental and heritage values of this unique location while improving the user experience for all park visitors.

By finalising Stage 1 works and completing Stage 2 works at the same time, we will minimise future disruption and major closures.