Do you know that there is more to explore at South West Rock then the amazing Big 4 Sunshine Resort… ( although according to my kids the only reason to go is for this awesome Resort!)
Well, if you love Aussie History like I do, then you have to check out the Trail Bay Gaol… you will just have to drag yourself away from the Big 4 Resort pool first!
A (very) short History of Trail Bay Gaol...
The history of the Gaol began in 1876 as the location was first established as an experimental works Gaol… the inmates were instructed to build a breakwall in the nearby bay to help make a safe refuge for passing ships. Work was hard for the prisoners, the hard stone and lack of funding meant that the breakwall was never fully finished and not long after, the Gaol was closed, sitting abandoned till the first World War. It was during this time that the Gaol become an interment camp for people of German descent and this continued as such until near the end of the war.
Now when I ‘dragged’ the kids to see the Gaol I didn’t really know anything of its history. obviously I knew it had been a Gaol, but its connection to the first World War, I was completely unaware of. I suppose this is why places like this interest me so much, they unveil history that many don’t know of.
Tail Bay Goal is well sign posted with plenty of information on the history throughout the buildings and the small museum, sheds even more light and interesting facts on the Gaol. But just wandering around the ruins, walking the hallways and looking inside the cells gives you enough of a vibe to know that this place holds an important place in Australian history.
And the kids?… well they came around. They loved checking out the solitary cells, racing up the watch tower to look out over the ocean and checking out the resident kangaroos! and in the end they enjoyed learning about the history of the Gaol just as much as me!
What: Trail Bay Gaol
Where: Trial Bay Goal Access Road, Arakoon, NSW 2431
How Much: Adult $11. Concession $8. Family $30 (two adults and two children).
Need to Know: Open 9am – 4.30pm daily (Closed on Christmas Day), The Gaol runs tours during certain times of the year (check out the website for more), there is a track that runs from the ruins that gives amazing ocean views and more insight to the areas history, there is camping available very close to the site ( Not the Big 4 – but its literally just down the road!)
Who else loves History?
Safe Travels!
Kerrie
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