Trial Bay Gaol was built as an experiment in penal reform. The gaol was constructed by contractors starting in 1877 and the first wing was completed in 1886 when the gaol was first occupied. The second wing was completed in 1900.
The construction of the gaol was the culmination of the ideas of two men. E.O. Moriarty, Engineer in Chief for Harbours and Rivers, wished to see a breakwater constructed from Laggers Point to provide a safe harbour for ships using the Macleay River. The second member of the duo was H. Maclean, Sheriff and Acting Inspector of Prisons, who wished to establish a Public Works Prison of reform. The Gaol fulfilled the aims of both men; it was the first Public Works Prison in Australia with much more lenient conditions than other institutions and the prisoners were employed on the Public work of constructing the breakwater.
The gaol closed in 1903 but reopened in 1915 to hold German internees and prisoners during World War I. Today the "Gaol" attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually and houses a museum which traces the history of the prison and the surrounding area.
Several films and TV mini series including "Great Expectations", "Eliza Fraser", "Always Afternoon" and "Adam’s Woman" have been made in and around the gaol using the beauty of the area as a foil to the imposing granite walls of the prison.
Trial Bay Gaol is open to visitors each day of the year from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day) and entry fees apply.
Additional information can be obtained from:-
Arakoon State Recreation Area - 0265 666168.