Trail Fast Facts

Bridle trail is a 600m, grade 2 hike in Arakoon National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 30 minutes to complete.

Length: 600m

Duration: 30 mins

Grade 2 (Easy)

Style: One Way

Start: Trial Bay Gaol Access Rd

End: Bridle Track

Location: Arakoon National Park

State: New South Wales

Nearby town: Arakoon

From state capital: 455km

Latitude: -30.882354

Longitude: 153.072

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

Retrace history along an easy walking track, Bridle trail, near Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, 5km east of South West Rocks. In days gone by, horses would haul the massive steam crane used in the granite quarry during the construction of the ill-fated breakwater.
You won't see any exhausted horses along this trail today. Accessed from Little Bay picnic area, this historic short track is now a beautiful walk through regenerated coastal heathlands and majestic gums. Passing cool patches of rainforest, look for remnants of the old iron water pipe that was used to supply water to the gaol.
If you feel like exploring a little more, an easy track links to Powder Magazine walking track.

Track Grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Map and GPX file

Bridle Trail Walk (600m)

Share your GPX file

Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.

Trailhead

Getting there

Bridle Trail Walk (600m)

Bridle trail starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park. To get there:From South West Rocks:Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street)Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri StreetContinue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic area Parking Parking is available at Little Bay picnic area.

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

The idyllic Arakoon National Park on the NSW mid north coast is home to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and is a wonderful place for a daytrip to explore Australian history or for a family camping holiday. There are great picnic and camping spots by the tranquil Trial Bay, and the area is surrounded by rocky foreshores and sandy beaches.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Arakoon National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Bridle Trail Walk (600m)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Track Grade

Map and GPX file

Bridle Trail Walk (600m)