If you take a walk along the Monument Hill walking track, you'll be rewarded with the sight of casuarinas in the heathlands, spectacular coastal views, and the fresh sea breeze upon your cheeks as you approach the summit.
The monument itself was built as a tribute to German internees who passed away in Trial Bay Gaol during World War I. Along the walk you'll see many flannel flowers, planted by the internees because they reminded them of edelweiss and of home.
If you do feel like a longer walk, you can join the Bridle trailand loop back via Powder Magazine walking track, and if you'd like a break, you can enjoy a picnic or go for a paddle around Little Bay picnic area.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whale watch.
Take care on this path as the casuarina needles can be slippery and there are some steep sections.
Mermaid Pools, near this walking track, is not recommended for swimming. Large waves wash over the area and visitors can be swept off the rocks.
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.
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.
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
To Trial Bay Gaol carpark. Monument Hill walking track starts at Trial Bay Gaol in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of Arakoon National Park.From South West Rocks:Follow Phillip DriveTurn left onto Cardwell StreetContinue along Cardwell Street until you reach Trial Bay GoalThe walk begins 200m back up Cardwell StreetAlternatively, if starting from Little Bay picnic areaFollow 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 Park entry points Trial Bay Gaol carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Trial Bay Gaol, including designated bus parking and Little Bay picnic area.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Arakoon National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Favourite
Bongil Bongil National Park
Favourite
Favourite
Lake Innes Nature Reserve
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.
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.Â
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.
