Trial Bay Gaol

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Occupying Trial Bay's eastern headland, this sandstone prison was built between 1877 and 1886 to house convicts brought in to build a breakwater. When nature intervened and the breakwater washed away, the imposing structure fell into disuse, aside from a brief, rather tragic, interlude in WWI when men of German and Austrian heritage were interned. Today it contains a museum devoted to its unusual history; even if you don't visit within, it's worth a detour for the views and the resident roos.

It's a pleasant 4km dawdle along the beach from South West Rocks.

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Nearby attractions

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3.29 MILES

Stunning views along the long coast of Hat Head National Park can be had here at NSW's most elevated lighthouse (1891) at the northern end of the park. It…

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5. Shelly Beach

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The secluded northern extension of Shelly Beach is wide and sandy, and good for surfing.

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Above Main Beach, this little museum has local-history exhibits, including a collection of more than 1000 photos.

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