Monument Hill walking track is a 1.4km, grade 3 hike located in the Arakoon National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 45 mins to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
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.
Trail location
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Getting there
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.
Gallery
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Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted 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.
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Gear to consider

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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.