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Category: History

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Trial Bay Gaol

Inside the Gaol

Trial Bay Gaol

Now a heritage listed ruin, Trial Bay Gaol originally served as housing for a prisoner labour force to build a nearby breakwater. The breakwater was intended to provide a safe harbour for ships sailing up the eastern Australian coast. Construction of the gaol commenced in 1877, with work on the breakwater following in 1889 after delays caused by funding shortfalls.

Planning however underestimated the strength of local storms with the work constantly washed away. By 1903 only 20% of the breakwater had been completed, but with huge cost over-runs. Improvements in sea-going vessels and with an overland route established, the project was cancelled and the gaol closed.

The gaol found a renewed purpose with the commencement of World War One, when it was used as an internment camp. High ranking Germans and prominent German businessmen were housed here until July 1918 when they were moved to Holsworthy Interment camp.

Following its second closure, all moveable fittings were sold. It then fell into disrepair and became the runs we see today.

Getting There

Located in the Arakoon National Park and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Trial Bay Gaol is roughly an hour’s drive north of Port Macquarie on the New South Wales mid-north coast. We drove from Port Macquarie and made it a day trip in the area, including nearby South West Rocks.

Walking through the ruins shows how bleak living here would have been. The cells are small and would have been cold in winter and hot in summer. The roofless buildings and hollow interiors have a haunting atmosphere and were great fun to walk through.

Watch out for the resident kangaroos, there were around ten there when we visited. One even had a joey in its pouch.

Views over the coastline are spectacular especially from the guard towers on the walls.

Once we had finished with the gaol, we drove through the nearby camping ground for a close-up look of the coast. The area is very popular with campers many of them were on the water fishing in boats.

What Did We Think?

We really enjoyed our visit here because of the ruins and spectacular views. Its also easy to get to with many other great things to see nearby.

Entrance to the Gaol Trial Bay Gaol
Entrance to the Gaol
Main Gaol Building Trial Bay Gaol
Main Gaol Building
Courtyard Trial Bay Gaol
Courtyard
Archway to the gaol cells
Archway to the gaol cells
Inside the Gaol
Inside the Gaol
One of the gaol cells Trial Bay Gaol
One of the gaol cells
Rusted barred window
Rusted barred window
Kangaroo with a joey in her pouch
Kangaroo with a joey in her pouch
Shoreline at Trial Bay
Shoreline at Trial Bay
Shoreline at Trial Bay
Shoreline at Trial Bay

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Bare Island

The external walls of the fortified island

Bare Island

In the 1860s Britain removed its garrison troops from its Australian colonies, which resulted in a rapid examination of the colonies’ defenses. Britain’s war with Russia escalated fears of an invasion (not sure how Russia was going to send an invasion force all the way to Australia). As a result two Imperial Engineers arrived (Scratchley who also designed Fort Scratchley in Newcastle and Jervois). Between them and with the assistance of colonial architects they devised a series of forts to defend the coastline and major centres. One of these was Bare Island.

With excellent views over the entrance to Botany Bay, Bare Island was perfectly placed to guard against an overland attack of Sydney. Manned by around 70 soldiers it served as a fort from it’s completion in 1886 until the early 1900s. With changing technology, the fort became a war veterans’ home until 1942 when the military again took up residence.

Bare Island Fort Today

Unfortunately during the 1930s all but the two largest guns were sold for scrap. The largest guns remain only because they were too heavy to move. In 1967, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) were given control of the now gazetted historical site. In 1989, the fort opened to the public.

Getting There

We drove to La Perouse and parked in the foreshore parking area. From here we walked over the pedestrian bridge to Bare Island.

The Tour

NPWS conduct guided tours of the island, which can be booked online. Joining a tour at the entrance gate is possible, but only if there is room. Book onlie to avoid disappointment.

Access to the island is via a pedestrian bridge. Your guide will meet you at the far end of the bridge and let you through the gates. From here, the tour takes you through the gun pits, tunnels and rooms of the fort. The guide provides a narration throughout the tour, so you receive the full history of the island.

From the top of the island, you get amazing views of Botany Bay, while being able to appreciate the importance of the fort as it overlooks the bay’s entrance.

What Did We Think of Bare Island?

This was a great tour, full of history and interesting things to see. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, providing us with lots of information on the Island’s history. Especially good was the group size, which was no so large that you missed out on seeing things.

The external walls of the fortified island
The external walls of the fortified island Bare Island
External walls Bare Island
External walls
The connecting bridge Bare Island
The connecting bridge
Rifle slots in the walls
Rifle slots in the walls
Verandah of the Barracks
Verandah of the Barracks
Connecting tunnel between gun pits Bare Island
Connecting tunnel between gun pits
underground gun, firing through a concealed gunport Bare Island
underground gun, firing through a concealed gunport
Connecting tunnel and magazine access
Connecting tunnel and magazine access
One of the gun pits
One of the gun pits
Gun mounted on one of the gun platforms. Not the original gun.
Gun mounted on one of the gun platforms.
Disappearing gun pit Bare Island
Disappearing gun pit
This shows the commanding field of fire the gun had to the entrance to Port Botany.
This shows the commanding field of fire the gun had to the entrance to Port Botany.
Gun pit with a view of the connecting bridge to Bare Island
Gun pit with a view of the connecting bridge to the island
View from Bare Island to the mainland. Aboriginal, Australian and NSW flags.
View from Bare Island to the mainland. Aboriginal, Australian and NSW flags.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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The Strand Arcade Sydney

Strand Arcade Sign

The Strand Arcade Sydney

Located in the centre of the Sydney CBD and running from Pitt to George Street, the Strand Arcade is one of Sydney’s premier shopping destinations. Opened in 1892, The Strand is the only remaining arcade of its type in Sydney. With three levels, to explore and many cafes and restaurants, there’s plenty to see.

A Brief History of The Strand

Over time the arcade became neglected and run-down. However, in 1976, as restoration works were being undertaken a fire broke out causing extensive damage. Fortunately, instead of demolishing the building, the owner decided on an authentic restoration. As a result, the floor, staircases and shopfronts look exactly as they were when first built. Even the hydraulic lifts were restored.

What to Find on the Different Levels

Walking through the arcade, the cedar shopfront, balustrades and tiled floors all remind you of the 18th century. The stairs even have a lead covering to protect the cedar wood. There is three levels to the Strand. The top has high-end shops where you can find wedding dress makers, shoemakers, and old time barbers. Many of these shops have displays of the original tools used in their businesses as well as viewing into their workshops. Also from this level, you get a good view of the Strand Clock, installed by one of the original tenants that came from Germany and had a nut shop. When they decided to close they left this little bit of history for all to see.

The middle level has department brands that we all know and is relatively busy, while the bottom contains eateries, and a variety of everyday shop that we would visit regularly.

The original building had leadlight windows. Unfortunately, adjacent development has covered one from the outside. This has resulted in no light to show off its colours, but another nearby still has natural light to show off its design.

The Strand is very easy to find in the centre of Sydney and is a great place to visit, even if it’s only to browse the shops or have a coffee while admiring the architecture.

Strand Arcade Sign
Strand Arcade Sign
Ground Floor
Ground Floor
Middle Floor The Strand Arcade
Middle Floor
View from the Top Floor The Strand Arcade
View from the Top Floor
Stain Glass Window
Stain Glass Window
Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows
Original Elevator
Original Elevator
The Strand Arcade's Clock
The Strand Arcade’s Clock

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.