Macleay Coast Destination

Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park is an iconic tourist destination attracting over half a million visitors each year. The Macleay Coast Destination project will modernise and improve visitor facilities in the surrounding Arakoon and Hat Head national parks to enhance the experience of visitors and locals alike.

The project will significantly improve the Trial Bay and Cardwell Street precincts, with new nature-based and heritage experiences to encourage visitors to stay for longer and strengthen the region's appeal as a year-round destination.

What the project involves

The Macleay Coast Destination project will improve the range and quality of experiences in Arakoon National Park and develop visitor facilities that complement the area's historic and cultural significance.

Project funding will allow for the revitalisation of the Trial Bay campground, including new walking tracks, picnic shelters and upgraded access roads, amenities and campsites.

Initial works will also include improving the Cardwell Street beach access, which will become a key attraction for day visitors in the future, with improved parking and facilities.

Planning has also been completed for Little Bay, Smoky Cape in Hat Head National Park, and a coastal walk between Trial Bay and Smoky Cape. Additional funding will be required to complete these precincts.

• At Little Bay, new family-friendly walking and bike paths along with upgraded visitor facilities will reinvigorate this cherished precinct as a favoured location for family gatherings.
• A coastal walk between Trial Bay and Smoky Cape will provide stunning views over the coastline and meet the increasing demand for bushwalking opportunities.
• At Smoky Cape, proposed improvements aim to improve access for visitors.

The Macleay Coast Destination project will address ageing infrastructure, improve visitor safety and provide greater delineation between park users such as day users, campers and recreational boaters, increasing the appeal of the area for the local community and visitors.

Funding and timeframe

This $6.7 million project is due for completion in 2025.

Why we are doing this and who benefits

Trial Bay Gaol within Arakoon National Park is an iconic tourist destination and popular recreational location, attracting approximately 550,000 domestic and international visitors each year.

Tourism to the park is a major contributor to the local economy of the Kempsey local government area. The Macleay Coast Destination projects aims to improve visitor experiences by reducing congestion in peak periods and diversifying recreational opportunities within the park.

This project will complement existing off-park experiences, deliver longer stays and support local businesses. Promoting Macleay Coast as a year-round destination will boost visitation in shoulder and low seasons.

Protecting park values

Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. This includes providing visitor experiences and facilities, where appropriate, including tracks and trails.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has commissioned independent environmental and heritage assessments to identify the proposal's potential impacts and measures required to mitigate any impacts. This will ensure public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The proposed project will undergo further detailed design and assessment to ensure compliance with the park's plan of management and conservation management plans. Further stringent environmental, cultural heritage and cost-benefit assessments, involving our staff, key stakeholders and other experts, will ensure the project meets environmental, cultural and economic aspirations.

Reflecting a sense of place

Environmentally sustainable design that is appropriate to its setting will be a key focus of the project, with the aim of immersing visitors in the landscape to create a strong connection and sense of place. The scale and design of upgrades and any new facilities will respect the park's natural and cultural values and the area's coastal setting.

Plans of management

Plans of management guide what happens in our national parks, and how we manage them. An up-to-date, clearly articulated plan of management is an important tool for effectively managing our parks.

The existing plan of management for Arakoon National Park dates back to 1987, when the park was a state recreation area, and now needs updating. The existing plan of management for Hat Head National Park dates back to 1998. A lot has changed since these plans were prepared, and new plans are needed to properly manage these special parks and assist in delivering the Macleay Coast Destination project.

Engaging stakeholders

Effective community and stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of this project. NPWS will engage with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way in planning and delivering the Macleay Coast Destination upgrades and new plans of management for Arakoon and Hat Head national parks. Positive and ongoing consultation with the Aboriginal community aims to ensure the proposal is in keeping with Aboriginal interests and aspirations.

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