The Trial Bay gaol, near South West Rocks in NSW, was built to house the convicts that were to build the bay breakwater. After many years this task proved too difficult and the gaol was closed. In World War One it was reopened to house German enemy aliens, many of whom were naturalised Australians or in the case of some, had been born in Australia. Most of the men interred were from professional backgrounds so they set to work to make their time in captivity more interesting, running small businesses in the gaol, playing tennis and staging plays. One of Australia’s top surgeons was among them and he gave his services to the grateful local community whilst incarcerated.

It is a lovely morning the sun is shining and kangaroos are sunning themselves on the gaol lawns protected from the breeze by the high sandstone walls, such a contrast.