South West Rocks NSWIf you love to discovery the history of towns we recently visited South West Rocks in New South Wales. It is an ideal holiday if you are interested in history. But also a lovely coastal town it has all the beautiful beache's and National Parks for all the adventurous people.
South West Rocks is a Sleepy coastal town which is a well kept secret. A delightful holiday retreat.Located 463km north of Sydney,
South West Rocks is one of those coastal towns which is often by-passed by holidaymakers. In fact it is one of the quietest and most attractive towns you will find on the Mid North Coast of Australia.
Found North of Port Macquarie, South West rocks is at the mouth of the Macleay River. A coastal holiday resort with sweeping sandy beaches, great fishing and historical buildings. It is also situated adjacent to the historic Trial Bay Gaol and Arakoon State Recreation Area which offers
a range of good coastal walks exploring headlands and beaches. This spot is an ideal family holiday retreat. Close to Kempsey and other major centres yet away from the hustle and bustle.
South West Rocks is located on Trial Bay. The Bay was named after the big Trial which was wrecked there in 1816. Trial Bay Gaol
is one of the great sites of South West Rocks. Set on cliffs high above the sea, Trial Bay Gaol was built in the 1880s to house low-security prisoners who worked to build a breakwater around the bay this is a great historic Gaol that makes South west Rocks well known and a popular tourist attraction.
Two kilometres offshore, Fish Rock Cave is a local diver's delight and one of the best cave dives in the country, a 125 metre
passage through the centre of a small island, with an amazing variety of marine life including grey nurse sharks.
South West Rocks Today, is strictly a tourise destination. It has a modern and attractive centre with lots of accommodation, good foreshores, pleasant beaches and good fishing. The town also has some particularly beautiful stands of Norfolk Pines.
Things to See and Do
First off it is a good idea to visit the Tourist Information at the Boatman's Cottage located in Ocean Drive (you can't miss it as you
approach the centre of town). The cottage is also a museum with an intersting display of the maritime history of the local region.
Here you will be able to find a lot of information and attraction's in South West rocks.
Listed below is a guide on what you might like to see while in the Rocks
Wrecks on the Beach
In 1972 heavy seas forced two car ferries and the old Sydney Harbour showboat, the Koondooloo onto the front beach at South West Rocks.
They will eventually be totally destroyed by the sea but there are still remnants of the vessels to be seen on the beach, but only at low tide.
These are a fasinating part of the history and a great and interesting site to see.
Trial Bay GaolTrial Bay Gaol
This is a must to see. The most important historical site in the area. Located to the east of the small settlement of Arakoon.
the Gaol has a museum as well as beautifully preserved ruins. It is under the control of the National Parks and Wildlife Service who have maintained it in it superb condition. Built in the late nineteenth century, the gaol housed prisoners for 17 years and is well-known as an internment camp for German prisoners during World War 1. The Gaol is open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm daily and there are guided tours available or you can browse through the complex looking at museum pieces and resored cells. A small fee is paid on entry.
Arkaroon State Recreation Area
This recreation area has a good camping area which is located below the goal and there are a number of excellent walks ranging from
the short to a long and quite difficult walk along the coast from Trial Bay to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. There are 6 designated
walking tracks maintained by National Parks. You will find they vary in grades and distances depending on how expereinced and of course
fit you are.
Beaches in South West Rocks
One of the things that make South West Rocks so popular year round is the variety of beaches. They even have beaches that face in different
directions, as is evident with the Trial Bay Beach. It faces west and one of the few beaches on the east coast to do so. Beaches
in South West Rocks include Horseshoe Bay, Back Beach, Main Beach, Trial Bay, Little Bay,Gap Beach, North Smoky and Smoky Beach.
Main Beach South West Rocks
Fishing
Fishing is a major pastime for anyone that comes to South West Rocks and whether it is freshwater, estuary or beach fishing there's no better
place to cast a line or two.
Small fishing boasts can be hired adjacent to the entrance of the River at south West Rocks and you can expect to catchmany varieties of fish from the headlands and rocky outcrops that are dotted along the coast.
Smoky Cape Light houseSmoky Cape Lighthouse
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is on the edge of the Hat Head National Park. To find it look out for the sign post in various points on the road into
South West rocks. This is really worth the visit. It is perched on the top of a cliff and offers wonderful views to both the north and south with
heart stopping views to the waves and rocks which are far below. You will find the lighthouse built in a destinctive octagonal shape
and the cottage has been located in a shelf cut into the rocks on the headland.
Fish Rock Cave
Fish Rock Cave is located 2 Km off the coast from South West Rocks, if you are into diving it is a true diving highlight and a must to experience.
It is one of the largest ocean caverns in the southern hemisphere. The cave is reported to be 120 metres long and is characterised by coral,
live cowry shells, trumpetfish, wobbegong sharks, black cod and stingrays. We also found some other good diving places at
The Pinnacle, Colorado Pass, Shark Gutters, The Bombie, Black Rocks and Green Island. You will be facinated by all these caves and dives.
They all range of course for the experienced divers and the not so, like myself.
Jerseyville
We also found a delightful little town called Jerseyville, you will find it on a bend in the river. It was named after a Governor of New South Wales
who was the Earl of Jersey. Now days it is nothing more than a few houses but there is a particularly beautiful old house on the far side of the river that you can explore.
All in all, south West Rocks and surronding areas offers more than just an every day holiday destination. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or something with an adventurous edge, there are many things to do and see for the entire family, old or young.
The township has a small population of 3500 but during holiday times this increases dramatically. South West Rocks is a year round holiday destination. Even in the winter season you will find it quite warm and relaxing.
Accommodation
South West Rocks offers a wide range of accommodation, including motels, guesthouses, luxury units, self-contained cottages and caravan parks with modern, on site accommodation and camping grounds. So there are many options to suit your travelling style.
Try http://www.fishrock.com.au/other-accommodation.html for all your accommodation guides. I would truly recommend the Trial Bay Gaol Tourist Park.
http://www.trialbay.com.au/ we have stayed here. If you are a lover of camping it is the best.
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