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Seaside Serenity and Historic Charms along the Macleay

South West Rocks

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Credit: Destination NSW

Family enjoying a visit to the historic ruins of Trial Bay Gaol, South West Rocks.

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Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying a romantic picnic set up by Fuller Food Co. at Little Bay Picnic Area, South West Rocks.

Welcome to South West Rocks

The seaside town of South West Rock is located at the mouth of the Macleay River between Kempsey and Nambucca Heads.

The town centre overlooks the attractive foreshore and sandy beach of Horseshoe Bay. Close by are several creeks and rivers which are ideal for fishing and boating, while huge expanses of sandy beach can be found around the north-facing Trial Bay.

A short drive east of town at the small settlement of Arakoon are the ruins of Trial Bay Goal while within the Hat Head National Park south-east of town is the historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Local Attractions in South West Rocks

Uncover the Hidden Treasures of South West Rocks

Parks, gardens & trails

  • Arakoon National Park

    Home to the ruins of the Trial Bay Gaol, this park encompasses the headland of Monument Hill and the sandy beaches of Front Bay and Little Beach

  • Hat Head National Park

    Comprising of sweeping beaches, dunes, headlands and coastal wetlands between South West Rocks and Crescent Head

Regional touring guides

* All the above links are external and open up in a new window

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