The view south from the Smoky Cape Lighthouse

South West Rocks (including Hat Head National Park, Arakoon and Trial Bay)
Sleepy coastal town which is a well kept secret. A delightful holiday retreat.
Located 463 km 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 on the Mid North Coast. It is a true hideaway with some notable television personalities using it as their getaway because no one pays much attention to them and they can relax without being 'noticed' by holidaymakers.

South West Rocks is located on Trial Bay. The Bay was named after the brig Trial which was wrecked there in 1816 after it had been stolen by convicts who were attempting to escape to south-east Asia. When Captain Thomas Whyte found the wreck in 1817 there was no trace of the convicts and it was assumed they had all perished either starving or being killed by the local Aborigines.

Shipping along the coast ensured that the Trial Bay area was well known. Today there is a monument on the headland at South West Rocks to the people who were drowned when the Wooloomooloo ran aground in Trial Bay in 1864.

In the 1870s it was decided to build a deepwater harbour at Trial Bay (see Things to See - Trial Bay Gaol for more details) and a breakwater. Subsequently a prison was established and the prisoners began to build the breakwater. However the plan was not a success. Heavy seas washed parts of the breakwater away and the plan was abandoned.

The actual township of South West Rocks was established in 1896. It grew as a result of a new mouth to the Macleay River being established. This resulted in the construction of the Pilot's Station in 1902 and the town slowly grew up around this activity. The name of the town is a result of the pilot officer instructing vessels to anchor in Trial Bay so the rocks would be south-west of their anchorage. The locals decided upon the name for the town in the 1910s.

In January 1972 the tug Polaris put into Trial Bay with a showboat ('the Sydney Queen') and two vehicular ferries (the 'Koondooloo' and 'Lurgurena') in tow. The ferries had been used on Sydney Harbour and, later, around Newcastle. Polaris was hauling them 4000 km from Newcastle to Manilla where they were to be converted to scrap or barges. A third ferry, the ''Kooroongabba', was also being towed but had sunk off Crowdy Head and further problems necessitated the stopover at Trail Bay for repairs. The three remaining vessels were moored to the buoys used by oil tankers but a gale caused all three to break away and drift ashore where they became entrenched in deep sand and were subsequently left to decay. All that remains today are the loading ramp supports which protrude from the sand.

Today the township of South West Rocks is strictly a tourist 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:  

The Boatman's Cottage No: 1, the Tourist Information Office

Tourist Information at the Boatman's Cottage
Located in Ocean Drive (you can't miss it as you approach the centre of town) is the old Boatman's Cottage which operates as the local Tourist Information Office from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. The Cottage is also a museum with an interesting display of the maritime history of the local region. In the grounds is the small 'Macleay', the Macleay River's first powered pilot boat.

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.

Trial Bay Gaol
The most important historical site in the area is the Trial Bay Gaol (it is located to the east of the small settlement of Arakoon) which 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 superb condition. There is a self guiding brochure available which leads the visitor through the points of interest.

The prison was built between 1877 and 1886 to house 'good conduct' prisoners. It was built out of grey granite which was quarried on the site and is characterised by its hexagonal structure with three cell blocks actually radiating from the main entrance. Its primary purpose at this time was to house cheap labour to help with the construction of a 1.6 km breakwater around the bay. The project was not completed and the prison closed in 1903. In fact in 1903 the breakwater had only reached a little over 300 metres and a storm that year reduced it to little more than a pile of rubble.

It was reopened in 1915 and used to intern Germans during World War 1. The anti German feeling at the time had led to the rounding up of innocent Germans. Although life was hardly pleasant the Germans established their own band, turned part of the gaol into a tennis court and one visitor described the nights as being more like a pleasant beer hall than a prison.

There is a monument to all the Germans who died while interned at Trial Bay. It is signposted and is located on the cliffs to the east of the prison. The prison was closed permanently in 1917 and the movable parts of the building were auctioned off in 1922.

Trial Bay Gaol is open from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. For more information contact (02) 6566 6168.

Arkaroon State Recreation Area
This recreation area, which includes Trial Bay Gaol, was established in 1965. There is a good camping area which is located below the gaol and there are a number of excellent walks ranging from the short (Little Bay to Gap Beach takes about 45 minutes) to a long and quite difficult walk along the coast from Trial Bay to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. This means that these walkers can then continue into Hat Head National Park. For more information contact (02) 6566 6168 for bookings in the camp.

The Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Smoky Cape Lighthouse
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is on the edge of the Hat Head National Park. It is signposted 'lighthouse' from various points on the road into South West Rocks and is well worth a visit. Perched on the top of a cliff it offers wonderful views to both the north and south and heart­stopping views to the waves and rocks which are far below. The first European to site the headland was Captain Cook who, in 1770, named it Smoky Cape Range. The lighthouse, coach house, stables and the lighthouse keeper's cottage were designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet and completed between 1889 and 1891. The lighthouse is built in a distinctive octagonal shape and the cottage has been located in a shelf cut into the rocks on the headland.

Hat Head National Park
Hat Head village is located in the heart of Hat Head National Park 32 km north-east of Kempsey. The area is characterised by excellent surfing beaches and good fishing. It is also noted for the whales and dolphins off the coast and the many coastal birds who live in the heathland flora which characterises much of the area. Hat Head National Park is 6445 hectares with camping facilities at Smoky Cape and Hungry Head. For information about booking into either destination contact the Kempsey Tourist Information Centre, Lachlan St (Pacific Highway) - tel: (02) 6563 1555, fax: 6563 1537, toll free 1800 64 2480 or the Port Macquarie District National Parks and Wildlife Service Office on (02) 6584 2203.

Fish Rock Cave
For divers Fish Rock Cave, which is located 2 km off the coast from South West Rocks, is regarded as a true diving highlight. It is recognised as one of the largest ocean caverns in the southern hemisphere. The cave which is 120 metres long is characterised by coral, live cowry shells, trumpetfish, wobbegong sharks, black cod and stingrays. There are also good dives available at places named The Pinnacle, Colorado Pass, Shark Gutters, The Bombie, Black Rocks and Green Island. Contact the local tourist information office for more details or: (i) Fish Rock Dive Centre at 328 Gregory Street, South West Rocks. Telephone: (02) 6566 6614. (ii) South West Rocks Dive Centre at 100 Gregory Street, South West Rocks. Telephone: (02) 6566 6474.

Jerseyville
On the way from Kempsey, on a delightful bend in the river, is the tiny hamlet of Jerseyville. It was named after a Governor of New South Wales who also happened to be the Earl of Jersey. Today it is nothing more than a few houses but there is a particularly beautiful old house on the far side of the river.

Holiday Accommodation
Rocks Real Estate, 15 Livingstone Street, South West Rocks 2431 publish a 'South West Rocks Holiday Accommodation' guide which lists a large number of apartments, flats, houses and holiday accommodation which is available in the local area. It is well worth getting a copy if you are intending to stay in the area for an extended holiday. Contact them at (02) 6566 6999.

L.J. Hooker, 2 Gregory Street, South West Rocks 2431 publish a 'South West Rocks Holiday Accommodation' guide which lists a large number of apartments, flats, houses and holiday accommodation which is available in the local area. It is well worth getting a copy if you are intending to stay in the area for an extended holiday. Contact them at (02) 6566 6313 or for bookings 1800 045 570.

Raine & Horne, 1/11 Prince of Wales Avenue, South West Rocks 2431 publish a 'South West Rocks Holiday Accommodation' guide which lists a large number of apartments, flats, houses and holiday accommodation which is available in the local area. It is well worth getting a copy if you are intending to stay in the area for an extended holiday. Contact them at (02) 6566 6116 or for bookings 1800 621 647.

	Motels
	Bay Motel Prince of Wales Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6909 Rating: ***
	Costa Rica Motel 134 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6400 Facsimile: (02) 6566 6802 Rating: ***
	Rockpool Motor Inn 45 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 7755 Facsimile: (02) 6566 7744 Rating: ****
	South West Rocks Motel 110 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6330 Rating: **
	Restaurants
	The Rocks, Rockpool Motor Inn 45 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 7755 Facsimile: (02) 6566 7744
	Hotels
	Sea Breeze Hotel Livingstone St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6205
	Apartments
	Anglers Lodge Holiday Apartments 22 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6313
	Arakoon House Holiday Apartments 6 Russell St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Bayview Townhouses Holiday Apartments 8 Bayview St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116 Rating: ***
	Bilgola Lodge Holiday Apartments 11 Sturt St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Birchgrove Terrace Holiday Apartments 1 Prince of Wales Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116 Rating: ***
	Boomerang Holiday Apartments 2 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6278 or (02) 6566 6369 Rating: ***
	Brighton Court Holiday Apartments 55 Landsborough St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Cameo Court Holiday Apartments 34 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Dunbar Court Holiday Apartments 5 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	Leešs Court Holiday Apartments Ocean Dve South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6313
	Main Beach Holiday Apartments 39 Livingstone St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116 Rating: ***
	Melville Holiday Apartments 15 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6562 5500
	Parkside Holiday Apartments 9 Michell St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	Ryder Holiday Apartments 22 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116 Rating: **
	Seacrest Holiday Apartments McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6313
	Seaspray Holiday Apartments 22 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	The Rocks Holiday Apartments 49 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	Wards Holiday Apartments 4 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6369
	Woody Wonder Holiday Apartments 49 Landsborough St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116 Rating: ***
	Holiday Homes & Units
	South West Rocks Holiday Villas 4/85 Chamonix Village South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6126
	Cottages & Cabins
	Chalkers Cottage 26 Emanuel Cres. South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Glendale Cottage Lot 20 McIntyre St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	Hassabs Cottage 7 Bayview St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6999
	Lodges & Chalets
	Trial Bay Lodges 24 Cardwell St Arakoon South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6116
	Caravan Parks
	Arakoon State Recreation Area Trial Bay Gaol Arakoon South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6168
	BIG4Trial Bay Eco Tourist Park 161-171 Phillip Dve South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6142 Email: info@trialbay.com.au Rating: ****
	Horseshoe Bay Beach Park Livingstone St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6370 Rating: **1/2
	South West Rocks Tourist Park Gordon Young Dve South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6264 Facsimile: (02) 6566 5305 Email: swrtourist@tsn.cc Rating: ****
	Restaurants
	Bayroom Family Restaurant 110 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6236
	Cantonese Inn Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway 9 Memorial Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6563
	Chameleons Restaurant 134 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 7214
	Costa Rica Motel Restaurant 134 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6400
	Geppy's Italian Restaurant 7 Paragon Ave South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6196
	Papa Joe Pizza Shop 2/2 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 5511
	South West Rocks Country Club Dining Room Philip Dve South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6252 Facsimile: (02) 6566 5118
	South West Rocks Motel Restaurant 110 Gregory St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6330
	The Heritage Seaside Restaurant 21 LIvingstone St South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 6955
	Trial Bay Kiosk Restaurant Trial Bay Reserve South West Rocks NSW 2431 Telephone: (02) 6566 7100