South West Rocks

South West Rocks Tourist Park - Photo courtesy Tourism NSW

South West Rocks is where the Macleay River's journey ends as it meets the sea. This beautiful area has clear aquamarine waters; tiny coves; a peaceful bay and is surrounded by lush green forest, fringed by light-coloured sands.

The area has eight beautiful beaches, numerous river tributaries and Arakoon State Recreation Area. Trail Bay Goal is a must-see. First occupied in 1886, it is built from pink granite quarried nearby. Enjoy fabulous views from Smokey Cape Lighthouse opened in 1891.

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Photos

South West Rock Beaches - Photo courtesy Tourism NSW

Underwater Recommendations

There is plenty of fish life to be found at Fish Rock and the dive sites in the area, including Queensland Groupers, Batfish, Wobbegong sharks, Bullseyes and Lionfish. In good conditions the wreck of the Agnes Irving can be dived.

The highlight must be Fish Rock Cave. This is an adventurous dive through a more than 100 meter long tunnel teeming with life such as crayfish, more wobbegongs, sponges and Gorgonain fans.

Getting There

South West Rocks is located about 80 km north of Port Macquarie, off the Pacific Highway. Using the Smithtown turn-off it is 20 km to South West Rocks from the highway.

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Nocturnal Lights - TLX 800t LED Canister/Technical Dive LightNocturnal Lights - TLX 800t LED Canister/Technical Dive Light
The TLX 800t is a unique canister dive light that offers an 800 lumen output (approximately 1.5-2x brighter than a 10w HID) through a three ultra bright and efficient LED bulbs - rated to 100 metres.
$AU

Articles

Encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks - A diving adventureEncounters with Grey Nurse Sharks - A diving adventure
Of all the books I have ever read on Australian dive sites all of them list South West Rocks, more specifically Fish Rock Cave in New South Wales as a premier diving spot with the longest underwater sea cave in the Southern Hemisphere and of course the resident Grey Nurse Sharks.
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