Many fabulous tourist attractions can be found in and around South West Rocks, including Trial Bay Goal, Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park and Fish Rock Cave. Topped off by a wealth of activities surrounding the beach, creek, river, estuary and national parks.
Tourist Information Located in Ocean Drive is the old Boatman's Cottage which operates as the local Tourist Information Office daily 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. The neighbouring cottage houses the local arts and crafts group. For more information call (02) 6566 7099.
The most important historical site in the South West Rocks area is the now unused Trial Bay Gaol. Under the control of the National Parks and Wildlife Service the gaol is open for you to browse through. It houses a museum as well as beautifully preserved ruins and a self guiding brochure is available to lead you through the points of interest.
Trial Bay Gaol was built as an experiment in penal reform. The building was started in 1877 and the first wing was completed in 1886, when the gaol was first occupied. The second wing was completed in 1900.
The gaol housed ‘good conduct’ convicts brought to the area to construct a breakwater. The breakwater project was not completed, and as a result, 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.
The gaol was reopened in 1915 and was used to intern Germans during World War 1. The anti German feeling at the time had led to the rounding up of innocent Germans. 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 gaol was closed permanently in 1917.
Several films and TV mini series including "Great Expectations", "Eliza Fraser", "Always Afternoon" and "Adam’s Woman" have been made in and around the gaol.
Trial Bay Gaol is open to visitors each day of the year from 9am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day) and entry fees apply. For more information contact Arakoon State Recreational Area on (02) 6566 6168.
Fish Rock
Voted among the top ten dive sites in Australia, and internationally acclaimed, Fish Rock is located just off Smoky Cape, South West Rocks. Created by a fault in the island, it is one of the largest ocean caverns in the southern hemisphere. Fish Rock Cave runs from the deeper seaward entrance 125 metres through the rock emerging into the blue, fish filled shallower entrance fringed by pink gorgonian corals.
Fish Rock is home to a vast array of tropical and subtropical marine creatures. Thousands of bullseye, wobbegong sharks and a bull rays, live cowry shells, bryozoan lace coral and sea cucumbers. In the shallow end of the cave you will find thousands of bullseyes, gorgonian coral fans, trumpet fish, and black cod – all in all, a photographer’s dream! This dive is a must for everyone.
For more information contact:
Fish Rock Dive Centre – (02) 6566 6614
South West Rocks Dive Centre – (02) 6566 6474.
Smoky Cape Lighthouse
Smoky Cape Lighthouse is the highest lighthouse on the NSW coast. Unmanned, it sits atop the cliffs on the edge of the Hat Head National Park, rivalling the lighthouse at Byron Bay further north. Smoky Cape Lighthouse offers wonderful views to both the north and south and breathtaking views of the rocks far below.
Its name originated in Captain Cook’s log dated 13th May, 1770 in which he recorded "point or headland, on which were fires that caused a great quantity of smoke, which occasioned my giving it the name Smoky Cape."
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. The tower has been recently opened to the public for a fee, however visitors are welcome to wander around the base and enjoy the view.
Find out more by contacting the Kempsey Tourist Information Centre (02) 6563 1555.
Shipwrecks
On Saturday January 1, 1972, the ocean going tug "Polaris" took the "Sydney Queen" and three vehicular ferries, the "Koondooloo", "Lurgurena" and the "Kooroongaba" in tow and began a 4000km journey from Newcastle to Manilla to be scrapped, or used as barges.
2 days later, the "Kooroongaba" sank in 65 fathoms off Crowdy Head. The tow continued north, however further problems were encountered and a decision was made to put into Trial Bay and make repairs.
The three remaining vessels were moored to the buoys used by oil tankers in Trial Bay, 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 salvage attempts failed and since then, the elements have taken their toll, but it is still possible to see a few rusting remains whilst strolling along Main Beach.
Fishing
Fishing is a major pastime for anyone in the Macleay Valley and whether it is fresh water, estuary or beach fishing there's no better place to cast your line.
Small fishing boasts can be hired adjacent to the entrance of the Macleay River at South West Rocks and you can expect to catch many varieties of fish from the headlands and rocky outcrops that are dotted along the coast.
Scenic Coastal Cruises and Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruises are also available if sightseeing is more your thing.
For more information contact: South West Rocks Fishing Charters on (02) 6566 5298 Trial Bay Fishing Charters on (02) 6566 6612.
Back to Nature
Coastal and hinterland National Parks and Nature Reserves beg to be explored in the Kempsey Shire and surrounds. Plan a natural holiday in a valley that boasts more than 80% of its coastline protected by the Hat Head National Park, Arakoon State Recreation Area, Goolawah Reserve and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve. Nature lovers can access over 100,000 hectares of State Forests, the Werrikimbe World Heritage National Park, the grandeur of the World Heritage wilderness area of the Upper Macleay Gorges and the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Bushwalking Walks range from leisurely river and beach strolls, to the more energetic, scenic coastal treks.
Arakoon State Recreation Area With rocky foreshores and sandy beaches, including the man-made Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon State Recreation Areas has many picnic areas, spectacular walks and is a great base for exploration. NPWS contact: (02) 6566 6168.
Bellinger River National Park This park forms an imporant link between New England National Park and Dorrigo Naional Park. It has steep slopes and valleys with old-growth forests and rainforests. Great for hiking and bird-watching, but with limited access only by foot. NPWS contact: (02) 6657 2309.
Coopernook State Forest Commencing 20 km south of Kew at Forestway this drive covers around 60km. There are lots of picnic areas and along the way you'll find 100 year old trees, superb views, waterfalls, caves, and a large volcanic plug (the Nellies).
Hat Head National Park Hat Head National Park is 6445 hectares containing a rich coastal environment with one of the largest dune systems in NSW. Supurb views can be found from Hat Head and Smoky Cape and a visit to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse is well worth the effort. Access is from South West Rocks. NPWS contact: (02) 6566 6621.
Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve With 924 hectares, this reserve boasts a sparkling coastline covered in heath, banksia and blackbut. The threatened, well camoflaged, ground parrot lives in this park. NPWS contact: (02) 6566 6621.
Ngambaa Nature Reserve Tamban Forest Drive -the round trip from Kempsey covers some 90km and taken at a reasonable pace, lasts 4 to 5 hours. Lengthy stops on the way can easily extend the drive to a day-long trip. Points of interest include Cedar Park and the Collombatti Fire Lookout. This stands 434 metres above sea level, commands a sweeping panoramic view of the lower Macleay Valley and the coastline southwards from Mt Yarrahapinni. Mountain biking is also popular in this reserve. NPWS contact (02) 6652 0900.
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park Oxley Wild Rivers is one of the great national parks of New South Wales. Extending 70km from Wollomombi Falls to Tia Falls, the park contains 500km of wild and scenic rivers and the largest area of dry rainforest in the State.
Declared in 1986, the park has grown to nearly 100,000ha, making it the seventh largest national park in NSW. The park is home to 755 plant species (21 are rare or endangered), 173 birds, 31 reptiles, 17 amphibians and 47 mammal species (6 are rare or endangered).
Oxley Wild Rivers abounds in outdoor recreation opportunities - spectacular lookouts, scenic photography, picnicking or bushwalking. With extensive walking tracks and vehicles access points, Oxley Wild Rivers is a wilderness that all can enjoy.
Werrikimbe National Park The 35,178 hectare World Heritage listed Werrikimbe National Park features giant beech trees in an ancient temperate rainforest with thundering waterfalls and very shy, rare native animals. There are two picnic areas at Grassy Tree and Plateau Beech.
Wilson River Primitive Reserve Three rainforest walks have been constructed to encourage visitors to experience first hand. Walks are from 15 to 90 minutes and there is a beautiful picnic area.
Ellenborough Falls West of Wauchope, through Comboyne and on to Elands, Ellenborough is the highest waterfall in the area. Picnic at the top or go on to Mrs Fisher's Gardens at Comboyne for a naughty Devonshire tea.
Bird watching The Macleay Valley Bird Observers Club has compiled a list of over 250 birds that have been sighted in the valley in recent years. Copies of this, along with detailed information on bushwalks, are available at both the Kempsey and South West Rocks Visitor Information Centres. More information is available from Kempsey Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6563 1555.
Additional information on plants and animals, bush walking routes and other advice can be obtained from National Parks and Wildlife Services on (02) 6584 2203.
For the Kids
Trial Bay Beach is perfect for children with shallow, tropical temperature water. Near the main beach in South West Rocks you will also find a comprehensive children's playground.
Within an hour's drive. For the kids there's the Billabong Koala and Aussie Wildlife Park, a "Koala Breeding Centre", near Port Macquarie, where you can pat and feed (and have photos taken with) tame and friendly animals. Peppermint Park, just outside Port Macquarie, is a 4-acre landscaped parkland with waterslides (adult & junior), pools and many other activities.
Nearby
Akubra Hats Akubra, the name synonymous with quality fur felt hats, moved to Kempsey in 1972. The first hats were made in the newly completed factory in October 1974. The felt that Akubra uses to make their famous hats differs from every other fabric in that it is made of a myriad of short, single animals fibres, which are interlocked by their natural tendency to "crawl" and twist when kneaded and manipulated in hot water and steam.
Akubras are proudly worn by ambassadors of our country at Olympic Games and other events where the Australian image needs to be portrayed. The factory does not open to the public for hat sales or tours - however hats may be purchased from retail outlets in Kempsey and a video of the hat making process is available at the Kempsey Visitor Information Centre.
Arts, Crafts and Antiques There are numerous arts, crafts, antique and old wares shops in the Macleay Valley. Several artists and craftspeople have studios which are open to the public. A list is available at the Kempsey Visitor Information Centre. (02) 6563 1555.
Frederickton The village of Frederickton, just north of Kempsey is definitely worth a visit. With sweeping views over the Macleay Valley, and a beautiful Golf Course Fredo is famous for pies. Fredo's Famous Pies is a busy little unassuming building located beside the highway. Visitors from all over the world come to taste their 148 varieties of pies.
Gladstone Gladstone is situated off the highway on the road to South West Rocks. An historic town it has won numerous Tidy Towns Awards. The old Gladstone Post Office is just one of the heritage buildings. It contains a huge range of antiques and collectables.
Sunday lunch is an excellent time to visit Gladstone and enjoy the peaceful riverside location for a while.
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.
Macleay River Historical Society’s Museum & Settlers Cottage Award winning museum of applied local history.Pacific Highway, South Kempsey. (02) 6562 7572. Mesopotamia Lodge Deer Stud Farm walk, hand feeding and talk on deer. Venison barbecues available.192 Spooners Avenue, Kempsey. (02) 6563 1056.
Osprey River Cruises Scenic river cruises of the Macleay River, barbecue lunch or sunset cruises. New Entrance, South West Rocks. (02) 6566 6612 or (02) 6566 6649.
Rainbow Reach Oysters Rainbow Reach Road, Via South West Rocks. (02) 65 670050 View how an oyster farm works and taste fresh oysters.
Smithtown Smithtown, located on the way back out to the Pacific Highway, is a small riverside town boasting a great pub, perfect for that Sunday lunch, or just an afternoon lazing around.
Wigay Cultural Centre Landscaped park dotted with plants that provided local aborigines with traditional food. Sea Street, Kempsey. Adjacent to Kempsey TAFE. (02) 6562 7255.
