South West Rocks Holiday Houses & Accommodation

The ideal home-away-from-home for friends and family looking for comfort and restful sleep, South West Rocks holiday rentals include spacious apartments with wonderful views and large family houses with pools and all the mod cons. When not resting in your holiday accommodation, you can look forward to exploring underwater caves, swimming alongside grey nurse sharks, exploring the ruins of a monumental prison, climbing to the peak of a historical lighthouse and much more.

Getting to Your South West Rocks Accommodation

Fortunately, vacationers bound for South West Rocks can use different modes of transport to reach their holiday rental. The nearest major airport is the Port Macquarie Airport, situated 78km from SWR.

There are no direct coach services from the airport to SWR. Travellers can board Greyhound Australia Buses, which travel to Kempsey. From Kempsey, the 348 Cavanagh Bus departs from the Coach Stop, Kempsey Station and arrives at the Horseshoe Bay Beach Park, Livingston St in South West Rocks. The time of travel is approximately 45min.

If you travel from Sydney, the Premier Motor Bus Service and Greyhound offer ground transfers to Kempsey (about 32km from SWR). Afterwards, board the Cavanagh Bus & Coach service that operates twice a day from Kempsey to SWR.

Taking a taxi is the fastest means to get to your accommodation in South West Rocks. The Port Macquarie Taxi Cabs provide transfers from the airport which take about an hour.

Where to eat on your holiday in South West Rocks

Dine in at the trendy, vegetarian-friendly brunch cafe Malt & Honey or grab a convenient takeaway breakfast to enjoy on the beach. The signature latte with a slice of fresh macadamia crumble cake are not to be missed. For more hungry patrons, there's the heartier option of eggs and bacon, lamb chops, and chorizo to enjoy as you overlook the ocean at this beachfront dining hotspot.

What was once a historical schoolhouse is now home to the restaurant Tasty Treats at Back Beach. With cosy seating overlooking the tranquil waters of South West Rocks Creek, this restaurant boasts a tranquil setting and offers up tasty meals of hamburgers, sausages, and quiche, as well as an assortment of desserts and pancake options that have locals buzzing. Affordable prices, fast and friendly service, and an extensive menu that caters to a variety of dietary restrictions makes this restaurant a stand out option for hungry holidaymakers.

Tour the historical prison of Trial Bay

Be transported back to the Victorian era on a guided tour of Trial Bay Gaol, the prison known for acting as an internment camp for German Prisoners in World War One. The prison opened in 1886 after 13 years of construction overseen by Sheriff Harold Maclean, a major advocate for penal reform. Prisoners were not obligated to wear prison uniforms and were allowed to grow beards, swim, or participate in sport when not working. It was the prisoners' duty to erect a stone wall in the sea to make Trial Bay a safe port of entry between Sydney and Brisbane.

After exploring the ruins of the prison and seeing the stone monument commemorating the Germans who were interred at Trial Bay Gaol, learn all about the jail's fascinating history in the adjacent museum.

Family Holidays in South West Rocks

Family trips to South West Rocks allow holidaymakers to indulge in water activities, adventure retreats, and sight-seeing excursions, among others.

Historical sites such as the Trial Bay Gaol attracts many travellers to Arakoon. Constructed in the 1880s, the Trial Bay Gaol has housed prisoners who were once deployed to build a breakwater. Today, guests can see some of the displayed artifacts from these times.

An SWR SUP-boarding tour lets visitors enjoy the turquoise water of SWR while afloat on a stand-up paddleboard. The whole family will enjoy some coastal exploration while gliding across the surface of the water.

Also known as Main Beach, the Trial Bay Front Beach offers you a secluded destination for some relaxation. This sandy shoreline has shallow, tranquil waters where kids can swim safely and hit the waves for some surfing.

Swim with sharks at South West Rocks

Grab some gear and train with a professional squad of divers at South West Rocks Dive Center, before you can safely venture below the ocean’s surface. Explore a cave set amidst turquoise waters and swim alongside turtles, schools of fish, wobbegongs, eels, and a resident grey nurse shark who always makes an appearance. Tours are designed according to experience level - novice divers are welcome for an underwater rock climbing dive, while more seasoned divers are encouraged to take an extended stay to explore the vast aquatic wonderland.

If you want to stay closer to the water's surface, give snorkelling a try at the Fish Rock Dive Center. Skim the surface of the ocean waves and peer into the magical world of marine life. The highly-rated tour operators also offer a cave diving experience in colourfully lit caverns that make for the perfect spot to document your journey beneath the sea. The staff offer a free photo service so you can share your memories with loved ones back home. All you need to do is strike a pose.

Take a walk up to Smoky Cape Lighthouse

The climb up the steep hill to Smoky Cape Lighthouse is well worth it to glimpse the stunning coastal scenery of the South Pacific Ocean. Captain Cook gave Smoky Cape its name in the year 1770, while the lighthouse was erected in 1891 as a protective measure for incoming coastal traffic on the northern seaboard. The unique feature of an octagonal tower makes this lighthouse one of the last built with architectural design in mind as opposed to modern lighthouses constructed solely for functionality.

Visitors gather here to ascend the steps and take in the sunset views over Smoky Cape - it's an ideal vantage point for dolphin and whale watching. Pack a picnic and bring the family. The Hat Head National Park location also offers an array of facilities for family picnicking, birdwatching, and participating in recreational activities.

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