Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks: Swimming & accommodation
A north-facing, patrolled beach with plenty of child-friendly facilities, Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks, NSW, is a good choice for families. There’s also accommodation available at the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park.
Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks, is a gorgeous little beach on the New South Wales North Coast. What’s unusual about it is that on a stretch of the coastline known for its surf beaches, Horseshoe Bay is a family-friendly affair.
Where is Horseshoe Bay Beach?
Horseshoe Bay Beach is the closest beach to the centre of South West Rocks.
It is a small cove between Point Briner and Monument Point. But crucially, it has the sort of facilities that Back Beach and Trial Bay Front Beach either side are lacking.
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Can I swim at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks?
Horseshoe Bay is a good swimming beach. It is patrolled by surf life savers during school holidays in spring, autumn and summer. There are also patrols on summer weekends.
Sea conditions are generally reasonably placid, too. Horseshoe Bay Beach is north-facing, and protected from the prevailing swells by the headlands.
That means there’s little point trying to surf at Horseshoe Bay. If you want a surf beach in South West Rocks, head to Back Beach.
Why is Horseshoe Bay so good for families?
Horseshoe Bay beach in South West Rocks is a good beach for families because swimming is safe and there are lots of facilities.
There are picnic tables, barbecues, toilet and shower blocks, plenty of car parking spaces and a kiosk.
Children will also enjoy the children’s park, which has a playground.
Camping at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks
It’s also possible to go camping at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks, courtesy of the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park.
The park also has caravan sites, and cabins. The latter are a good deal if you want family accommodation with two bedrooms.
South West Rocks accommodation picks
The best South West Rocks accommodation options are:
- For families: NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Park.
- For an indulgent villa: Salt.
- For charm and character: Heritage Guesthouse.
- For great value: Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks.
- For good location, a pool and free parking: Rockpool Motor Inn.
You can visit Horseshoe Bay Beach on the drive from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour. Other attractions in South West Rocks include Trial Bay Gaol.
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