The best things to do in South West Rocks, NSW: Free guide

The best things to do in South West Rocks, NSW, include diving at Fish Rock Cave, paddleboarding on Back Creek and visiting Trial Bay Gaol.

Best things to do in South West Rocks

The best things to do in South West Rocks, NSW, are:

Swimming at Horseshoe Bay.
Surfing at Back Beach.
Paddleboarding on Back Creek.
Diving at Fish Rock Cave.
Visiting Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park.
Climbing Mount Yarrahapinni in Yarriabini National Park.

Where is South West Rocks, NSW?

South West Rocks is a town at the mouth of the Macleay River on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It is roughly halfway along the Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour drive.

South West Rocks beaches

South West Rocks is primarily a beach town, and there are several beaches to choose from. Horseshoe Bay is the most popular as it is both sheltered for swimmers and in the centre of town.

Back Beach is much more popular for surfing, while Trial Bay Front Beach is the longest, stretching for 3.5km.

If you’d prefer stand-up paddleboarding to splashing in the waves, SWP SUP is based at the bridge over Back Creek.

Back Creek is a perfect place for beginner paddleboarders as the water is calm and clear. Tours cost from $70, one-on-one tuition costs from $80 an hour and board hire costs from $35 an hour.

Diving at Fish Rock Cave

The main reason South West Rocks is famous, however, is the diving. Just offshore from the town is Fish Rock Cave.

This 125 metre cave can be dived through, like an underground tunnel. It is regularly named as one of the world’s best cave dives and is a breeding ground for rare grey nurse sharks. You’ll often encounter one of these sharks while swimming through Fish Rock Cave.

The South West Rocks Dive Centre offers trips to this famous sea cave.

Things to do in South West Rocks: Arakoon National Park

South West Rocks also borders Arakoon National Park. There are several walking trails within this coastal national park, including the Bridle Trail, the Gap Beach walking track and the Monument Hill walking track.

However, Arakoon National Park is better known for its heritage than its natural beauty. The ruins of Trial Bay Gaol are both evocative and fascinating. Walk amongst them to hear of its 13 year construction and World War I use as an internment camp.

Further down the coast, you’ll also find the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. The Smoky Cape Range walking track, taking in 5.5km of coastline, is arguably the most spectacular walk in the park, too.

Yarriabini National Park

Less well known is Yarriabini National Park to the north-west. There are a few picnic spots here, but it is mainly rainforest.

It’s better for scenic drives and mountain biking than walking. That said, the walk to the top of Mount Yarrahapinni rewards visitors with tremendous views of the coast.