South West Rocks really rock!

By JENELLE CLEARY

On the New South Wales north coast you have a bevy of gorgeous places to visit and one of these is South West Rocks.

Located 465km north of Sydney and 40km north of Kempsey, this coastal hamlet is the perfect place to relax and a great family getaway.

It is the largest seaside town within the Macleay Valley. If you love fishing, diving or surfing then the 'Rocks' is a great place to escape to any time of year.

Attractions in the South West Rocks area include the Trial Bay Gaol and the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. As a family destination it becomes a regular holiday spot, with many families returning each year. With close proximity to the Hat Head National Park, there is an abundance of things to do, whether it be relaxing or taking part in birdwatching or bushwalking.

One of the reasons for the popularity of South West Rocks is the variety of beaches. They even have beaches that face in different directions, as is evident with the Trial Bay Beach. It faces west and one of the few beaches on the east coast to do so! Beaches include Horseshoe Bay, Back Beach, Main Beach, Trial Bay, Little Bay, Gap Beach, North Smoky and Smoky Beach.

Scuba-diving in South West Rocks offers some of the coast's best sub-tropical dive sites. The Rocks has become synonymous with spectacular diving and a diversity of marine life. This is the most southern region where hard corals grow and what awaits you is clear, warm tropical water.

Fishing is a major pastime for anyone in the Macleay Valley and whether it is freshwater, 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.

For history buffs, there are three shipwrecks in the South West Rocks area; these being the "Sydney Queen", the "Lurgurena" and the "Koondooloo".

South West Rocks caters for golfers, with an 18-hole course and those interested in bushwalking will not be disappointed with the many bushwalking tracks through both the Hat Head National Park and the Arakoon State Recreation Reserve.

All in all, the whole Macleay Valley region offers more than just an every-day holiday destination. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or something with an adventurous edge, there are many things to do and see. The township has a population of 3,500, but during holiday times this increases dramatically.

South West Rocks offers a wide range of accommodation, including motels, guesthouses, luxury units, self-contained cottages and caravan parks with modern, on-site accommodation and camping grounds. So there are many options to suit your travelling style.

For more information on one of Australia's most unspoiled places, visit the Macleay Valley Tourist Centre.