DESTINATION: South West Rocks

The largest of Macleay Valley's seaside towns, South West Rocks lies on the shores of Trial Bay, near the mouth of the Macleay River. Stunning scenery and beaches combine to make this a most relaxing resort town.

Main Attractions

Everglades Aquarium is a tropical fish centre and tourist attraction. It features fish feeding, display ponds and aquatic plants. The aquarium is located in Frank Cooper St, and is open daily, 9am-4.30pm. Fishing charter boats operate from New Entrance, and beach and estuary fishing are also popular. Scuba divers come to dive around Fish Rock Cave, some 2km SE of Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Apart from the beaches and watersports, the main attraction in town is the Trial Bay Gaol. The semi-ruined prison was built of local granite in 1886 by prisoners who had to build their own gaol while working on the breakwater. Abandoned in 1903, the gaol was used as an internment centre for 500 Germans during WWI. Surrounding the gaol is Arakoon SRA. Offering beaches, rainforest and coastal heathlands, there is much to explore, and advanced walkers can continue south along the coast as far as Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Hat Head NP.

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Region: North Coast NSW

Barrington Tops State Forests, near upper Manning River

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Stretching from Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour and inland to Dorrigo, North Coast NSW offers a unique taste of New South Wales. Whether you head to one of the popular coastal meccas, such as Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Port Stephens, or explore one of the region's stunning national parks - you are bound to find a perfect holiday escape. more

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Historic Boatmans Cottage, Horseshoe Bay, Ph: (02) 6566 7099

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