History of South West Rocks

There are some amazing sites in South West Rocks here are a few of the major attractions and history found in our local area:

Trial Bay Gaol, built in 1877, for experimental penal reform only to be closed in 1903. Later the gaol was reopened in 1915 to hold internees from Germany as a result of World War I. Now the Gaol is a public museum covering its history.

Smokey Cape Lighthouse, opened in 1891 to warn of the rocky shores surrounding South West Rocks and as a beacon for the entrance to the Macleay River located just north of Smokey Cape.

South West Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club established in 1926, the original club house has been recently renovated and extended to accommodate for the growing popularity of the surrounding beaches and the hosting of the state IRB(inflatable rescue boat) titles held annually around July.

South West Rocks also boosts some picturesque walking trails to historic sites within Hat Head and Arakoon National Parks which surround the township.