Things to Do Around South West Rocks: A Coastal Retreat for Foodies and Adventure Seekers
If you’re wondering about things to do around South West Rocks, you’re in for a treat. Nestled on the stunning Mid North Coast of NSW, South West Rocks is a charming coastal town offering a variety of activities. From exploring its pristine beaches to dining on delicious local seafood, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re arriving by car, train, or plane, this very scenic destination promises a memorable stay filled with adventure and relaxation.
Getting There: Easy Access to South West Rocks
Getting to South West Rocks is easy and convenient. It’s a five-hour drive north from Sydney and just under six hours from Brisbane. If you prefer to travel by train, you can take a train from Sydney to Kempsey, which is only 30 minutes away from the town. Alternatively, you can fly into Port Macquarie Airport and rent a car for the one-hour drive north. Once you’re here, the relaxed pace of life and stunning coastal scenery will make every journey worth it.
Whether you’re exploring historical sites like the iconic Trial Bay Gaol, enjoying scenic walks along the coast, or discovering some of the best local seafood, South West Rocks has something for everyone. Below, we’ve outlined the best things to do around South West Rocks, so you can make the most of your time in this stunning part of NSW.
Wellness & Pampering around South West Rocks
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to some relaxation and rejuvenation with these wellness options:
- Studio Beauty by Lucy: Expert lash treatments and beauty services.
- Bespoke Glow: A holistic approach with tailored services like skin needling, bespoke facials, body rituals and massage therapy.
- South West Rocks Thai and Remedial Massage By Amy: Wonderfully rejuvenating and destressing. Getting all the kinks out of muscles! 5/12 Gregory St, South West Rocks. Ph 0475 346 878
- Artistry of Massage: Pause, relax, renew, refresh. Started massaging over 28 years ago, and worked in many environments, from home visits to medical Centres, owning Day Spas in Sydney and running private clinics. Rest assured you are in well-versed hands.
- Atlas Yoga: Group classes and private sessions in yoga and Pilates. 61 Phillip Dr, South West Rocks NSW Ph 0405 221 442 (Check for reopening dates.)
- Pilates Inspired Group Classes: Barre, Boxing, Pilates and private personal training sessions. Arakoon, NSW. Ph 0423 473 478
- Sage Health and Beauty: Bringing 20 years experience and a holistic approach to beauty therapy. Located at the Seascape Medical Centre, on Gregory Street. Offers specialised facials, massage therapy, body treatments, cured nails, mani and pedis, waxing, tinting and spray tanning. Located at 289-293 Gregory Street, South West Rocks. Ph 0401766434
Explore & Discover South West Rocks: Beaches, Water Sports, and Scenic Adventures
- South West Rocks Stand-Up Paddle (SWR SUP): Enjoy Day, Sunrise, and Sunset tours (min. 4 people) in Back Creek, Nambucca Heads, and Scotts Head. Call 0414 714 413 or find them at S W Rocks Road in Back Creek.
- Fishing with South West Rocks Estuary Charters or Wildside Sports Fishing by calling 0488 546 273 or email info@wildsidesportfishing.com for beginners or experts with a huge variety of experiences, bells and whistles available – offshore, estuary, game, sport or reef fishing.
- Visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse with its unusual octagonal tower that was one of the last lighthouses to be designed for architectural excellence. Named in 1770 by Captain Cook: the name arising from the great amount of smoke from Aboriginal burn-off fires on the headland.
- Take in the view from the moderately challenging Smoky Cape Walking Track that starts at Captain Cooks lookout.
- Visit Trial Bay Gaol, in Arakoon National Park, high above on the cliffs above the sea with sweeping views, it an internment camp for people of German descent living in Australia during World War 1. Take either self-guided tours, guided twilight tours or dedicated tours for children. On this peninsula you’ll also find Powder Magazine and Monument Hill walking tracks.
- Take private surf lessons from one of the world’s best surfers at the Trent Munro Surf Academy. Lessons are run all year round for all levels from beginner to the elite from Trent, a seasoned surfer.
- Adventurous walkers walk from Little Bay to Smoky Cape Walk. The 10 km track begins near Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park, near Kempsey, starting at Overshot Dam, where you can feed the ducks beforehand. Then follow the ridge to The Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks.
- Birdwatchers and wildflower lovers will enjoy every minute of the Green Island Walking Track leads through woodland and heath to a lookout with brilliant views to Smoky Cape Lighthouse in the northern section of Hat Head National Park. Also go to Boyters Lane Bird Hide that’s built on an old dairy farm, where the bird hide is placed within a tranquil area of rehabilitated bushland, mangrove and saltmarsh. Be sure to take your binoculars!
- Yarriabini National Park It’s a place of dense rainforest, bubbling creeks, tranquil picnic areas and glossy black cockatoos with views from Mount Yarrahapinni of almost the entire Macleay Valley Coast. Enjoy coastal views, a rainforest walk or a scenic drive, as well several great birdwatching and mountain bike riding.
- The Boatman’s Cottage: What a fabulous little museum – jam-packed with maritime history and the history of Trial Bay Gaol and Jerseyville. Enjoy loads of historical pictures and memorabilia of the goal, German internees during WWI, stories about the Macleay River, sunken ships, ships of WWII and more. The volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and the Museum is free entry.
- The quirky 6th Toe films and movie house do a long week-end, sort of. Friday to Sunday each week and during the week in school holidays. Movies + Music screens current major Hollywood releases and art-house titles from around the world. 6th Toe is the name of our movies + music venue. A boutique cinema offering a state-of-the-art cinema in the School of Arts Hall, 1 Gregory St, South West Rocks, NSW.
- Try teeing off at the The Rocks Country Club,
- Cave diving at Fish Rock Cave: The only true ocean cave dive in Australia running 125 metres right through Fish Rock which lies two kilometres south-east of Smoky Cape. Don’t go it alone. The good people at South West Dive Centre offer a menu of experiences for different levels. It’s a family run business operating for over 40 years. (reopening April/May 2025)
Good Eats In and Around South West Rocks
- Pilot Station Pizza owned & operated by long time locals Lance & Bec Laws. They say that they don’t make pizzas, they make peoples’ days! A customer said he would travel back from Brisbane for one of Pilot’s Pizza’s!
- Fuller Food Company specialise in grazing tables, canapes and easy to hold finger food, but if slow cooked roast meats are what you are after, Fuller Food can help you design a menu for your wedding or special event. There’s a newly built vintage caravan means a mobile café coffee cart or a Burger Bar, perhaps even a Cocktail bar is possible to hire.
- Browse the Beachside Markets every second Saturday of the month.
- Back Street Café: delicious coffee, and laid back light meals in a friendly setting.
- Heritage Beachside Cafe This beachside café offers a relaxed dining experience while you gaze out over Horseshoe Bay and a solid selection of casual meals and drinks. Oh, and it’s dog friendly!
- Social Alley: American-style diner offers tasty comfort food in a fun atmosphere, complete with a bowling alley. So much fun and reminder of vintage “Happy Days!”
- Thai on the Rocks: Yummy curries, stir-fries, and more. Plus, it’s affordable. Shop 1, 12 Gregory St , South West Rocks, NSW. Ph (02) 6566 6655
- The Rocks Country Club: Australian, Pub-style with classic burgers, steak, and hearty meals.
- Riverside Tavern : Set on the picturesque Macleay River and bordered by thriving palms, luscious green grass and neat hedges, is Riverside Tavern on New Entrance Road in South West Rocks. Alfresco and family friendly lunch and dinner.
- South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club: The surf club is perched overlooking glorious Trial Bay. The club food is great – a fantastic burger. The beer is cold and the locals are friendly. Really – what more could you want? The surf club bistro caters to a broad range of diets, including vegetarian and gluten free options. And Nippers meals are available too.
Foodie: Award Winning Restaurants & Paddock to Plate around South West Rocks
- Malt & Honey: where beachside locals Bruce and Faye have built an enviable reputation and are the proud recipient of 4 Restaurant Guru awards for Best Atmosphere, Best Outdoor seating and Best Cafe, along with a recent 5 star Excellent Food and Hygiene rating from the NSW Govt – Food Authority. You’ll find wholesome dishes here made with locally sourced ingredients, and you’ll like the vibrant atmosphere and the community vibe. Open 6:30am-3pm
- Bespoke Glow (Wellness & Pampering + Foodies): While Bespoke Glow is primarily known for its wellness services, they also offer a unique, health-conscious menu that includes light, locally sourced meals and smoothies. It’s an ideal spot for foodies interested in wellness and clean eating.
Paddock to Plate Foodie Experiences Around South West Rocks
- The Heritage Produce Market (Kempsey): Held on the second Saturday of every month. It features locally grown produce, artisan foods, and homemade products and you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses directly from local farmers and producers
- South West Rocks Butchery: high-quality meats sourced from local farms and ranches.
- Two Triple Four by Bills is a proudly local, paddock-to-plate eatery. It has a focus on championing quality seasonal produce and carefully-crafted beverages. There’s the restaurant or in our deli with shared feasts, glass of wine in hand! 24 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie
Retail Escapes around South West Rocks
- Good Vibes Homewares sells home décor, giftware and fashion located at 21 Paragon Ave, South West Rocks
- Somewhere clothing for men and women, including swimwear, handmade unique jewellery, custom made designs and a range of well known brands including Occulture, Ikecho, Stones & Silver and Boccia Watches.
- Rocks Marine Bait and Tackle: For fishing paraphernalia pop into located at 25 Memorial Avenue, South West Rocks
- South West Rocks Post Office: Souvenirs, Local Gifts. 6 Prince of Wales Ave, South West Rocks
- The Beachside Markets: Local community market at Horseshoe Bay Reserve, South West Rocks, NSW. Held every 2nd Saturday of the Month. For more info, contact Ph 0403 074 525
- Kempsey Farmers Market: A fantastic market to explore for fresh local produce, artisan goods, and homemade products, just a short drive away from South West Rocks, NSW
- Port Macquarie Shopping: Port Central Shopping Centre for instance, is filled with many shopping options as in every big town. There’s designer boutiques, local craft shops, and well-known stores.
- Hastings Valley Art Gallery: Beautiful original artworks of our member artists are exhibited. The standard of work in the gallery is very high and all works are for sale at reasonable prices. You will find traditional, contemporary and abstract art in a variety of media and subject matters, including local beaches, lakes, rivers and rural landscapes. The work in the gallery is changed each quarter with new exhibitions appearing in January, April, July and October each year.
If you’ve decided South West Rocks sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays With a Wow Accommodation.
