South West Rocks, NSW.

South West Rocks. Beautiful even under a leaden sky.

South West Rocks is an idyllic coastal town with a population of about five and a half thousand people. Situated just a ten minute drive from Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon National Park and the Smoky Cape section of Hat Head National Park it has plenty to offer as a holiday destination. For scuba divers, the local Fish Rock Cave dive site is highly rated.

Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park, South West Rocks.

Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park has a stunning location adjacent to Point Briner and Horseshoe Bay. There is an elevated walk in front of the holiday park.

Elevated walkway, South West Rocks.

Looking from the holiday park, south over Horseshoe Bay towards Monument Hill.

Monument Hill is on the other side of Horseshoe Bay and is a great spot for a picnic. 

Monument Hill

On Monument Hill, I enjoyed sitting in a magnificent seat in the shape of a ships stern and looking south over Trial Bay to Trial Bay Gaol.

Trial Bay, with Trial Bay Gaol in the distance.

When people are not fishing on the rocky outcrop along the bay, Caspian Terns, Silver Gulls and Pied Oystercatchers pause to rest.

Rocks near the South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse and Smoky Cape Campground, Hat Head National Park, NSW.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse
We visited the Smoky Cape section of Hat Head National Park during the winter. It is only a short walk to the lighthouse from the car park. NSW National Parks occasionally conduct WilderQuest tours of the lighthouse itself; as the dates vary it is best to check their website under Things to do.

South Smoky Beach

Looking south from the lighthouse we could clearly see the 4WD beach access from Smoky Cape Campground to South Smoky Beach.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers Cottages; accommodation.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages offer bed and breakfast options and lighthouse tours. 

Captain Cooks Lookout
Captain Cook Lookout adjoins the lighthouse car park. As well as having an outstanding view to the north, there are picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. Jack Perkins Walking Track and the Smoky Cape to Little Bay Walk leave from the lookout area. 

View north from Captain Cooks Lookout.

Jack Perkins Walk: Grade 4, 2 km return.
We enjoyed the walk past yellow flowering dogwoods to North Smoky Beach and back. 

View south, back to the lighthouse, from North Smoky Beach.

View north from North Smoky Beach.

We encountered a pair of King Parrots and a Black-shouldered Kite along the way.

Australian King Parrot, male.

Black-shouldered Kite, on the hunt.

Smoky Cape Campground:
Smoky Cape Campground is nestled between coastal rainforest and South Smoky Beach. The campground is suitable for tents and camper trailers and can be accessed with a 2WD. The beach can be accessed by 4WD and is an idyllic beach fishing location.

Smoky Cape Campground

4WD beach access from Smoky Cape Campground.

View north from South Smoky Beach in front of Smoky Cape Campground.

Details for Smoky Cape Campground:

Where: The campground is in the northern end of Hat Head National Park; a few kilometers south of Trial Bay and South West Rocks. The campground is on the right off Lighthouse Road before arriving at Smoky Cape Lighthouse.
Access: 2WD, unsealed roads, all weather. 4WD required to access the beach.
Bookings & Fees: No bookings. Adults $6, Children $3.50. Entry Fee: $8 per day or buy a pass; covers the campground and the beach. Camping is allowed for up to 6 weeks.
Facilities: Picnic tables, wood barbecues (BYO wood), non-flush toilets. No water.
Prohibited: Pets, smoking.
Camping Type: Tent, camping beside vehicle, camper trailer.
Sites: 20 unmarked sites. Larger area than it looks.


Bird List: White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Pied Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Australian Magpie, Red Wattlebird, Little Wattlebird, Eastern Whipbird, Australian King Parrot.