The township of South West Rocks is at the mouth of the Macleay River on Australia's Holiday Coast. Located 465km, approximately 5 hours drive, north of Sydney and equidistant from the Gold Coast. This coastal hamlet is the perfect place to relax and a great family getaway.
Located between Port Macquarie (45 minutes drive) and Coffs Harbour (80 minutes drive), and roughly 35 kilometres north east of Kempsey, South West Rocks puts you right in the centre of Australia's Holiday Coast without all the hustle and bustle.
Getting to South West Rocks
For people driving from Sydney to South West Rocks, the travelling time, including one meal stop, is about five to five and a half hours. Follow the Pacific Highway north and just as you enter the township of Kempsey, but before you go across the bridge over the Macleay River, take the South West Rocks turnoff to your right.
From the north, turn off just south of Clybucca Flat and follow the signs to South West Rocks.
It is approximately 25 minutes from the highway to South West Rocks.
For those not driving all the way, regular rail and coach services are available to Kempsey and hire cars and taxis can be arranged in advance. Flights are available daily to Kempsey (25 minutes drive to South West Rocks) from Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Coolangatta.
Hire Cars: Available from Kempsey
Train: Kempsey Station is 1.5km west of Kempsey Post Office
Airport: Kempsey Airport is 9kms south west of Kempsey Post Office.
Grass Trees Escape
Away from the city noise, nestled on the edge of the National Park in Arakoon, South West Rocks, Grass Trees Escape is located on a 2.5 acre bush block covered by hundreds of grass trees, large gums, blackbutts, tallow woods and a multitude of wild-life.
Situated midway between the Smoky Cape Lighthouse and the historic Trial Bay Gaol, Grass Trees Escape is located in Arakoon, South West Rocks, only 5 minutes from many beaches and the township of South West Rocks. Less than 5 hours north of Sydney and 5 hours south of the Gold Coast (the perfect half way stop).
You can find accommodation at other great places on the NSW north coast such as Boomerang Beach, or not too far north Coffs Harbour. If you are driving from Sydney, a great place to stop about mid-way is Forster-Tuncurry, or stop at the wonderful Port Macquarie.