Australia
South West Rocks
Grey nurse sharks circle through underwater caves beneath a convict-built granite gaol on the headland.
Grey nurse sharks circle in the blue darkness of Fish Rock Cave, their silhouettes gliding past your mask. Above the water, a convict-built granite gaol sits on the headland, its walls still standing after 170 years. South West Rocks holds wild things above and below the surface.
South West Rocks on New South Wales' Mid North Coast combines a serious dive site with substantial history above water. Fish Rock Cave is a long underwater swim-through used by grey nurse sharks and other marine life; it is for appropriately qualified divers with a reputable operator, not a casual solo excursion. Trial Bay Gaol's granite ruins occupy the headland, while Smoky Cape Lighthouse provides coastal walking and seasonal whale-watching viewpoints.
Solo
Join a reputable dive operator at the level your certification supports, or keep the day above water at the gaol and lighthouse.
Couple
Combine a headland walk and heritage visit, keeping the coast above water if the sea turns.
Friends
Qualified divers can plan Fish Rock together while non-divers use the gaol, lighthouse and coastal tracks.
- Fish Rock Cave offers an advanced operator-led dive among grey nurse sharks and other marine life.
- Trial Bay Gaol places a major granite prison ruin directly above the ocean.
- Smoky Cape Lighthouse stands above a headland used for seasonal whale watching.
- Beaches, heritage and diving create a worthwhile visit even when sea conditions cancel one activity.
The Seabreeze Beach Hotel champions home-grown oysters and seafood on a hearty menu.
Locally owned Pilot Station Pizza covers the takeaway end of town.
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