10 incredible things to do in South West Rocks

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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Here are 10 of the best things to do in South West Rocks that you‘ve probably never heard of but definitely should know about.

Hidden away smack bang between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour on Australia’s Mid-North Coast is the sleepy town of South West Rocks. It may not seem like it on the drive into town, with its quiet streets and quaint shops, but this coastal locality is bursting with things to do.

1. Backflip off Back Creek Bridge

Back Creek is known among locals for its crystal-clear water, boisterous high-tide flow and of course, its unique bridge that is part boardwalk part plunge platform. Pick a spot on the grass, whether it be by a barbecue or near the water’s edge, to enjoy a day at one of the best swimming spots in South West Rocks.  

Back Creek Bridge in South West Rocks
Back Creek Bridge has recently been refurbished. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you dare, climb the bridge to its highest point and bomb into the blue waters below. Put your brave face on, as local kids are known to hover about and watch, waiting eagerly for their turn. For those who’d rather a slower entrance, opt for the boardwalk, which has a spot with steps.  

If you head down at high tide, bring an inflatable. It’s a rite of passage to jump in at the mouth of the creek and let the strong current pull you back towards the bridge. There’s also plenty of space to swim along the shore, plus areas to deploy kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. All that swimming got you hungry? Head across the road to Back Creek Cafe, one of the best cafes in town.  

Back Creek Bridge in South West Rocks
The gentle waters make it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Grab grub at The Kiosk in Horseshoe Bay

The best place in town for fish and chips might just be the most unlikely. Perched on the top of the hill between Horseshoe Bay and Main Beach is The Kiosk at Horseshoe Bay, renowned for serving up all the best post-swim snacks.  

From delicious burgers, freshly cooked hot chips and seafood galore to creamy milkshakes, ice creams and lollies to go, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We recommend grabbing take-away and sitting under the Norfolk pines overlooking Horseshoe Bay; it’s a classic holiday experience sprinkled with some South West Rocks magic.  

Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks
Nestle under the Norfolks to chow down on lunch. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Picnic at Monument Point

Just behind The Kiosk at Horseshoe Bay, you’ll find a view that rivals most, so pack yourself a picnic and head to Monument Point for sprawling ocean views. It’s also a great spot to watch whales head to their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic after breeding in the north if you’re visiting between September and October.

Monument Point/Horseshoe Bay in South West Rocks
Monument Point looks out over Horseshoe Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Set up on the grass either in the sun or under the shade of a Norfolk to watch the waves crash on the jagged rocks below, which at low tide form beautiful, small rock pools that you can swim in.  

This is also a great snorkelling spot at low tide. Make your way down to the rocks to witness the marine life up close; locals have even spotted dolphins frolicking in the waves here. If you’re keen to snorkel but don’t have much experience, head around the corner to Trial Bay Beach to snorkel in the shallows near the Surf Club for a calmer introduction. 

Picnic image from Getty
Gather your nibblies for a picnic with a view.

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4. Pick up souvenirs at The Shell Shop

The Shell Shop on Gregory Street is a perfect example of what makes South West Rocks so special. Showcasing a mind-boggling range of shells displayed inside glass cabinets, The Shell Shop sells the perfect souvenir; something truly local and rare to find elsewhere. Think conch shells of every size and colour, spiral shells, pearly scallop shells and even coral and crystals. The owner uses these finds to create homemade gifts, such as jewellery boxes, necklaces and outdoor hanging decorations.  

The Shell Shop is located on Gregory Street in South West Rocks. (Image: Chloe Braushi)

Next door yet still connected to The Shell Shop, you’ll find a small but well-stocked nursery that you can buy from as well. You’ll be surprised at the low-cost total of your purchases. 

Choose a unique shell to take home with you. (Image: Chloe Braushi)

5. Play golf alongside wild kangaroos

The town is nestled between two national parks and surrounded by lush bushland, so it’s no surprise that the kangaroo population in South West Rocks is numerous. In fact, they can be seen bounding across residential streets and grazing near beaches. 

South West Rocks Country Club
The 18-hole course is just a short walk from the beach.

The South West Rocks Country Club is no exception, expect to spot kangaroos munching away on the well-trimmed grass. Thankfully they’re skilled at staying out of the way when it comes time to tee off. The Country Club allows non-members to play the 18-hole course for a $30 social green fee ($25 for nine holes). Barefoot bowls and tennis courts are also available to book (kangaroo sightings are thrown in for free). 

Kangaroos in South West Rocks
The Kangaroo population rivals that of the townsfolk. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Explore the old Trial Bay Gaol

Step back in time as you enter the ancient ruins of Trial Bay Gaol, which opened in 1886 after its construction 13 years earlier. A unique example of a public works prison, it was also used as an internment camp in World War I.  

Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks
The historic Trial Bay Gaol opened in 1886. (Image: Destination NSW)

There are plenty of tours available, from twilight and sunset tours to a life behind bars kids tour. A museum and memorial nearby also offer visitors deeper insight into how life was for prisoners when the gaol was still operational. 

Trial Bay Gaol is located within the Arakoon National Park, so there’s plenty to explore once you finish your tour. Hike the Powder Magazine walking track or spend the night and pitch a tent at the nearby Trial Bay Gaol campground.

Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks
Visitors can pick from a variety of tours. (Image: Destination NSW)

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7. 4WD along South Smoky Beach

Navigate your way down the dirt roads through Arakoon National Park to South Smoky Beach, where the flat, hard sand makes the perfect place to 4WD safely. You’ll need to pre-book a beach driving permit online or in person with Kempsey Council and be aware that the last 500 metres of the north end of the beach is closed to all vehicles.

South Smoky Beach in South West Rocks
Spot Smoky Cape Lighthouse from below. (Image: Chloe Braushi)

The 15-kilometre stretch of beach boasts some of the most stunning scenery along the coast. There’s dense bushland behind you, a tumbling ocean in front and two cliff faces on either side, one adorned with the historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse.  

Renowned among locals as a surfing hotspot, this stretch of beach offers some of the best breaks in town. For those looking to swim, be aware that South Smoky Beach is not patrolled. If you’ve got little ones, don’t fret; there are plenty of other gorgeous beaches to choose from.

4WD on the beach from Getty
The hard sand makes it easy to cruise along in a 4WD.

8. Discover treasures at Opals Gems & Things

Enter a world of all things shimmery and shiny at Opals Gems & Things in the main drag of South West Rocks. It’s a great place to pick up a gift for yourself or someone special, with everything from raw crystals and shaped gems to handmade jewellery and decorative pieces. Every shelf is neatly organised by the type of crystal or gem, with small notes that detail the meaning behind each.

Getty image of crystals
Pick a crystal that speaks to you from the colourful range.

9. Experience a slice of history at Smoky Cape Lighthouse

The stunning yet historic Smoky Cape Lighthouse sits atop a narrow headline between North Smoky and South Smoky beaches. Built in 1891, the lighthouse was designed by architect James Barnet. It was named after the headland, which Captain Cook dubbed Smoky Cape after he saw fires burning there in 1770. The walk from the car park is steep but you’ll be rewarded with grand coastal views and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities along the way.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse in South West Rocks
The lighthouse is the ideal spot for stunning coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Wander the Beachside Markets

On the second Saturday of every month, South West Rocks transforms into a hub for local produce, custom crafts and decor, live music, clothes, food trucks and plants. Held at the picturesque Horseshoe Bay, visitors can wander through the stalls of the Beachside Markets, then sit in the shade of the Norfolks for lunch or jump into the sea for a dip.

The markets start bright and early at 8am and wrap up around 1pm. Additional markets are held each Saturday during the school holidays, making it the perfect family-friendly activity to add to your itinerary.

Getty image of market plants
Pick up a new plant to take home with you.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.