Newcastle to South West Rocks, NSW

South West Rocks, NSW

South West Rocks, is a picturesque town, situated not far from the mouth of the Macleay River. The main township overlooks Horseshoe Bay and the larger Trial Bay. To the south of the beach is the old Trial Bay Gaol and National Pak at Arakoon. The gaol has an unusual history having been used in several ways, as both for convicts attempting to build a breakwater and as a wartime internment camp. Smoky Cape Lighthouse is further along, with fabulous views to Hat Head, this James Barnet designed lighthouse is as attractive as the others he designed on this coast. Our favourite place to stay in South West Rocks is the Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks caravan park on South West Rocks Creek. It’s a peaceful spot and only a short walk away from town with lots of birdlife and fishing. If you want to be part of the action there’s a caravan park on Horseshoe Bay. It is in a glorious location and only a hop, skip, and jump from the shops and the hotel. The butcher here is very good, and like so many spots along this piece of coast there is a lovely old wooden footbridge across the creek.

Bulahdelah, NSW

Bulahdelah Bowling Club. Like so many bowlo’s when we visited this one, they offered us 3 nights for a very reasonable price. Which makes it a perfectly situated place for exploring the gorgeous Myall Lakes and with a good meal to look forward to afterwards.

Stockton, NSW

Stockton, is well positioned for touring Newcastle on foot. The caravan park is near both the Hunter River mouth and the beach, which means that you can watch the coal ships coming and going. The Stockton breakwater (Shipwreck Walk) has been built from the wrecks of the many ships that have foundered here, as the river mouth is notoriously difficult in bad weather. For a couple of bucks the ferry takes you across the river to the city centre where you can walk for miles gawping at the delightful old buildings. When the steel mill closed, the ‘powers that be’ filled the emptying shops with artists thus creating a vibrant and colourful city. There’s convict history here and a seafood co-op on the riverfront. And when your feet tell you to stop there are plenty of interesting bars.

Stockton Dunes (Worimi Park) run north for 32km from Stockton up to Anna Bay (Port Stephens). These are sand dunes of epic proportions and the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Tours and fun stuff are available.