South West Rocks

The bustling beachside township of South West Rocks is located near the mouth of the Macleay River. It has a fascinating heritage with its own distinctive style and creativity.

Here you will find the unique Trial Bay Gaol, established in 1876 as an experimental public works gaol to house inmates building the local break wall. The gaol closed in 1904 but reopened in World War 1 to house German male internees. Apart from its riveting public programs, the Gaol is transformed every year into a stunning artistic landscape, with the annual Sculpture in the Gaol Competition, a major event for the region. Other historic sites include the local Maritime Museum and Smokey Cape Lighthouse.

The cultural heart of the town was and is the South West Cinema situated in the historic 1926 School of Arts Community Hall. It is one of the last operating examples of the typical country picture show. Today it is much more than a restored cinema, presenting live shows. Indeed once a year, the good folk of South West Rocks close down the Roxy cinema for two weeks and transform the School of Arts community hall into an old-fashioned music hall.

South West Rocks is home to many artists and elsewhere in South West Rocks you will find an arts and craft gallery, live music and special events reflecting South West Rocks, a very Creative Community.

For more information visit http://macleayvalleycoast.com.au/south-west-rocks/