Escape the holday crowds stay in Southwest Rocks

South West Rocks must be one of the most misleading place names in Australia. If you've never been there or been told about it, you wouldn't be likely to want to visit this lovely town about 50 miles or 80 kilometres north of Port Macquarie. Those who know South West Rocks, though, know it to be the perfect place to go if you're looking for a completely enjoyable vacation spot.

Before you start to think that South West Rocks is just a geographical location southwest of someplace else, you should know that it is actually the name of a thriving coastal community of over 4000. The town was first settled as a place to house low-security prisoners in the late 1800s. Their first job was to build a breakwater around the bay beneath the rocky cliffs on the southern end of the settlement. That may be how the town got its name.

The breakwater project was abandoned when the prison was closed in 1903 and it wasn't until the First World War that the prison was repopulated with German and Austrian immigrants, many of whom were 2nd and 3rd generation Australians. Life was not hard for these detainees, who were never considered a real threat and they were among the first to take advantage of the beach at South West Rocks when they were allowed exercise and relaxation breaks during the day before being incarcerated at night.

Trial Bay Gaol still stands and is one of South West Rocks biggest tourist attractions. Today, it is a museum that houses photographs and memorabilia from those early years. An attractive structure built of pink and grey granite; it stands at the edge of a cliff and commands a wonderful ocean view. Except for the imposing walls that surround it, it is hard to imagine that it was a gaol.

An even more famous South West Rocks attraction is actually about a mile from its shores. Hailed as one of Australia’s top 10 diving spots and well-known to divers throughout the world, Fish Rock Cave is an incredible 125 metre (about a hundred yards) long cave that extends all the way through the middle of Green Island. Grey nurse sharks share the waters in and around Fish Rock Cave with dozens of other varieties of sea life.

If you're looking for a great place to just sit back and relax, then you'll love the village atmosphere of South West Rocks. As soon as you arrive in town, you begin to relax and unwind as you drive down its wide, tree-lined streets. No doubt, the first thing you will do is stop in for an alfresco lunch and cappuccino in one of the many cafes that line the main road.

Even if you thought you were just going to spend the day at South West Rocks, you will end up wanting to stay longer. The Tourist Park is one of the more popular South West Rocks accommodations, but if you want something more private or luxurious, there are many great places you can stay. If you’re traveling during the height of the tourist season, be sure and book ahead, because South West Rocks is an increasingly popular holiday destination.

Take a few days off, find accommodation South West Rocks , things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.