South West Rocks Beaches

Details

Horseshoe Bay

Located in the centre of town, Horseshoe Bay is the most popular beach with locals and visitors alike. Featuring grassy headlands to picnic on, a sandy beach to sunbake, a sheltered cove to swim in and a 180 degree view from the mountains to Trial Bay. Horseshoe Bay is home to an excellent right hand wave that’s the locals’ choice when we have east coast lows.
Length – 200m
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – Yes on weekends during summer season and daily during most school holidays. Always swim between the flags and obey the life guards.  View the 2015/16 beach patrol dates.

Front Beach

On the eastern side of the Horseshoe Bay headland is the Wedge and Front Beach (also known as Main Beach) which is a long, sandy beach perfect for those lazy walks on a hot day. Main Beach stretches 3.5km around to Trial Bay and offers tranquil swimming opportunities where you can space yourself out from the crowds. Not a popular surfing beach although the Wedge sometimes has a fast moving wave that peaks when a second wave rebounds off the rocks and intercepts it. Suitable for body boarding or body surfing.
Length – 3.5km including Trial Bay
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited except for Pro Fishermen
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – Yes on weekends during summer season and daily during most school holidays. Always swim between the flags and obey the life guards.  View the 2015/16 beach patrol dates.

Trial Bay

Trial Bay is a sheltered bay protected from the swell by a purpose built break wall. Home of the famous Trial Bay Gaol, from Laggers Point look west to watch the sun set over the water, this is one of only a few places on the East Coast of Australia where it is possible. s popular with families and small children.
Length – 3.5km including Main Beach
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

Gap Beach

This secluded beach is accessed by 4WD or hiking the Smoky Cape Track from Little Bay to the north or from Captain Cook’s Lookout at Smoky Cape.  Many days visitors can have this beach to themselves for a romantic stroll along the beach, to swim, fish and surf.  There is a short rainforest walk which is located parallel to beach.
Length – 1km
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

North Smoky Beach

North Smoky Beach is located on the north side of Smoky Cape, seen from Captain Cook’s Lookout where the car can be parked, have a picnic or BBQ and use the facilities.  Take the Jack Perkins track down the side of the headland to access this clothes optional beach.
Four Wheel Drive Access – Prohibited
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None

South Smoky Beach

South Smoky Beach stretches north from Hat Head to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and has 4WD access for those with a beach driving permit. South Smoky Beach is a long sandy beach where you can pull up a million miles from anyone and have the beach to yourself which is great if you want to go sunbaking away from the crowds. Depending on swell direction and the location of sand bars, several beach breaks can be found producing a mixture of left and right hand waves for the experienced surfer. On most days you can have the break to yourself.
Length – 15km
Four Wheel Drive Access – Yes to beach permit holders
Surf Lifesaving Patrol – None