South West Rocks, New South Wales — interactive Google street map, satellite and terrain views, Street View, live local weather conditions and 7-day forecasts, real-time local and world news, and an editorial description of South West Rocks, in the Kempsey Shire Council local government area.
| Locality | South West Rocks |
| State | New South Wales (NSW) |
| Local Government Area | Kempsey Shire Council |
| Country | Australia |
| Timezone | Australian Eastern Time (AEST/AEDT) |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional Australia |
| Latitude | -30.89516 |
| Longitude | 153.03891 |
| Population | 4,847 |
| Density | 354.1 /km² |
| Area | 13.7 km² |
| Elevation | 13 m |
| Postcode | 2431 |
| Area Code | 02 |
| Distance to Sydney | 373 km north-northeast |
South West Rocks is a locality in the Kempsey Shire Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It has a population of approximately 4,847. The locality covers an area of 13.7 km², giving a population density of about 354.1 people per km². It sits at an elevation of around 13 m above sea level. It lies approximately 373 km north-northeast of Sydney. South West Rocks is located at 30.8952°S, 153.0389°E. It observes Australian Eastern Time (AEST/AEDT). Postcode: 2431. The Australian Bureau of Statistics classifies the area as Inner Regional Australia.
South West Rocks unfurls along a spectacular stretch of coastline, where the Macleay River surrenders itself to the vast Pacific Ocean. It lies 64.4 km north-north-east of Port Macquarie, NSW (from Port Macquarie, NSW: bearing 12°T), and is situated 9.2 km south-south-east of Stuarts Point. Here, ochre headlands cradle a series of pristine beaches, their sands ranging from the pale gold of Trial Bay to the darker, more rugged shores facing the open sea. Inland, the terrain gently rises, giving way to swathes of coastal rainforest and eucalyptus woodlands, alive with the calls of unseen birds. The air itself carries a perpetual tang of salt and damp earth, a constant reminder of the sea's proximity and the generous rainfall that nourishes this verdant landscape. Even on a still day, the subtle scent of iodine and blooming native flowers perfumes the breeze, a unique perfume that defines the very character of South West Rocks.
The history of South West Rocks is deeply entwined with its maritime setting and the enduring allure of its natural harbours. For millennia, Indigenous peoples have known this country, their connection to the land and sea a silent testament to the region's bounty. Later, European settlers were drawn by the promise of safe anchorage and fertile soil, establishing a small but resilient community. The iconic Trial Bay Gaol, a stark reminder of a penal past, now stands as a brooding sentinel overlooking the bay, a place where history feels palpable in the salt-laced wind. Today, the local economy thrives on a blend of tourism, drawn by the exceptional beaches and the chance to witness migrating whales, and a continuing reliance on the rich fishing grounds offshore. The rhythm of life in South West Rocks is a gentle ebb and flow, dictated more by the tides and the seasons than the clamour of hurried schedules, a place where the simple beauty of the coast shapes the daily lives of its inhabitants.
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This page provides an interactive Google map of South West Rocks, New South Wales with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions with current observations and a 7-day forecast are powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while an editorially written description provides background on South West Rocks, in the Kempsey Shire Council local government area.
Detailed location data for South West Rocks includes the postcode (2431), telephone area code (02), and local government area (Kempsey Shire Council), with an ABS remoteness classification of Inner Regional Australia. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any Australian city, town or locality.
Location data is drawn from Geoscape Administrative Boundaries (GDA2020) and enriched with GeoNames and Australian Bureau of Statistics data, matched by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct South West Rocks is identified even where the name is shared across multiple localities.
| Page generated | June 2026 |
| Location data | Geoscape Administrative Boundaries (GDA2020); enriched with GeoNames and ABS 2021 Census data, matched by coordinate proximity |
| Description | Editorial description generated with AI assistance from verified Geoscape, ABS and GeoNames location data. |