Arakoon and South West Rocks

We stayed at Arakoon near South West Rocks for a few days and oh-my-word, it was soooo amazing. Within the first hour of setting up the caravan there were kangaroos all around us giving Dusty a chance to take close up photos...

It turned out that Australian wildlife are EVERYWHERE at Arakoon, so the place had a real personality about it. That, and the Trial Bay Gaol, which (as we read) plays a massive part in the history of the region not only as a Gaol, but as a bakery for the town, a life-saving service for ship-wrecked boats, and a full German cultural hub and safety respite during WW1. The building remains are stunning, it is everything I anticipated it would be (I had been dreaming of visiting this historical landmark since I read about it in the Gold Coast Sun 6 months ago). 

It didn't matter where we went in Arakoon, it was just darn pretty all the time. From the rocky headlands and beaches in between... 

To the fire-red sunset on the beach... 

... The bush trail walks ... 

 

And the ultimate steep walk up to the incredible lighthouse, which is one of the largest, and one of the last remaining working (with its original lens, to boot) lighthouses in NSW. So, so pretty. We visited at night as well as at day and were captivated by the magical beam spinning round, my most favourite thing in the world, especially when I know it's my mums most favourite thing too (I hope you'll see it one day soon, mum). 

The Lighthouse Keepers cottages are holiday rentals now - now that would be a magical holiday.

Just look at the view from up here...  

I think we were at our highest coastal point yet.

Back on the ground, Tim taught Dusty how to snorkel in the saltwater pool at the caravan park, and then they went out into the seaway at South West Rocks. Such an amazing experience for Dusty who was swept along with the incoming tide with Tim guiding him along. 

We had a lovely swim there at low tide and almost decided to live there for good! 

We explored the area, went for a very long walk to the end of the very long rock wall, went into town to browse the local streets, tested out all the playgrounds, and got to know the area quite well. (It reminded me of The Spit and Seaway at The Gold Coast in a way.)

The Big 4 Caravan Park was the best we'd been to so far, just perfect for young children with plenty of quality playing areas and friendly families to hang out with.

And just a couple of action shots, of 2 kangaroos, and our happy Rhodesian ridgeback jumping like a kangaroo ... 

We didn't really want to leave Arakoon and South West Rocks! But we had plans to meet friends further south, so it was time to go.