South West Rocks Dive Centre 4 Night / 8 Dive Package

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A 4 nights dive and stay package at South West Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast, with 8 boat dives at Fish Rock, home of Fish Rock Cave, the only true ocean cave dive in Australia.

Days

5 days, 4 nights

Start / finish

South West Rocks / South West Rocks

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Dive and stay package — make your own way to South West Rocks; boat dives with the dive centre's guides

Accommodation

4 nights lodge accommodation; private room upgrades available

Transport

Dive boat; pick-up from Kempsey available. Travel to South West Rocks not included

Meals

Continental breakfast and refreshments between dives

Route

Map of South West Rocks Dive Centre 4 Night / 8 Dive Package

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Included experiences

Fish Rock — guided boat dives
Fish Rock Cave — 125 metre ocean cave
Nitrox diving

South West Rocks Dive Centre 4 Night / 8 Dive Package

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Make your way to South West Rocks on the NSW Mid North Coast, about an hour south of Coffs Harbour. Without a car, take the coast train or bus to Kempsey, and the dive centre collects travelling divers there for the 25 minute drive to town. Check in at the dive centre on Gregory Street, the main road into town, where the staff sight your certification card and sort out any hire gear. The centre was founded by Noel Hitchins in 1980, and every member of the team is an instructor or divemaster. Then settle into the lodge, your base for the next 4 nights.

Overnight: South West Rocks (lodge accommodation)

DIVE MORNINGS: OUT TO FISH ROCK

Your package has four double-dive trips, and the dive centre sets which mornings you dive around the weather and the sea. A dive morning starts at about 7:30am at the centre on Gregory Street. You set up your gear, then walk down to the wharf on the Macleay River and motor out over the bar. The run to Fish Rock passes Smoky Cape, which James Cook named in 1770 after the smoke of fires he saw on the headland. From May to November humpback whales pass close enough to see from the boat. The first dive is usually on the outside of the rock, at The Shark Gutters, Fish & Chips or The Aquarium, with walls dropping to about 30 metres.

THE SECOND DIVE: FISH ROCK CAVE

After a break with refreshments on the boat, the second dive is usually Fish Rock Cave, a 125 metre tunnel right through the island and the only true ocean cave dive in Australia. Confident groups drop into the deep entrance at about 24 metres, rise up a chimney into the main cave and swim out the shallow end at about 12 metres. Others go in from the shallow side, a big naturally lit cavern with an air pocket where you can surface and talk. Look for grey nurse sharks resting in the entrances. The east coast population is critically endangered, and Fish Rock is one of the best places in the country to see them. If conditions don't suit, the dive stays outside.

AFTER THE DIVE: LIFE ON THE ROCK

Each dive trip has you back on land by about 1:30 or 2pm, with gear washing and drying, showers and space to fill in your logbook at the centre. Over a few days the rock's regulars start to feel familiar: wobbegongs on the ledges, turtles, black rays, black cod, giant cuttlefish, moray eels and blue groper. Grey nurse sharks are here all year and most plentiful from May to December. Schooling hammerheads sometimes show up from October to January, and the warmer months bring tropical fish, leopard sharks and the odd manta ray. Every dive is on free 32% nitrox, and you don't need a nitrox ticket to use it.

AFTERNOONS IN SOUTH WEST ROCKS

Afternoons are your own. South West Rocks sits on the northern side of the Macleay River mouth, and Trial Bay Gaol stands on the headland at the eastern end of town, a granite prison finished in 1886 that held German internees during the First World War. Up on Smoky Cape, the lighthouse first lit in 1891 is one of the best places on this coast to watch for whales. The beaches and rivers around town are good for a swim or a quiet paddle between dive days, and the lodge is a few minutes from the dive centre.

Overnight: South West Rocks (lodge accommodation)

DAY 5: HOMEWARD

Pack up, hand back any hire gear and check out of the lodge. If you came by train or bus, the dive centre can run you back to Kempsey, a river town on the Macleay that grew up around the cedar trade in the 1830s. Drivers are about five hours from Sydney, or a little more from Brisbane. Your logbook should have a few new entries, and one of them goes right through an island.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The dive centre at 5/98 Gregory St, the main street of South West Rocks, next door to Outdoor Adventure. Turn right into the driveway just after the United petrol station as you come into town; the centre is down the driveway behind the Outdoor Adventure shop.
Please note: Without a car, take the coast bus or train to Kempsey; the dive centre picks up travelling divers there (25 minutes' drive). The nearest airport is Coffs Harbour, with bus and train services to Kempsey and car rental.

What is included

8 boat dives (4 double dives)
4 nights lodge accommodation
Dive guide services
Nitrox
Tanks, weights and dive light
Refreshments between dives
Continental breakfast

Not included

Full equipment hire (optional extra)
Upgrade to a private twin share or single room (optional extra)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.