Seal Rocks

Perched high on a hill above the famously treacherous Seal Rocks, the Seal Rocks lighthouse is one of the more spectacular lighthouses on the east coast of Australia. Completed in 1875 to highlight the dangerous rocks beneath it, the lighthouse is the main reason why Seal Rocks exists today as the construction of the road from Bungwahl was for the construction of the lighthouse. The view from the lighthouse is spectacular and is worth the walk to the top. Adjoining the lighthouse are three cottages, and various outbuildings which are now used as holiday accommodation. Despite the lighthouse construction 20 years earlier, one of Australia's biggest shipping disasters occurred off Sugarloaf Point; the wreck of the SS Catterthun in 1895 when bound from Sydney to China with the loss of thirty one lives.

On the way to the lighthouse from the village is a large blowhole which makes for great watching during storms. Be sure to stay a fair distance from the surf as getting caught in the blowhole would be likely to cause you to drown or at least get injured from been dashed against the rocks.

In 1992, 49 false killer whales beached themselves at Lighthouse Beach (South of the Lighthouse). To save the whales from certain death, hundreds of volunteers transported them overland to Boat Beach, and by July 16th, 36 were able to be released. This rescue was one of the most successful ever, and therefore a plaque was erected to commemorate the outstanding effort by the volunteers. This is also one of the best viewpoints of the picturesque Boat Beach.

This is the first beach that visitors will see as they arrive into Seal Rocks and makes for a stunning entrance to the peninsula. This beach faces north east and usually has small, white wash type waves which are great for learning to surf. Further out to the point is Seal Rock's famous right hander point break. On good days, waves will be quite large and will connect up to the beach break allowing you to surf all the way to the sand. The optimal conditions for good waves is a northeast groundswell with offshore southwesters.

Perhaps Seal Rocks's most photogenic beach, Boat Beach is the calmest and most protected beach. This beach is perfect for those that simply want to swim or when there are large swells hitting the other beaches. This is also the beach where fisherman launch their boats which can be quite entertaining if there are waves.

The north end of Lighthouse Beach is a great place to relax and go snorkelling. With the beach semi protected by the rocks there are usually gentle waves and good snorkelling spots. The beach is walking distance from village and involves walking in the direction of the lighthouse and then turning off down a fenced path down to the sand.

The south end of Lighthouse Beach is a great place to go if you are looking for a quiet (i.e. no other people) place to swim and relax. The swell can be rougher than the north end so be careful swimming on big wave days. To access the south end, drive your car down Thomas Road until you reach a turn off for Lighthouse Beach. Drive down the small track and look for the designated parking spot. From here it's a short walk down a fenced path and boardwalk to the sand. This is also the place that you can get on Lighthouse Beach with your 4wd.

Treachery Beach is another beach on the south end of the peninsula and is popular for those staying at Treachery Beach Holiday Park. Treachery Beach is also popular for surfers and waves tend to be better on the northern end. On stormy days you will see how the beach gets its name. Do not swim during storms unless you are a very strong swimmer as the waves are large and the rips are strong.