Tales of Trial Bay: An Early History of South West Rocks

From the earliest days of the colony, ships travelling up and down the coast frequently lay at anchor in Trial Bay sheltering from bad weather.

Transport of cedar, produce and supplies for the whole of the Macleay Valley came to and from Sydney through the Macleay River's entrance into Trial Bay.

In addition, the bay was the site of two major engineering projects commenced last century, namely the building of Trial Bay Goal and breakwater and the construction of the Macleay River "New Entrance" breakwalls.