Over 80 passengers stepped ashore at Trial Bay Gaol Beach where they were welcomed by Mayor Liz Campbell and Kempsey Shire Council staff. They were gifted with local brochures and information about South West Rocks.

The duration of the cruise is three weeks, beginning in Cairns and stopping at coastal ports along the QLD and NSW coast, with the end destination being Melbourne. 

Passengers Alec and Lynda Nightingale from England said the chance to experience different towns along the coast is amazing.

“It’s great to approach small towns from the sea and to have a look around,” Mr Nightingale said. 

“It’s not our first time to Australia, but it’s our first visit to South West Rocks. It’s lovely so far, the welcome was really nice.”

With several hours in South West Rocks, passengers had the opportunity to take part in guided tours to Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse as well as experiencing the local restaurants and shopping facilities. 

Passenger Sally Bergquist from Alabama said the welcome from locals was wonderful.

“The welcome has been great. And the whole experience of the cruise as well,” she said.

“This is our first time to Australia and it’s just been wonderful. I’m looking forward to experiencing the town and the heritage sites.”

Mayor Liz Campbell welcomed the ship and the passengers and presented a plaque to the hospitality manager from the MS Caledonian Sky.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the welcoming party for the cruise passengers today and a perfect opportunity to showcase a beautiful part of the Macleay. I was thrilled to see so many locals out on the headland and around Trial Bay taking in the spectacle,” Mayor Campbell said. 

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