Solitary Islands Marine Park

Just off the coast of Coffs Harbour and stretching north toward Wooli, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is a protected underwater wonderland where the warm East Australian Current meets cooler southern waters, creating a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine life. This marine park, named for the scattered islands that rise from the sea, offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in New South Wales, with kaleidoscopic coral gardens, ancient grey nurse sharks, and the chance to spot migrating humpback whales in season. Whether you explore by boat, kayak, or on a glass-bottom tour, the clarity of the water and the abundance of sea life will leave you spellbound.

Highlights & What to See

• Snorkel or dive at the Pinnacles – a submerged reef system teeming with giant gropers, turtles, and colourful nudibranchs; visibility often exceeds 20 metres.
• Spot marine megafauna – humpback whales (June–November), bottlenose dolphins, and the occasional manta ray cruise these waters year-round.
• Visit North Solitary Island – a seabird rookery where you can glimpse nesting wedge-tailed shearwaters and the rare black-browed albatross.
• Kayak the calm waters of the park – launch from Coffs Harbour or Emerald Beach to paddle alongside sea turtles and schools of fish.
• Take a glass-bottom boat tour – an easy way for non-snorkellers to see the vibrant coral bommies and marine life without getting wet.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the marine park, which allows time for a morning snorkel trip to the outer islands, a picnic on a secluded beach, and an afternoon kayak or stand-up paddleboard session. If you're a keen diver, plan for two days to do multiple dives at different sites. The park is accessible year-round, but best conditions for snorkelling and diving are from late spring to early autumn (November to April).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour – the main gateway to the park, with a lively waterfront, the Big Banana, and the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.
• Emerald Beach – a quiet coastal village with a patrolled beach and direct access to the marine park's southern section.
• Wooli – a sleepy fishing town at the park's northern end, famous for its pristine beaches and the Wooli Wooli River.
• Bongil Bongil National Park – a coastal rainforest reserve with walking trails and abundant birdlife, just south of Coffs Harbour.

Please check official sources for current details.