Shore Diving

There is a single shore dive off of Muttonbird Island. It is a very basic dive and depends on swell and wind. It does not give much perspective on the amazing marine life in the Solitary Islands Marine Park and as such, it is not often recommended.

Boat Diving

Between the five islands of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, there are three major dive sites that are frequently visited. They are:

Dive Site 1:  South Solitary Island. 30 minute charter boat ride from Coffs Harbour. Offers the best fish life in the area, with tropical and sub tropical species. “Manta Arch” dive-site has the reputation of amazing close encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks. (Manta Arch is only divesite that is suitable for experienced and Advanced divers).

Dive Site 2:  North Solitary Island. Anemone Bay with abundant Anemone fish suitable for all levels of diving. Fish Soup with schools of fish, suitable for all levels.

Dive Site 3:  North West Solitary island where Manta Rays can be seen from January to April.

Liveaboard Diving

There are no liveaboards around Coffs Harbour and the Solitary Islands.

How to Get there

Coffs Harbour is halfway between Brisbane and Sydney on the East Coast of Australia. Multiple Domestic Flights from Sydney daily and Bus and train from both Capital cities pass through Coffs Harbour. Approx 6 hours drive from Sydney and 5 hours drive from Brisbane.

Where to Eat & Drink

There are a range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Coffs Harbor that cater to a variety of ages, preferences and budgets.

Restaurants serve a blend of local and international fare, with a constant focus on incorporating fresh seafood into their dishes. Given the city’s location in such a fertile part of Australia, there is also a large emphasis on incorporating fresh and seasonal produce into dishes as well. Mangrove Jack’s, the Purple Carrot and the Happy Frog are some of the best organic restaurants, while The Coast, The Coramba Hotel, and the Yknot Bistro offer up great pub fare. A few restaurants offer up Italian, Thai and African dishes as well – if craving something different. There also happen to be a few local vineyards in the area, which can be visited as part of a wine tasting tour.

There is a good variety of nightlife throughout the week as well. Trivia nights are very popular on week nights, while weekends tend to emphasize more local and live music. The Hoey Moey tends to attract the university/backpacker crowd, hile the Plantation Hotel draws in more famous bands. Ask around for weekly happenings when you arrive.

Other Activities

Unsurprisingly, nature-based activities tend to dominate Coffs Harbour.

Surfing, swimming and snorkelling are of course popular, as is white water rafting in the nearby rivers. There are a number of hikes that go along Muttonbird Island and through neighbouring rainforests as well – if craving some on-land fitness. On Muttonbird specifically, you can also learn about local aboriginal history and try to catch a sighting of the island’s namesake bird.

A quick drive up to Sealy Lookout just north of the city happens to provide some of the best views of the beaches below. Otherwise, biking, golfing, hiking and helicopter rides are other great ways to explore the area’s natural beauty.

The Botanic Gardens are a wonderful way to experience the subtropical climate and beyond, with regions devoted to Africa, China and Queensland. A lovely walk tours visitors through six kilometers of trails – ending at the ocean. There is also a local aquarium, which is owned by the Southern Cross University’s Marine Science Center, gives a glimpse into the world below the surface for non-divers.

Finally; a visit to Coffs Harbor would be incomplete without at least viewing the Big Banana from the outside. Built in 1964, this was the first of the ‘Big Things’ in Australia. Here you will find a variety of rides, attractions and a waterpark.

Tips

Dives are by booking only, don’t expect to get a dive by just walking in. Sometimes in the quieter times, minimum numbers are required, so early booking will allow the operators to work on “building” the numbers required to run.

Coffs Harbor is divided into three regions: the jetty, the commercial center and the beaches. Just south of the city is Sawtell, which has some sensational beaches prime for surfing.

Weather is unfortunately a big part of availability to dive. No season is better, just depends on the luck of good conditions.

Coffs Harbour has a large Hospital, however the nearest Hyperbaric Chamber is Sydney or Brisbane.