The Solitary Islands represent amongst the very best scuba diving experiences that can be obtained south of the Great Barrier Reef and North of Sydney with 5 separate islands offering hundreds of dive sites. Every level of divers expertise is catered for with easy shallow reefs of 12 meters to deep wall dives of over 30 meters with so many different forms of marine life it is possible for no 2 dives to be the same. On any single dive green and loggerhead turtles, hard and soft corals, sharks, clown fish [no, nemo won’t be found we are still looking] Spanish dancers, tropical and temperate fish, including trevelly and jacks can be seen dolphins and whales during season make up this sub tropical paradise. Newly qualified divers can experience some of the most mind-blowing dives in OZ depending on the location, timing and weather. The entire area of the solitary islands is a marine park, which means no take zones photos are all you, can take visiting professionals require a permit, which may be obtained from the local fisheries office. The dive shops strictly enforce this. The solitary islands were named by Captain James Cook during his epic voyage up the coast whilst discovering Australia .He named the islands the solitaries due to their absence from other land masses. The names South, North, Split, Northwest and Black Rock were given for the islands. One very special dive at South Solitary is manta arch home to the fabled grey nurse shark. Once hunted to the point of extinction by spear fishermen during the 60’s and 70’s this harmless shark, which only feed on fish and squid, was often blamed for the attack on a human by the work of another species. Today they are thankfully protected. During the summer manta rays come down the east coast religiously every year. An encounter with them is breathtaking as they can glide and swoop amongst the divers for hours. Thousands of backpackers flock here every year and many gained their diving qualification here as the local dive shops run dive courses all year round. There are 2 great dive shops in the town and others a short drive away. Jetty Dive Center is at the base of Harbour drive which has a PADI 5 star rating with courses from beginner to instructor level, equipment hire and service, boat dives, air fills and all the rest any diver will require. This shop has been running for over 25 years, Mike and Debbie Davey have owned and operated it for the last 8 years and together with their staff have steadily improved the facilities and boats from smaller 7 meter vessels into now offering more comfortable service aboard their 12 and 10 meter fast Catamarans. They dive all the Solitary Islands and still offer Dive master led dives aboard their boats for smaller groups. Their popularity shows with having dive trips almost every day! In the more recent years, they have built a reputation as having great value PADI Open Water dive courses for the backpackers. Ph 0266-511611 Another excellent dive shop is Dive Quest Mullaway located 30 kms outside Coffs Harbour. It’s well worth the drive as the Northern Solitary islands are the very best of the group. Anemone bay at North Solitary boasts the greatest number of anemones and clown fish in one area in the world. Several species of clown fish are to be found here twisting in their host anemone. Chris has been running the dive shop since the late 1980’s and knows the area better that anyone else. He runs an excellent dive shop with all the usual services including accommodation. The town is very small and requires a trip to Woolgoolga to get supplies if you are staying. A small shop in Mullaway has tasty take aways cold drinks and some groceries inc frozen food. 
Stan Young at Wooli also has an impressive dive operation and although it is a bit further Pimpernel rock at the far Northern tip of the solitary Islands marine park is perhaps the very best dive of the lot. Commencing at 8 meters and plunging to a depth of over 40 meters this hollow mountain is a dive so good you need 2-3 dives to see it all. A highly advanced dive only for experienced diver’s pimpernel rock will leave you spellbound. Bring a camera and wide angle lens as Grey nurse sharks abound coral and sea whips are plentiful and the large pelagic fish are an awesome sight. Stan has all the features of a good dive shop and runs dive depending on the weather. Ph 0266 497100 
Coffs Harbour is a city that has some of the best tourist attraction in New South Wales the city got it’s name from captain Koff who took shelter close to mutton bird island during a storm and he came ashore when it blew it self out. Backpacker accommodation is available at Aussitel Backpackers. Located in Harbor drive this thriving hostel is the most popular and established in Coffs Harbor. Staff will collect you from the bus stop and run the bus into town several times a day at night they can run trips to the local nightspots. Its warm and friendly here with a lounge, pool, TV /video internet, bbq area, snooker table, The social energy is high due to the constant bbqs and other outings the hostel organises.Off street parking, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry and great staff to help you enjoy your stay. You can book a dive course or a days diving from Aussietel as they have a great relationship with the local dive shops many new divers have earned their diving qualification whilst staying here. Other day trips including white water rafting and dolphin and whale watching sea kayaking and surfing. One very nice feature is the $6.00 meal night at the plantation hotel on Mondays. Tuesday is pizza and DVD night. Wednesday is Aussitel punch night where the friendliest punch is served. 
A very nice alternative day out is The Dorrigo rain forest which has some very nice walks and massive waterfalls, pack a camera with a wide angle lens for this one as the views are great and the walking tracks are free. The big banana is another popular tourist attraction it’s a massive banana plantation which makes a good day out.
The very popular Pet Porpoise pool is another great way to spend an afternoon especially if you are boat shy the show is run on a daily basis with performing dolphins and seals that do some amazing tricks under the trainer’s direction. There are only 2 marine parks left in Australia where you can see dolphins No wonder Coffs Coast Pet Porpoise Pool is one of the worlds most interactive marine parks everyone gets to play and pat with dolphins Bucky, Zip and Calamity not to mention the kisses from the gorgeous sea lions. Interactions also include feeding the fairy penguins sharks turtles and fish in the reef tank Dolphin and seal swims are available with bookings essential by Phoning 02 66522 164 The philosophy they employ is one of empathy through contact and interaction with our wonderful marine friends. |
