On weekends this small aquarium belonging to Southern Cross University's Marine Science Centre is open to the public. Touch tanks and enthusiastic, well-qualified guides provide close encounters with an octopus and the fish and coral that inhabit the waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Solitary Islands Aquarium
Coffs Harbour
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.67 MILES
The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…
22.31 MILES
This is the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline, covering a 65km stretch of pristine coastal ecosystems stretching north from the village of…
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre & Skywalk
25.27 MILES
The 119-sq-km Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and home to a huge diversity of vegetation and more than 120…
Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre
17.43 MILES
This cultural centre is well worth a detour to check out the Aboriginal artwork on display and learn about the local Gumbaynggirr people. It displays a…
2.65 MILES
This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…
19.06 MILES
This little semi-attached island on the Bellinger River (it's only completely cut off when the river is in flood) is home to a huge colony of grey-headed…
1.67 MILES
Wind your way through banana plantations on the 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour to Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. A short cantilevered…
27.27 MILES
For decades residents and holidaymakers have decorated the rocks of Nambucca's breakwater with vivacious multicoloured artwork, and with notes to lovers,…
Nearby Coffs Harbour attractions
0.47 MILES
Naturists let it all hang out at Little Diggers, an unofficial nude beach, just inside the northern headland.
0.52 MILES
Built in 1964, the Big Banana started the craze for ‘Big Things’ in Australia. Admission is free, with charges for associated attractions, such as ice…
0.64 MILES
Diggers is popular with surfers and good for beginners, with swells averaging 1m to 1.5m. Access is via a turn-off from the highway near the Big Banana.
1.53 MILES
A long, lovely stretch of sand backed by dense shrubbery and sand dunes, which conceal the buildings beyond.
1.67 MILES
Wind your way through banana plantations on the 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour to Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. A short cantilevered…
7. North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
2.27 MILES
Immerse yourself in the subtropical surrounds of the greenhouses, sensory gardens and lush rainforest of these botanic gardens. The 8km Coffs Creek Walk…
2.65 MILES
This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…