10 Fun Facts About Solitary Islands Marine Park!
Luke Young • July 25, 2022
For those who love diving and water activities, we thought you might like to know some fun facts about the Solitary Islands Marine Park, located right here in Coffs Harbour!
- The Marine Park extends along about 75km of coastline from Coffs Harbour through to Sandon River on the NSW North Coast.
- It’s been a Marine Reserve since 1992.
- The local Aboriginal communities within the Gumbaynggirr Nation and Yaegl Nation have strong cultural links with the Marine Park and are actively involved in planning its conservation.
- Captain Cook named the Solitary Islands in 1770, during his voyage along Australia’s East Coast.
- There are 18 recorded wrecks that lie within or near the Marine Park.
- The Marine Park assists in conserving species that are threatened, protected or endemic including the Grey Nurse shark. ‘Manta Arch’ at South Solitary Island is a popular site with Dive tours for viewing Grey Nurse Sharks.
- There are over 530 species of reef fish in the park.
- There are more than 120 coastal and marine bird species around the area.
- Buster, located at Woolgoolga Beach, is the only wreck within the park that is visible from an accessible location.
- The park is made up of zones, to conserve marine biodiversity whilst also providing a range of uses such as swimming, surfing, scuba diving, boating and more.
If you’re someone that loves nothing more than getting acquainted with the water when on holidays, then contact us today to find out how we can assist in planning your adventurous Solitary Islands Marine Park holiday today!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Coffs Coast soon.

Premium Jetty Location                               Our enviable position near the Coffs Harbour Jetty puts you at the heart of convenience. After a long day of meetings or site visits, you can step outside and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Jetty foreshore. For                       dining                      , you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, and bars — perfect for a quick morning coffee, relaxed dinner, or hosting a client meeting in a more casual setting.                                                                          Spacious Corporate Apartments Designed for Work and Comfort                                          Unlike traditional hotels, our corporate apartments in Coffs Harbour are designed to help you both work efficiently and relax comfortably. Each apartment features:                                                        Work desks to keep you productive on the go                                     Separate dining spaces that double as a meeting or project space                                     Large windows and private balconies, filling your apartment with natural light and fresh ocean breezes                                     Full kitchens, giving you the flexibility to cook your own meals if you prefer                                                      Our apartments are also generously sized, making them a perfect option if family want to visit you while you’re away working. This added space ensures your stay feels less like a hotel and more like a welcoming home.                                                                          Corporate Rates and Flexible Benefits                                          We understand the needs of business travellers and companies, which is why we offer tailored corporate benefits:                                                        Flat corporate rates for approved guests, making travel budgeting simple and predictable                                     No minimum stays — whether you’re in town for one night or several weeks, we’ve got you covered                                     No block-out dates, so you’ll always have access to your corporate rate when you need to travel                                     Your Home for Business Travel in Coffs Harbour                                                      At The Observatory Apartments, we combine the comfort of spacious, fully equipped apartments with the practicality of flexible corporate rates. Whether you’re here for a short-term project, a client visit, or an extended business trip, our accommodation provides the perfect balance of work, relaxation, and convenience.                                                              Discover why so many professionals choose us for corporate accommodation in Coffs Harbour — where business travel feels more like home. Reach out to our team                       HERE                      to book your corporate stays with us.
 

Friday Afternoon - Settle in & Twilight Markets                               Arrive in Coffs Harbour and check into your apartment overlooking the ocean. After a relaxed afternoon on your balcony, head to Muttonbird Island for a short walk that rewards you with sweeping views of the Solitary Islands. As the sun dips, keep an eye out for whales still migrating along the coast – spring is one of the best times of year for sightings.                               Finish the evening at the                       Twilight Food Markets                      along the foreshore. Enjoy live music, sample dishes from around the world, and soak up the laid-back seaside atmosphere.                                                                          Saturday – Nature, Adventures and Dinner at Stef & Co                                                                   Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafés before heading off to explore.                                                                  Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll through the                         Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens                        , bursting with colourful spring blooms.                                                      For something a little more adventurous, take a                         trike tour                        and visit the waterfalls and scenic headlands                                          In the afternoon, wander through                       Coffs Central                      for boutique shopping and local produce.                                           In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at                         Stef & Co                        , a contemporary dining spot showcasing fresh, seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet stylish setting overlooking Coffs Creek  the perfect way to end your Saturday in Coffs.                                                                                                                         Sunday – Slow Down & Soak It In                                                                  On your final morning, take a leisurely walk along the beach and visit the                         Harbourside Markets                        for unique finds and tasty treats. If time allows, squeeze in a visit to the                         Solitary Islands Aquarium                        or simply relax with a coffee in hand, soaking up the spring sunshine before the journey home.                                                                                                                         Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit                                                                              Pleasant temperatures perfect for both outdoor adventures and lazy afternoons.                                                      Whale watching season still in full swing.                                                      Markets, festivals, and events adding colour and energy to the town.                                                      Fewer crowds than the peak summer holidays.                                                                                                            A spring weekend in Coffs Harbour is all about balance, exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the coast. Whether you’re here for adventure or simply to unwind, it’s the kind of place where memories are made.                                                      Make your spring getaway extra special by staying with us at                         The Observatory Apartments                        - with spacious rooms, ocean views, and the Jetty right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for your weekend escape.                         Book                        your stay today and start planning your spring adventure!
 

