Solitary Islands Marine Park

Solitary Islands Marine Park is a place where the warm waters of the East Australian Current meet cooler waters from the south. They bring together tropical, subtropical and temperate marine life.

Many species mingling here are at the northern or southern limit of their range.

The marine park includes Pimpernel Rock, a submerged pinnacle rising to within a few metres of the surface.

Critically endangered grey nurse sharks gather here, making it a popular dive spot.

The Yaegl people are the Traditional Owners of the land and sea in the northern Solitary Islands. The Githabul / Gumbaynggirr people are the Traditional Owners of the land and sea in the central and southern Solitary Islands.

The marine park is offshore from northern New South Wales. It covers 152 square kilometres, with depths from 15 metres to 70 metres.

It has National Park, Multiple Use and Special Purpose zones.

Explore

Solitary Islands Marine Park adjoins the New South Wales park of the same name. There are plenty of opportunities for diving, snorkelling and nature watching in both.

Catch a glimpse of a rare grey nurse shark at Pimpernel Rock on a dive tour from Coffs Harbour or Wooli, or join a whale-watching tour or fishing charter.

Find out more from the NSW Solitary Islands Marine Park website.

Discover

Parks Australia supports research to help us learn more about our marine parks.

We’ve been collaborating with marine biologists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries to monitor marine life in Solitary Islands Marine Park, including threatened grey nurse sharks and black cod.

Select the park area on the map below to see what you can do in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.