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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Little Diggers Beach

0.47 MILES

Naturists let it all hang out at Little Diggers, an unofficial nude beach, just inside the northern headland.

2. Big Banana

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…

3. Diggers Beach

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.

4. Park Beach

1.53 MILES

A long, lovely stretch of sand backed by dense shrubbery and sand dunes, which conceal the buildings beyond.

5. Forest Sky Pier

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…

8. Jetty Beach

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…