Solitary Islands Marine Park, near Coffs Harbour, covers 71,000 hectares and stretches from Muttonbird Island to the south to Plover Island to the north. It gives protection to marine species and habitats and caters to a range of recreational and commercial activities.
The area supports commercial and recreational fishing, diving, whale and dolphin watching, research, boating, surfing and beach activities. Secluded beaches and rocky headlands, bushwalking, bike riding and four-wheel driving on the beach or forest tracks are all popular activities.
Solitary Islands Marine Park has five islands, several significant rocky outcrops, submerged reefs, estuary and beach zones.
Wooli is a resort town on the New South Wales coast. At Lake Hiawatha the road divides — the northern road heads to Minnie Waters and the southern to Wooli on a narrow peninsula. The Wooli River is to the west and Solitary Island Marine Reserve is to the east. It is all surrounded by Yuraygir National Park, which stretches from Yamba to Red Rock. Thanks to no industry and low development, the area's waters are remarkably clear.
Solitary Island Resort offers a break in a place where there is no rush hour and the noisiest neighbours are the birds. There are cabins, some with private spa, powered caravan sites and non-powered camping sites near the river, pool and waterslide, private boat ramp, 18-hole mini golf, covered barbecue area and canoes and kayaks for hire.
Poolside Villas and Family Cabins have two bedrooms and are air-conditioned. They have a kitchen, verandah, cable television and linen is provided. Park Cabins range from fully equipped ensuite, double or queen bed and a set of single bunks. Caravan and camping sites are extra special at sunset, and you can take your family pet along with you.
There is a café overlooking the river, a Sunday afternoon barbecue at the pub in town, and during school holidays the Kidz Club welcomes 5-12 year olds — a sausage sizzle is provided.
Jetty Dive Centre offers diving, snorkelling and whale watching trips in the Solitary Islands. There is a wonderful blend of tropical and temperate fish and corals found nowhere else, and protected by sanctuary zones. Their charter boat Blue Wing is a 12-metre Cougar Cat with twin diesel engines. It has toilet, shower, large cabin and undercover cockpit. It comfortably carries 18 passengers and has easy-access twin dive ladders.
If you fancy exploring this wonderful area under your own steam, Wooli River Boat Hire offers half and full-day self-drive trips for up to 12 people.
