octopus in the evening
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Solitary Islands Aquarium

4.5
·353 reviews·Coffs Harbour, Australia

Discover local marine wonders at Solitary Islands Aquarium, featuring interactive tanks and passionate staff.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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octopus in the evening

Solitary Islands Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover local marine wonders at Solitary Islands Aquarium, featuring interactive tanks and passionate staff.

4.5
(353 reviews)

"Staff knowledge and passion for conservation make this a well-worth-it visit for all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry in advance to avoid disappointment and manage crowds. :admission_tickets:

👋 Engage with Staff

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask them questions! :nerd_face:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Octopus Encounters

Octopus Encounters

Various Tanks

Mesmerizing octopuses with distinct personalities are a major draw. Watching them play is a highlight for many visitors.

Interactive Touch Tank

Interactive Touch Tank

Designated Touch Pool

Get up close and personal with sea cucumbers and kelp in this engaging, hands-on exhibit.

Fish Feeding Demonstrations

Fish Feeding Demonstrations

Main Aquarium Tanks

Witness the excitement of feeding time for a fun and educational experience for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for a Smoother Visit

Online booking is essential and recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times. This helps manage crowds and ensures a better experience for everyone. Prices are reasonable for the insights gained.

Embrace the Interactive Experience

This isn't just a place to look; it's a place to engage! The Solitary Islands Aquarium is known for its hands-on exhibits and enthusiastic staff. Come ready to learn and interact with marine life.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During feeding times
Why
Engaging and educational
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I spent my day off after Brisbane down at the beach of Coffs Harbour with this beautiful horse Oakley making a video (on my iPhone) for our live show. Huge thanks to Rachel Vercoe and her family for showing me a bit of real Australia, a day I’ll not forget! 🐴 #hereiam #spiritstallionofthecimarron #myhorseoakley #rollwiththepunches
@bryanadams
121.9K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry in advance to avoid disappointment and manage crowds. :admission_tickets:

👋 Engage with Staff

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask them questions! :nerd_face:

The Ultimate Australia Bucket List! 14/100 #coffs #ropeswing #nsw #coffsharbour #australia #thingstodo #placestogo #travelaustralia
@pieterjohnsen
78.7K likes • 1M views
🐠 Do you have a budding marine scientist on your hands? 🐙 They’ll LOVE the unusual underwater creatures and guided tours at the Solitary Islands Aquarium! 👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 Just 10 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, this little aquarium is a chance for kids to snap a selfie with a squid, tickle sea cucumbers in the touch tank, safely watch the beautiful, but poisonous lionfish, and so much more. ℹ️ Discover...
coffscoastnsw
36 likes • 1.5K views

🐙 Observe the Octopuses

Spend time watching the octopuses; they have fascinating personalities. :octopus:

✋ Touch Tank Fun

Don't miss the chance to gently touch sea cucumbers and kelp. :hand_wave:

Our Mini marine biology topic for this week started at the local aquarium of Solitary Islands Marine Park (the 1st Marine national Park established in NSW in 1992). Some interesting facts we learned about octopus.... - octopus have 3 hearts, 2 circulate blood around the body and the other just to organs which stops beating when they swim! - they have copper based blood (rather than iron based) ...
global.teacher.travels
8 likes • 260 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your entry in advance to avoid disappointment and manage crowds. :admission_tickets:

👋 Engage with Staff

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask them questions! :nerd_face:

🐙 Observe the Octopuses

Spend time watching the octopuses; they have fascinating personalities. :octopus:

✋ Touch Tank Fun

Don't miss the chance to gently touch sea cucumbers and kelp. :hand_wave:

📸 Capture the Moments

Great photo opportunities, especially with the marine life. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(353 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Solitary Islands Aquarium for its knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, who create a highly engaging and hands-on experience. The variety of marine life, especially the captivating octopuses and interactive touch tank, are major highlights. While some noted that some displays lacked species names, the overall experience is considered well worth the admission price, offering a fun and educational afternoon for families and marine enthusiasts alike.

"Great experience at the aquarium. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff that allowed for a very engaging and hands on experience. The museum was easy to access and had a wide range of marine life for us to see."

Anthony Watt

"Fantastic experience. My son (9,asd2) is obsessed with octopus and goes every time we come to Coffs and we learn something new each time. This visit we happened to be in time for fish feeding which was another level of fun and learning. The ppl are great too!"

J

"Online booking is required and costs $18 for adults, but it is well worth it, to spend a few hours delving deep below the ocean to see spectacular marine creatures and understanding how mankind needs to protect ocean life in order to sustain ourselves"

Andrew Wong

What People Like

Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff
Interactive touch tank
Fascinating octopus exhibits

What People Dislike

Some displays lack names

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Solitary Islands Aquarium is conveniently located just 10 minutes north of Coffs Harbour. Many visitors drive and find parking available directly out front. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi/rideshare is advisable.

Yes, parking is generally available directly out the front of the aquarium, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, aquariums are typically designed to be accessible. It's always a good idea to contact them directly if you have specific mobility needs.

Opening hours can vary, and it's recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Online booking is often required.

Absolutely! It's a perfect addition to a day trip exploring the Coffs Coast. Its proximity to Coffs Harbour makes it an easy stop.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Adult tickets are priced around $18, and it's considered well worth the cost for the experience. Booking online is required. Reddit

Yes, online booking is required for entry. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures a smoother experience. Reddit

Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but it's always worth checking their official website or contacting them directly for any potential family or group rates.

Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions during the online booking process or contact the aquarium directly for clarification.

Online booking is required, so it's unlikely you can purchase tickets directly at the door. Plan ahead and book online to guarantee entry. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of native species from the Coffs Coast, including fascinating octopuses, sea cucumbers, and kelp. The aquarium focuses on local marine biodiversity. Instagram+4

Yes, it's highly recommended for kids! They'll love the interactive displays, touch tank, and learning about marine life. Instagram+2

Most visitors find an hour to be sufficient for a thorough visit, especially if it's not crowded. However, you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in the exhibits or attending a feeding. Reddit

Yes, the aquarium offers guided tours and talks, which are highly praised for their educational value and the enthusiasm of the staff. InstagramReddit+2

Its focus on local marine life, highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, and interactive exhibits, particularly the touch tank and octopus displays, make it a standout experience. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information on onsite dining is limited. It's advisable to check their official website or plan to dine at nearby cafes or restaurants in Coffs Harbour.

Typically, most attractions have policies regarding outside food and drinks. It's best to confirm with the aquarium directly before your visit.

Yes, Coffs Harbour offers a range of family-friendly dining options just a short drive from the aquarium.

Coffs Harbour has a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from casual cafes and seafood restaurants to international cuisine.

There might be picnic areas in the surrounding vicinity, but it's best to check local park regulations or ask staff upon arrival.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can disturb the marine life. TikTok

The octopus tanks, the touch tank, and the various colorful fish displays offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, video recording is usually permitted, allowing you to capture the dynamic movements of the marine creatures. TikTok

While tripods might be restricted in crowded areas, standard camera and phone photography is generally fine. Check with staff if you have professional equipment.

Aquarium lighting can be dim to simulate underwater environments, so be prepared for lower light conditions, which might require adjusting your camera settings or using a phone with good low-light performance. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Solitary Islands Aquarium is a fantastic outing for families. The interactive touch tank is a guaranteed hit, allowing kids to safely engage with marine life like sea cucumbers. Instagram+2 The knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff make learning fun with guided talks and feeding demonstrations that captivate young audiences. InstagramReddit+1 It's a great way to introduce children to marine biology in an engaging and accessible way, making it a memorable experience for everyone. Remember to book your tickets online in advance to ensure a smooth entry. Reddit

🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the ocean's depths, Solitary Islands Aquarium offers a concentrated dose of local marine wonders. The impressive octopus exhibits are a must-see, with visitors often spending extended periods mesmerized by their intelligence and unique behaviors. InstagramReddit The aquarium's commitment to showcasing native species from the Solitary Islands Marine Park provides a valuable insight into the region's biodiversity. Instagram The passionate staff are a treasure trove of information, eager to share their expertise and conservation messages. Reddit+1

📚 Educational Visitors

The aquarium is an excellent resource for learning about marine ecosystems. The informative theatre programs offer deep dives into ocean importance and conservation. Reddit Staff-led talks are highly praised for their educational content, making it a valuable stop for students or anyone interested in marine science. InstagramReddit The aquarium effectively highlights the importance of protecting ocean life, providing actionable insights into conservation efforts. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Solitary Islands Marine Park: A Conservation Gem

The Solitary Islands Aquarium is intrinsically linked to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which was the first Marine National Park established in New South Wales in 1992. Instagram This park is a vital sanctuary for a diverse array of marine life, encompassing coral reefs, seagrass beds, and open ocean environments. The aquarium serves as a crucial educational hub, offering visitors a window into this remarkable underwater world without disturbing the natural habitat. It highlights the importance of conservation efforts and educates the public on how to protect these precious marine ecosystems for future generations. Reddit

By showcasing the native species found in the Coffs Coast region, the aquarium fosters a deeper appreciation for the local biodiversity. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations of creatures like the octopus, which has three hearts and a complex nervous system, or the resilient sea cucumbers found in the touch tank. Instagram+2 The interactive displays and knowledgeable staff play a key role in conveying the significance of marine conservation, making the visit both enjoyable and impactful. Reddit+1

Interactive Learning and Family Fun

Solitary Islands Aquarium excels at providing an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages, particularly families. The interactive touch tank is a major highlight, allowing children (and adults!) to gently feel creatures like sea cucumbers and kelp, creating memorable tactile experiences. Instagram+2 This hands-on approach makes learning about marine biology fun and accessible, sparking curiosity in young minds. Reddit

Beyond the touch tank, the aquarium features guided tours and talks led by enthusiastic staff who are passionate about marine conservation. InstagramReddit These sessions offer fascinating insights into the lives of the marine inhabitants, from the playful antics of octopuses to the feeding habits of various fish species. InstagramReddit The aquarium's design ensures that even the youngest visitors can easily observe the tanks, making it a truly family-friendly destination. Instagram

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