Updated in October 2026, this Solitary Islands Aquarium guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking or transport, accessibility and what to see.
The Solitary Islands Aquarium is a small public aquarium at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre, just north of Coffs Harbour. It is open only on weekends and during NSW school holidays, and visits run in timed 90-minute sessions. This guide was last updated in October 2026 and confirms the current opening days, session times and ticket prices.
Quick facts: the Solitary Islands Aquarium
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Daily in NSW school holidays. Closed on NSW public holidays. |
| Ticket prices | Adult $18. Concession $15. Child $12. Family $55. Under 3 free. |
| Address | 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 |
| Nearest transport or parking | Car park and coach parking at the aquarium. Bay Drive is off the Pacific Highway. |
| Typical time needed | About 90 minutes (one session) |
The Solitary Islands Aquarium opening hours
The aquarium is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. It is also open every day during the NSW school holidays from 10am to 4pm. It is closed on all NSW public holidays.
Visits run in four 90-minute sessions. The session times are the same on weekends and in school holidays:
- 10am to 11.30am.
- 11.30am to 1pm.
- 1pm to 2.30pm.
- 2.30pm to 4pm.
You will not be admitted before your entry time. The hours are the same all year, apart from the extra school holiday days, so there are no other seasonal changes.
The Solitary Islands Aquarium ticket prices
An adult ticket to the Solitary Islands Aquarium costs $18. Tickets are reserved online for a session and paid for on arrival. The aquarium encourages cashless payment.
- Adult: $18.
- Concession: $15.
- Child: $12.
- Family (2 adults and 2 children): $55.
- Children under 3: free.
To book: choose a date and session, add your details and present your reservation confirmation on arrival. Reservations are not essential, but they avoid disappointment at the door. The aquarium admits only 60 visitors at a time.
An Annual Pass is sold at the front desk during opening hours. It gives a year of unlimited entry for the named members, 20% off entry for extra guests and 10% off gift shop items.
- Individual Pass: $45.
- Dual Pass (two adults): $90.
- Single Family Pass (one adult and two children): $105.
- Dual Family Pass (two adults and two children): $137.
Annual passes are valid for one year from the date of purchase. They are non-transferable and non-refundable. The named card holders must be present, and guests who are not on the card pay entry at a 20% discount. Pass holders are also invited to the quarterly Marine Discovery Series lectures.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in October 2026.
The aquarium is not part of a city pass scheme such as Go City or CityPass.
How to get to the Solitary Islands Aquarium
The aquarium is at the National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive. It is next to the Pacific Bay Resort complex, just north of the Big Banana.
- By car: turn onto Bay Drive off the Pacific Highway. The aquarium is 200 m along on the right.
- By bus or taxi: public transport options are limited, so check local bus routes for current services or use a taxi.
- From Coffs Harbour: the aquarium is about a 10-minute drive north of the town.
Parking at the Solitary Islands Aquarium
The aquarium has a car park and coach parking. Parking is at the National Marine Science Centre, off Bay Drive. Street parking is also available nearby.
Parking can be busier at weekends, because a popular beach is at the end of Bay Drive. Arrive a little early if you have a morning session booked.
How long to spend at the Solitary Islands Aquarium
Plan about 90 minutes, which matches one session. Each session lasts 90 minutes, and visitors cannot enter before their session start time.
Visitors who want to see more can read the information plaques, use the microscopes and join the presentations with the marine guide.
Accessibility at the Solitary Islands Aquarium
All areas of the aquarium are fully wheelchair accessible. The aquarium also has a parents’ room.
The aquarium admits only 60 visitors at a time. Contact the aquarium on 02 6659 8131 or at aquarium@scu.edu.au if you have specific access needs.
What to see at the Solitary Islands Aquarium
The aquarium shows the marine life of the Coffs Coast and the Solitary Islands Marine Park. It is part of the research and teaching centre of Southern Cross University. The collection focuses on regional species, resource management and conservation.
Aquariums hold local species such as colourful clownfish among sea anemones. Crayfish and sea urchins move over rocks and ledges. A lionfish, which is beautiful but poisonous, hunts for its next meal.
Angelfish, tangs and butterflyfish glide over corals. Visitors can also see an octopus and hermit crabs.
The touch tank lets visitors handle a sea star, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. The aquarium also has a theatrette that shows locally produced marine videos.
Presentations with a qualified marine guide and fish feeding demonstrations run through the day. Microscopes, hands-on displays and information explain the biology and geology of the Coffs Coast.
Children can use games and activities. Theme-based exhibits and information also cover research at the centre on climate change and plastic pollution. The aquarium has a small gift shop.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Sessions last 90 minutes and start at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. |
| Crowds | Only 60 visitors are admitted at a time. Reserve a session online to avoid missing out. |
| Layout | Aquariums, the touch tank, the theatrette and the hands-on displays are all in the one centre. |
| Entry process | Show your reservation confirmation on arrival and pay then, preferably by card. |
| On-site logistics | You cannot enter before your session. Annual passes are sold at the front desk. Phone 02 6659 8131 with any questions. |
Frequently asked questions about the Solitary Islands Aquarium
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Solitary Islands Aquarium suitable for children? | Yes. It has a touch tank, games and activities. Children under 3 are free, and children aged 3 and over pay $12. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Solitary Islands Aquarium? | Booking is not essential, but reserving a session online is encouraged. The aquarium admits only 60 visitors at a time. |
| Is the Solitary Islands Aquarium open on Sundays? | Yes. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. |
| Is the Solitary Islands Aquarium open on public holidays? | No. It is closed on all NSW public holidays. |
| Is the Solitary Islands Aquarium wheelchair accessible? | Yes. All areas are fully wheelchair accessible. |
Things to do near the Solitary Islands Aquarium
- Big Banana Fun Park: a theme park at 351 Pacific Highway, just south of the aquarium, with rides, a water park and a toboggan.
- Coffs Harbour Jetty and marina: the harbour precinct in central Coffs Harbour.
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve (Giidany Miirlarl): an island reached by a breakwater at Coffs Harbour marina, with views of the Solitary Islands and whale watching from the shore in season.
- Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary: a wildlife attraction near the Jetty precinct in Coffs Harbour.
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden: a garden beside Coffs Creek, a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.
Alternative attractions
- Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout: a lookout at Korora, just north of Coffs Harbour, with views over Coffs Harbour and the coastline.
- Bongil Bongil National Park: a national park of forest, estuary and beach south of Coffs Harbour near Sawtell, with a large koala population.
- Dorrigo National Park: a World Heritage rainforest park about an hour from Coffs Harbour, with the Skywalk lookout.
- Solitary Islands Coastal Walk: a coastal walk with views over the marine park, around Woolgoolga and Emerald Beach north of Coffs Harbour.
- Coffs Harbour Butterfly House: a butterfly glasshouse and dinosaur forest at Bonville, south of Coffs Harbour.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Bago Maze visitor guide: What to expect at Australia’s largest hedge maze.
- Mid-North Coast beach guides: Burgess Beach in Forster.
- Byron Bay beach guides: Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach, Broken Head Beach, Belongil Beach and Whites Beach.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse visitor guide: Including crucial parking information and the Cape Byron Walking Track.
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary visitor guide: Including ticket prices, hours and what to see.
