

Cleaner Station South Solitary Island lives up to its name as a marine congregation point where larger species arrive for their grooming sessions. This boat-accessed reef dive sits at 10 to 20 metres, where moderate currents bring nutrients that sustain the cleaning stations and attract pelagic visitors. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, giving you ample warning of approaching grey nurse sharks and manta rays cruising through the blue. The site's reef structure includes caves worth exploring between drift segments, where you might spot ornate ghostpipefish hiding among soft corals or anglerfish camouflaged on rocky surfaces. Loggerhead turtles patrol the area, whilst leopard sharks rest on sandy patches between the reef. Schools of kingfish hunt overhead, and you'll encounter resident black cod and blue groper around the cave entrances. Giant cuttlefish appear during their aggregation periods, adding another layer to an already diverse site. The moderate current requires decent buoyancy control and awareness of your surroundings. Keep an eye on boat traffic at the surface during your ascent, and be prepared for the current to pick up mid-dive. The combination of cleaning station activity and varied terrain makes this a rewarding site for intermediate divers looking to expand their logbook with quality marine encounters.
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Time your dive to arrive at the site as the current picks up rather than at peak flow, as the sharks tend to be most active and positioned at the cleaner station during that transition. Given the boat traffic around South Solitary Island, stay close to your group on ascent and deploy your SMB well before surfacing.
The site is accessed via a 30-40 minute boat trip from Coffs Harbour. Dive operators like Jetty Dive Centre run regular charters.
Currents can be strong and unpredictable, swinging divers around the island. While Grey Nurse sharks are generally non-aggressive, they are a significant presence.
Depth
10-20m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-26°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Year-round
Cleaner Station South Solitary Island in New South Wales is renowned for encounters with grey nurse sharks, manta rays, and loggerhead turtles. The site also supports diverse fish life including kingfish, black cod, blue groper, and rare species such as ornate ghostpipefish and anglerfish. The cleaning station attracts larger pelagics seeking the services of cleaner wrasse and other symbiotic species.
Divers require an Open Water certification at minimum to dive Cleaner Station South Solitary Island, though an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. The site's moderate currents and depths of 10 to 20 metres demand solid buoyancy control and current diving experience. Intermediate skill level is necessary to safely navigate this boat dive off the Mid North Coast.
Cleaner Station South Solitary Island ranges from 10 to 20 metres deep. The cleaning station activity typically occurs at mid-range depths where grey nurse sharks and other large marine species congregate. The depth profile makes this site accessible to Open Water certified divers whilst providing sufficient bottom time for observing cleaning behaviours.
The optimal diving period at Cleaner Station South Solitary Island extends from January through August. Water temperatures during these months range from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius with visibility between 10 and 30 metres. This extended season coincides with grey nurse shark aggregations and the presence of migratory species like manta rays.
Snorkelling is possible at Cleaner Station South Solitary Island with a rating of 3 out of 5. The 10-metre minimum depth limits surface observations, and moderate currents require confident snorkelling ability. Most of the significant marine life activity, particularly with grey nurse sharks and the cleaning station itself, occurs deeper and is best experienced whilst diving.
Cleaner Station South Solitary Island is accessible only by boat from the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Local dive shops offer boat charters, guided tours, and equipment rental for this offshore site. Facilities include air fills, parking, and toilets at departure points, with no entry fee charged for diving the location.
Divers at Cleaner Station South Solitary Island must be prepared for moderate to strong currents that can challenge less experienced divers. Grey nurse sharks, whilst generally docile at cleaning stations, require respectful distance and calm behaviour. Boat traffic in the area necessitates proper surface marker buoy deployment and awareness during ascents and surface intervals.
Cleaner Station in Mid North Coast is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Cleaner Station in Mid North Coast. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Cleaner Station in Mid North Coast. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C.