Solitary Islands Aquarium
Solitary Islands Aquarium
Solitary Islands Aquarium
4.5
About
The Solitary Islands Aquarium, located at Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre, serves as an important community asset helping to bring an awareness and appreciation for our marine environment through education and science. Our facility is focused on regional species, resource management and conservation. The aquarium provides an intimate experience for visitors to learn about and to interact with marine life of the Coffs Coast through our series of aquariums, presentations, and visual displays.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Alex HWangaratta, Australia29 contributionsThe cutest little aquariumAfter learning all month about the creatures of the ocean we drove a 6 hour round trip to show our girls the real deal. The staff are beautiful & put on an amazing talk for us all, the talk finished with feeding the fish & octopus. This is a beauty of a spot yes it’s small but it wasn’t over crowded like bigger aquariums so my girls both under 5 could actually see & enjoy the aquarium without being push out of the way. Loads of things to see, touch pool, drawing area, pretend fishing area plus more. We will be back again and again just loved it thanks so much.Thank you so much for your kind words – it’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your visit and that we inspired your girls to pursue a career in Marine Science! 😊 I have passed on your email and my thanks to the Aquarium Guides working yesterday. We look forward to inviting you back to the Solitary Islands Aquarium the next time you stop in. Thanks again.Written 4 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 October 2023
- Beverley J6 contributionsWhere to go if not to the beach in Coffs.On a rainy day, when most were at the shops in the middle of yet another Covid surge, 7 of us aged 21-66 visited this small but fascinating aquarium. The displays were full of life, inhabitants of the sea with great facts, figures and funny behavioural descriptions from the scientist there. It captured our attention and increased our awareness and importance of this earth’s oceans. We were inspired to take more care of the sea, knowing it’s beauty and magnificence. It catered for all ages including young children, was Covid conscious and reasonably priced.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 January 2024
- Jude BCanberra, Australia6 contributionsBig family, little Aquarium, enormous delight!Too rainy for the beach on our annual holiday so we booked for our family group of 7 to this small, but totally wonderful aquarium. The host/guide was so incredibly knowledgeable and funny, and we learned so much about the local fish life of Coffs. It was also a wonderful reminder about the importance of caring for the sea and its importance in our lives. I would highly recommend this lovely place.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
180 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
54
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
3
YankeeOnTheCoast
Sydney, Australia27 contributions
Jan 2022
A small aquarium but full of enthusiastic staff. We spent about 1.5 hours of the 2 hour time slot with a 16,14, and 9 year old. It was $55 for a group of 5. If you just walk around the aquarium without doing the talks or documentary it would probably much quicker. We took our time looking at each of the tanks, listened to 3-4 talks from the staff, and spent our time going through all the activities. Due to COVID there was a limited amount of people and it gave us a chance to go through slowly and without crowding. It was a beautiful little aquarium and a nice activity out of the heat of the day.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your visit to the Aquarium. Due to our small size we make an effort to add as much value to the visitors experience through guided talk and interactive activities. Glad you enjoyed it - sounds like you got the most out of the experience.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyndell Maree
Lismore, Australia4 contributions
Jan 2020
We spent a fascinating few hours exploring the marine life of the Coffs Coast. The displays were visually stunning and showcased the diversity found. The kids loved the 'treasure hunt' activity that kept them searching from display to display and learning the names of the animals. They also loved the activity area where they could get hands and learn.
Definitely worth a visit.
Definitely worth a visit.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverley J
6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
On a rainy day, when most were at the shops in the middle of yet another Covid surge, 7 of us aged 21-66 visited this small but fascinating aquarium. The displays were full of life, inhabitants of the sea with great facts, figures and funny behavioural descriptions from the scientist there. It captured our attention and increased our awareness and importance of this earth’s oceans. We were inspired to take more care of the sea, knowing it’s beauty and magnificence.
It catered for all ages including young children, was Covid conscious and reasonably priced.
It catered for all ages including young children, was Covid conscious and reasonably priced.
Written 18 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Wangaratta, Australia29 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
After learning all month about the creatures of the ocean we drove a 6 hour round trip to show our girls the real deal.
The staff are beautiful & put on an amazing talk for us all, the talk finished with feeding the fish & octopus.
This is a beauty of a spot yes it’s small but it wasn’t over crowded like bigger aquariums so my girls both under 5 could actually see & enjoy the aquarium without being push out of the way.
Loads of things to see, touch pool, drawing area, pretend fishing area plus more.
We will be back again and again just loved it thanks so much.
The staff are beautiful & put on an amazing talk for us all, the talk finished with feeding the fish & octopus.
This is a beauty of a spot yes it’s small but it wasn’t over crowded like bigger aquariums so my girls both under 5 could actually see & enjoy the aquarium without being push out of the way.
Loads of things to see, touch pool, drawing area, pretend fishing area plus more.
We will be back again and again just loved it thanks so much.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words – it’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your visit and that we inspired your girls to pursue a career in Marine Science! 😊 I have passed on your email and my thanks to the Aquarium Guides working yesterday. We look forward to inviting you back to the Solitary Islands Aquarium the next time you stop in. Thanks again.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah C
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
Interesting aquarium - we found it fascinating to see the aquatic life that can be found in the waters locally! The species spotter activity for the kids (7 & 5) kept them interested, along with the interactive exhibits and hands-on sea creature exploration with staff. Both staff were knowledgeable and presented very well. It's lovely to hear from scientists working in the field, and who are obviously passionate about what they do. Great value for money ($45 for 1.5 hrs, had to reserve tickets online due to Covid).
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review of your visit to the Aquarium - and the kind words you offer. Great to hear that you enjoyed it.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tony W
Sydney, Australia4,598 contributions
Feb 2023
This small aquarium is well worth the visit and the the modest entry fee assists the university students with the upkeep of the facility. A well curated collection of sea life found in the local area as well as easy to read information plaques. The keeper talks are very good, given by team members who are passionate about their subject. Plenty of free street parking.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words - we are so glad that you enjoyed your visit. We endeavour to make a visit to the Aquarium interesting and informative for all our guest - great to know we have achieved that with you.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah M
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
It was a good wet weather activity the kids enjoyed the big boat and the fishing 🎣 rods on the toy prop. It’s also good to support local marine Wildlife science research. It was a nice surprise for a fun educational rainy activity.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveRaf
Sydney, Australia98 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
Book online to reserve your spot. This little gem is cheap and interesting for both adults and kids.
Makes you realise the importance of Coffs as the warm East Aust current meets southern cool currents.
Makes you realise the importance of Coffs as the warm East Aust current meets southern cool currents.
Written 9 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Nothing on the official website said it was closed for 90 minutes in the morning of Sunday 11/8. On a tight schedule so I couldn’t even visit. If the website had mentioned that it was closed on Sunday morning, I would have visited the day before.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane M
Coffs Harbour, Australia424 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Only a small aquarium but well worth a visit. The displays at the aquarium are stunning. Spent an hour and a half there with a 6 and 8 year old. They were keen to find all the different species and helped to feed the small sharks. The talk by the staff member was informative and delivered in a way that children can understand. Well worth the visit.
Written 14 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words regarding your visit to the Solitary Islands Aquarium. Great to hear that you and your children thoroughly enjoyed it.
Written 4 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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