Solitary Islands Aquarium

Solitary Islands Aquarium is a public aquarium located at Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, open on weekends and daily during NSW school holidays. The aquarium showcases the spectacular marine life of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, featuring colourful clownfish, sea anemones, crayfish, lionfish, angelfish, tangs, butterfly fish, octopus, sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and the popular resident Curly the Gloomy Octopus. A hands-on touch tank gives visitors the opportunity to interact directly with marine invertebrates, while a theatrette screens locally produced marine videos and educational presentations. Interactive games, microscopes, guided tours with qualified marine guides, and theme-based exhibits round out the experience. The aquarium is particularly popular with families and school groups seeking an accessible, educational, and engaging introduction to the unique marine environments of the NSW mid-north coast.