Meet the site
Black Rock is one of Jetty Dive Centre's local backup reefs, close enough to Coffs Harbour to be usable when weather makes the run out to the Solitary Islands impractical, and offers a genuine change of pace from the boulder-and-coral topography that dominates the marine park's island sites. The reef is laced with gutters and small grottos running from about 10 m down to 30 m, rewarding divers who bring a torch and take the time to search the darker recesses rather than swim over the top. Marine life here is a fairly standard mix for this stretch of coast: turtles pass through the area, pelagic fish move along the reef edge on the current, and the crevices support a good population of nudibranchs and flatworms, making this a reasonable macro alternative to the more famous South Solitary Island sites. Because it sees relatively little dedicated attention — most divers and operators default to the islands whenever conditions allow — Black Rock tends to be quieter and less pressured than the marquee sites, even though the underlying reef quality is solid. The main consideration for divers is depth and current: parts of the reef exceed 20 m, with the deepest gutters approaching 30 m, and moderate current can build depending on tide and swell, putting this reef a step up from the shallower boulder walls at South Solitary Island in terms of required experience. As a fallback site it does its job well, offering interesting terrain and reliable, if unspectacular, marine life whenever the weather closes the door on the more famous grounds further offshore.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Black Rock (Coffs Harbour) is recorded as Reef in Coffs Harbour & Solitary Islands. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Black Rock (Coffs Harbour) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Black Rock (Coffs Harbour) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Turtles, pelagic fish, nudibranchs, flatworms, corals, sponges
Location
A rocky reef a short run south of the Solitary Islands group, off Sapphire Beach north of Coffs Harbour, with gutters and small grottos in 10-30 m.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
jettydive.com.audivernet.comjettydive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.