Meet the site
Anemone Flat sits on the sheltered western side of South Solitary Island near the Boulder Walls, a shallow patch of reef in 6 to 14 m thickly carpeted with sea anemones and the resident clownfish that make their home among them — a smaller-scale but easily accessible echo of the far more extensive anemone beds found at Elbow Cave on North Solitary Island further north. Because the site rarely exceeds 14 m, it allows unusually long, relaxed bottom times and is regularly used by Jetty Dive Centre as an easy second or third dive once the day's grey nurse shark objectives at Manta Arch or Shark Gutters have been met. Several clownfish species share the anemone beds here, giving photographers plenty of subject variety within a small area, while surrounding sections of reef support the usual dense South Solitary Island fish population: blue groper, resident wrasse, small schooling reef fish and the crayfish and nudibranchs typical of the island's boulder terrain. Turtles are commonly seen resting nearby, taking advantage of the same shelter that makes the site comfortable for divers. Anemone Flat's shallow depth and negligible current make it one of the more forgiving sites at South Solitary Island, suitable for less experienced divers and for extending a day's bottom time after a deeper morning dive, and its combination of colour and ease has made it a regular request among Jetty Dive Centre's repeat customers. It is not marketed with the same fanfare as Manta Arch, but for unhurried macro photography and a relaxed finish to a day at the islands, it is one of the more consistently enjoyable dives in the group.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Solitary Island – Anemone Flat is recorded as Reef in Coffs Harbour & Solitary Islands. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 South Solitary Island – Anemone Flat suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 South Solitary Island – Anemone Flat 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
Multiple clownfish species in dense anemone beds, blue groper, wrasse, crayfish, nudibranchs, turtles, schooling reef fish
Location
A shallow, sheltered patch reef on the western side of South Solitary Island near the Boulder Walls, thickly carpeted with anemones and their resident clownfish, used as an easy, colourful second dive.
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.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.