Meet the site
Cable Trail, at the southern end of South Solitary Island, is named for the remains of an old fishing trawl cable that runs through a pile of boulders and associated rock masses here, a relic of the commercial fishing history of these waters before the marine park's sanctuary zones were established. The mooring sits on a platform of large rocks at about 12-14 m, with the bottom deepening gently to around 18 m toward the south-east, making this a moderate-depth, Open Water-accessible site with genuinely interesting historical texture layered over an otherwise typical boulder reef. Divers who know the site well describe it as holding 'hidden treasures' — unusual and less commonly seen fish species that turn up here more often than at the more heavily dived moorings nearby — alongside more expected sightings of grey nurse sharks moving through the gutters, cuttlefish in season, and a large resident black stingray that has become one of the more reliably spotted individual animals at South Solitary Island. The boulder piles themselves provide ample shelter for smaller reef fish and invertebrates, and the old cable, now heavily encrusted, has effectively become part of the reef structure it once served. The main practical hazard here beyond the usual considerations is entanglement risk from remnants of the old cable and any additional fishing line that has accumulated around the boulders over the years, so divers should keep clear of trailing material rather than attempting to free it. Conditions at Cable Trail can vary more than at the more sheltered boulder walls, since its position at the southern tip of the island exposes it to swell from multiple directions, but on a good day it rewards a slower, more searching style of diving over the simple spectacle of the busier sites.
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 – Cable Trail 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 – Cable Trail 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 – Cable Trail 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
Grey nurse sharks, large resident black stingray, cuttlefish, unusual and less common reef fish, boulder-dwelling invertebrates
Location
Southern end of South Solitary Island; a boulder pile and associated rock masses with the remains of an old trawl cable draped through the area, mooring on a 12-14 m platform among large rocks.
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.