Meet the site
The Cleaner Station takes its name from a large boulder that partially blocks the entrance to a gutter on the north-eastern point of South Solitary Island, creating the kind of current break and shelter that cleaner wrasse and other cleaning species favour, and which in turn draws a steady procession of larger fish and reptiles in to be groomed. It is a comparatively gentle, moderate-depth site by South Solitary Island standards, with the main mooring at 12 m and the surrounding boulder field running down to about 18-20 m, making it accessible to Open Water divers rather than the more current-affected Manta Arch nearby. The site's specific fame comes from a small cast of long-observed local characters that Jetty Dive Centre's divemasters have named and tracked over years of repeat visits: a resident loggerhead turtle known to regulars as Barney, and a large blue groper called Charlie, both of which use the cleaning station and are generally unfazed by a slow, respectful approach. Around them, angelfish, black cod, frogfish and the more unusual ornate ghost pipefish and anglerfish have all been recorded in the boulder crevices, making this as much a macro and critter site as a big-animal one. Kingfish and other larger fish also use the station opportunistically. A small associated feature known as the Cleaner Cave offers additional shelter for some of the more unusual animals found here, and the general boulder terrain supports a healthy population of resident reef fish alongside the cleaning specialists. Currents can pick up seasonally, particularly around tide changes, but the Cleaner Station is generally one of the calmer, more approachable sites at South Solitary Island, and its mix of charismatic resident megafauna and genuinely good macro life makes it a strong second or third dive on a day built around the more demanding Manta Arch.
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 – Cleaner Station 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.
- 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 – Cleaner Station 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 South Solitary Island – Cleaner Station 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
Loggerhead turtles (resident, nicknamed Barney), blue groper (resident, nicknamed Charlie), angelfish, black cod, frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, anglerfish, kingfish, cleaner wrasse
Location
North-eastern point of South Solitary Island; a large boulder blocks a gutter entrance forming a natural cleaning station where fish queue to be groomed of parasites, with a mooring at 12 m and boulders down to 18 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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.