Meet the site
The Steam Boiler is another of South Solitary Island's lesser-documented 'other' sites, an old steam boiler resting on the seabed near the island that most likely dates from the same 19th or early 20th century lighthouse-supply shipping era that produced the wreckage at the nearby Gantry site. Like Archie's Cave, it is not a headline attraction on Jetty Dive Centre's roster and is typically worked in as a variation for repeat visitors or groups looking for something beyond the well-known grey nurse shark and macro sites. Decades underwater have left the boiler heavily encrusted with sponges, corals and other marine growth, to the point where its original form is now more a suggestion within the surrounding rock and coral profile than a clearly readable piece of machinery — a common fate for small, isolated wreckage sites of this age on the NSW coast. The site functions today essentially as a small artificial reef, sheltering wobbegong sharks, reef fish and the general invertebrate life typical of South Solitary Island, at a depth and in conditions broadly similar to the rest of the group's more sheltered moorings. Given the modest scale of the site and its status as a secondary rather than headline attraction, detailed published information is limited, and exact depth, position and condition should be treated as indicative pending direct confirmation from Jetty Dive Centre. For history-minded divers who have already covered the main South Solitary Island sites and want a look at another piece of the island's shipping past, the Steam Boiler is worth requesting, but it should not be the reason for booking a trip on its own.
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 – Steam Boiler is recorded as Wreck 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 – Steam Boiler 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 – Steam Boiler 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
Wobbegongs, reef fish, nudibranchs, encrusting sponges and corals colonising the wreckage
Location
The remains of an old steam boiler lying on the seabed near South Solitary Island, a relic of the lighthouse-supply shipping era, listed by Jetty Dive Centre among the group's lesser-known local sites.
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.