Meet the site
The Wash is one of the less publicised reefs Jetty Dive Centre calls on as a backup option when the main Solitary Islands sites are unreachable, sitting in deeper water than most of the group's shallower boulder and coral sites at 15-30 m. As the name might suggest of a site washed by current and swell, it tends to hold fish that prefer a bit of water movement over the more sheltered coral gardens found at the islands themselves. Kingfish and mulloway are the headline species reported here, using the reef structure to hold position in the current while feeding, alongside wobbegong sharks tucked into the ledges and a general covering of sponges and encrusting invertebrates typical of deeper NSW Mid North Coast reef. Because it functions mainly as a fallback rather than a destination site, detailed published description is limited, and much of what is known comes from operator experience rather than a dedicated site guide. Given its greater depth and the current it is named for, The Wash suits Advanced Open Water divers more comfortably than the shallower training-friendly sites at Split Solitary Island, and it is generally only run on days when swell allows a deeper site to be dived safely. For divers who have already covered the main island sites and want to see a different, current-swept style of reef, The Wash is a reasonable if lightly documented option, best requested directly with the dive centre rather than assumed to be on the day's schedule, since it competes for boat time with the far better documented South Solitary Island grounds whenever those are runnable.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Wash (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 The Wash (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 The Wash (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
Kingfish, mulloway, wobbegongs, sponges, encrusting invertebrates
Location
An offshore reef near the Solitary Islands dived by Jetty Dive Centre as an occasional backup, in 15-30 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.