Fish Soup is a legendary dive and snorkel site tucked into the eastern channel of North West Rock (aka "The Mouse"), about 1 km off the northern tip of North Solitary Island, NSW. Named for the astonishing density of fishlife that thickens the water column, this sheltered split between two rocky outcrops teems with schools of yellowtail, trevally, big-eye fish, giant sweetlips, silver sweep, and bream, plus occasional visits from jewfish, kingfish, and grey nurse sharks. A swim-through from the western side (15 m) over a sand-and-shell hump (8 m) drops you into this vibrant piscine soup, with hard corals, overhangs, and a small cave where a Queensland groper sometimes lurks. Part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, it offers world-class snorkelling best accessed by boat from Wooli or Coffs Harbour.
Fish Soup
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Fish Soup has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong tidal currents danger
A persistent north-flowing current runs through the eastern (Fish Soup) side of the channel, capable of sweeping snorkelers south. Only dive in calm conditions.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Strong tidal currents
A persistent north-flowing current runs through the eastern (Fish Soup) side of the channel, capable of sweeping snorkelers south. Only dive in calm conditions.
Moderate risk: Swell and surge
The swim-through channel between the western and eastern sides of North West Rock can experience significant surge. Requires calm seas.
Low risk: Boat-only access
Remote offshore rock — no shore access. Requires a boat charter; getting back to the mooring against current can be strenuous.
Low risk: Shallow rocky bommies
Submerged bombora and shallow rocks surround the site. Snorkelers must be mindful of sharp coral and rock formations when navigating the channel.
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Getting in
Fish Soup is located at North West Rock, ~1 km north of North Solitary Island, about 23 km east of Arrawarra Beach or 14 km from Wooli, NSW. It is accessible only by private or charter boat. Wooli Dive Centre (woolidive.com.au) runs trips to the site, typically requiring a minimum group of six. GPS: 29° 54' 50" S, 153° 22' 55" E (datum AUS66).
Park at the Wooli boat ramp or Arrawarra Beach car park (subject to local council fees). Most visitors join a guided charter from Wooli or Coffs Harbour, which handles vessel logistics.
Charter fees apply via Wooli Dive Centre or other local operators. No direct entrance fee for the marine park.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.