Giidany Miirlarl / Muttonbird Island is a captivating seabird rookery connected by a causeway to Coffs Harbour's marina. The island's eastern side offers calm, sheltered waters ideal for beginner snorkelers, with rocky reef terrain that hosts colourful fish and invertebrates. As one of the few easily accessible wedge-tailed shearwater (muttonbird) nesting sites in NSW, the island also delivers spectacular ocean views across the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The short walk from the carpark leads directly to the shoreline snorkelling area, making this a unique blend of wildlife sanctuary and urban-accessible snorkel spot in the heart of Coffs Harbour.
Muttonbird Island
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 3.6 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Boat traffic in marina channel
The area near the breakwall and marina entrance has vessel traffic. Snorkelers near the island's edge adjacent to the harbour should stay aware of boats.
Moderate risk: Unpatrolled beach
Beaches around the island are not patrolled by lifeguards. No red and yellow flags. Swim at own risk.
Low risk: Ocean swell and choppy surface conditions
Even on the sheltered side, swell and wind can create choppy conditions. Snorkeling is dependent on calm seas and good visibility (15m+ recommended).
Low risk: Rocky shoreline entry
Entry points are over rocks or from a small beach. Slippery rocks and uneven substrate require careful footing when entering and exiting the water.
Low risk: Nesting seabird disturbance period
Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest on the island during spring and summer. Visitors must stay on pathways and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
Low risk: Nesting muttonbirds
Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest in burrows on the island. Visitors must stay on paths and not disturb birds, especially during breeding season.
Low risk: Limited mobile reception
Mobile phone reception is limited on the island, making emergency communication difficult.
Low risk: Wedge-tailed shearwater nesting burrows
Burrows on the island surface can be unstable; stick to designated paths to avoid damaging nests and injuring yourself.
Low risk: Exposed causeway crossing
The concrete causeway connecting the island to the marina can be slippery when wet and offers no shade.
Low risk: Boat traffic near marina entrance
The snorkelling area is adjacent to the Coffs Harbour marina entrance; keep watch for vessel traffic.
Low risk: Occasional strong currents
Swell and tidal currents can push around the island's eastern point; best snorkelled in calm conditions.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Coffs Harbour town centre, head east to Marina Drive. Park at the Coffs Harbour International Marina carpark. Walk the breakwall (approx. 600m) that connects the mainland to Muttonbird Island. The snorkeling entry points are along the harbour-facing (western) side of the island or from the small beach at the base of the island near the breakwall.
Parking & facilities
Free parking is available in and around the marina and waterfront precinct off Marina Drive, a short walk from the island.
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No entry fee for the nature reserve. Guided 'Muttonbirds by Moonlight' tours may have a fee (~$20). Snorkel boat tours to the Solitary Islands Marine Park from Jetty Dive are $170 per person.
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 photos
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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.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports