The Steam Boiler is a unique wreck dive nestled below the lighthouse and resident buildings on the southern side of South Solitary Island, about 8.5 nautical miles off Coffs Harbour. The site preserves the iron boiler from the wreck of the steamship 'Wyong', resting among boulders and rock walls at depths of 12–30 m. This historic wreckage attracts an abundance of marine life, including turtles, Grey Nurse sharks, bannerfish, red morwong, and enormous migrating Giant Cuttlefish during winter months, making it one of the most distinctive dive sites in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
The Steam Boiler
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Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 7.2 sWind Speed 7.2 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Depth
The site ranges from 12 m to 30 m depth, requiring appropriate dive certification and experience.
Moderate risk: Strong Swells & Currents
Exposed offshore island location (8.5 NM from Coffs Harbour) can experience strong ocean currents and swells, especially around the rock wall.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Accessible only by boat; boat traffic around the island requires vigilance from surface support.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
South Solitary Island lies approximately 8.5 nautical miles (16 km) offshore from Coffs Harbour, NSW. The Steam Boiler site is on the southern side of the island. Access is exclusively by private or charter boat from Coffs Harbour marina.
Parking & facilities
Park at Coffs Harbour Marina or nearby public parking areas. Arrive early as spaces fill during peak season.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
No entry fee for the site itself, but charter boat fees apply (typically $100–$150 per person for a two-tank dive trip).
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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