Wrights Reef is an offshore dive site lying about 2 km east of North Solitary Island, roughly 7 km from Arrawarra Headland on the NSW North Coast. The reef comprises a large rock formation (approx. 125 m by 40 m) and smaller rocky bommies sitting on sand at nearly 30 m depth, with the shallowest point reaching about 15 m. A signature feature is an east-west tunnel through the main rock — a short 15-metre swim-through that can reveal firefish, crayfish and wobbegongs. The reef is dotted with anemones, clownfish, large schools of bream and snapper, and offers regular sightings of grey nurse sharks, Queensland groper and estuary cod. Part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, this site is accessible only by boat charter, typically operated through Jetty Dive Centre or Dive Quest from Coffs Harbour or Arrawarra.
Wrights Reef
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Wrights Reef has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth (30 m max) danger
The reef sits on sand at nearly 30 m, well beyond recreational snorkelling limits. Suitable for experienced divers only; bottom time is severely limited without decompression stops.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Depth (30 m max)
The reef sits on sand at nearly 30 m, well beyond recreational snorkelling limits. Suitable for experienced divers only; bottom time is severely limited without decompression stops.
Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Currents
Offshore currents can be unpredictable and strong, especially around the reef and tunnel exit points.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Located in a busy offshore marine park with charter boats operating in the area; surface visibility and boat awareness required.
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Getting in
Wrights Reef is located approximately 2 km east of North Solitary Island, about 7 km from Arrawarra Headland. Access is via charter boat only. Operators such as Jetty Dive Centre (398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour) and Dive Quest (Arrawarra) run trips to the site, with a roughly 20-minute boat ride from the launch point at Arrawarra Headland.
Parking is available at the charter operator's base. Jetty Dive Centre at Coffs Harbour Jetty has nearby public parking. Arrawarra Headland also has limited parking near the boat ramp.
Charter fees apply — contact Jetty Dive Centre or Dive Quest for current pricing.
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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.