The South Solitary Island Lighthouse

This lighthouse was considered the most isolated
on the New South Wales coast.

Built in 1880
Automated in 1975

Nearest town: Coffs Harbour 18km

Full history of the island go to:
www.southsolitaryisland.com.au   

Click here for current tour information

Land on South Solitary Island which is located 18kms from Coffs Harbour. Rarely does an opportunity like this present itself as it is normally closed to the public. Inspect the lighthouse keeper's quarters which were built in 1880 and imagine living in this isolated outpost. 

Included in this fantastic offer is an interpretive guided tour by National Parks and Wildlife Discovery Rangers and return helicopter flights. View the beautiful Coffs Coast with Precision Helicopters as they fly you to one of the most remote island lighthouses in NSW.

Please see below for information on previous tours in:

July 2010
July 2009
 August 2008

Tours held on the
4th, 5th, 10th, 11th and 12th of July 2009

Thank you to the 325 people who visited the island on these tours.  Especially those that came from interstate (and from afar - Norway!) 

Thank you to National Parks and Wildlife Service - this would not have been possible without you.  Special thanks to Glenn Storrie and David Nalder.

Thank you to Jodie Evans and all the staff at Novotel Pacific Bay Resort for becoming our "Departure Lounge" and allowing the use of your facilities.

Thank you to Sheryl, Mandy and Bernie at the Visitor Information Centre and Coffs Coast Marketing for all your assistance!

 Here is what was involved!

Two Tour Options in 2009: 

1. Return Helicopter Flights,
1 hour Interpretive Guided Tour of the buildings and island with a NPWS Ranger

2. Return Helicopter Flights,
1 hour Intrepretive Guided Tour of the buildings and island with a NPWS Ranger, Plus an extra hour to fully experience the island,
Gourmet Lunch provided

Thank you to the 226 people who went out to South Solitary Island on this special weekend.

Thank you to National Parks and Wildlife Service - this would not have been possible without you.  Special thanks to Glenn Storrie and Tom Denman.

Thank you to Australian Maritime Safety Authority for allowing the lighthouse to be opened.  Special thanks to Lyndon O'Grady for donating your time.

Thank you to Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour for your help with the days.

Thank you to Anthony and Sam Cougle for allowing us to use their property, the awarding winning North Sapphire Beach Development.

I have started a group on Flickr photos if you would like to add your own personal photos for others to see (you need to join to see the  photos of this group - free to join) 

A Brief Follow Up of the Weekend

The glorious weather over the weekend and the large number of whales off the coast was the icing on the cake for 226 visitors to South Solitary Island who took advantage of the rare opportunity to land on this intriguing local landmark.  

Coinciding with International Lighthouse Day, Precision Helicopters, using their BK117 and a JetRanger, flew sightseers aged from 16 months to 89 years. Some people travelled from as far a field as Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane just to get onboard. The Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Charity Auction winners were also part of the passenger list.  

Guests were then provided with a fully guided interpretive tour by NPWS rangers, which included some of the lighthouse keeper's quarters and outbuildings (these are some of the oldest buildings in the area, dating from 1880); a walk along the paths down to the old gantry, and a tour of the Lighthouse itself. One lady had waited 46 years for an opportunity to return to where she had lived as a 5 year old. Many other interesting stories were told and photos of the 'good old days' were supplied by past resident Shirley Northam. 

Anthony Cougle's award winning North Sapphire Beach Development was an ideal departure point with many families and picnickers enjoying the carnival atmosphere. Coffs Harbour Rotary Club benefited from the weekend this year with proceeds going towards their local charity work. 

The event was so popular that a waiting list already has over 120 people on standby for the next tour. Funds generated by carefully designed and eco-sensitive tours could see the Island's buildings gradually restored to their former glory.  

Contact us on (02)6652 9988 or email   

The Open Day in 2007 was a huge success with over 2000 people sending in a ballot form to go to the island.   Only 90 lucky locals got to go!

Contact Jo or Tracey on (02) 6652 9988
jo@precisionhelicopters.com.au