Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Solitary Island - Opened for visitors

Lyndon O'Grady AMSA

Recently Navigation Safety staff from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) were involved in the opening of the South Solitary Island lighthouse to the public for the first time in its 127 year history.

To celebrate the NSW National Parks & Wildlife's 40th birthday a ballot for visiting the island was run by the Coffs Harbour 'Advocate'. Over 2000 persons put in for the ballot with 85 successful applicants being able to visit the Island.

As it is part of a Marine Park the island is usually closed to all public access. It is also an important nesting ground for a number of seabird species.

An official maintenance audit of the lighthouse was conducted with Australian Maritime Systems on the Saturday followed by a tour for the local Landcare Volunteers who are conducting a weed eradication program on the Island.

Public tours started from 7.30am on Sunday morning and ran through until 4pm. 

It was pleasing to see many families enjoying a rare visit to the island and feedback on the day was very positive with many people commenting on how privileged they felt having the opportunity to visit such a unique location.

Lyndon O'Grady represented AMSA on the day and provided the tour.

South Solitary Tower Image: Lyndon O'Grady

Lower level internal staircase Image: Lyndon O'Grady

Keeper's cottages from the helipad Image: Lyndon O'Grady