South Solitary Island tour

South Solitary Island Historic Site

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Overview

Join a NSW National Parks ranger on a rare 2-hour guided tour of South Solitary Island, in Solitary Islands Marine Park, off the NSW Coffs Coast. You’ll fly by helicopter to and from the island.

Type
Walking tour
When

Tours run on the first and third Saturday of each month from May to August 2024.

Tour dates: Saturdays 4 May, 18 May, 1 June, 15 June, 6 July, 20 July, 3 August and 17 August 2024.

Tour times: Tours depart at 8am, 8.30am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 12.30pm and 1pm. Your visit to the island will be for 2 hours, with an 8-minute (approx.) helicopter flight each way.

Where
South Solitary Island Historic Site in North Coast
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Grade
Medium. Suitable for adults and children, 5 years and over. You’ll walk 500m (approx.), including climbing steep narrow steps inside the lighthouse.
Price

Adult/child (5 years and over) $499 per person. Maximum 6 people per group.

Meeting point
Precision Helicopter base, Hangar 77, Aviation Drive, Coffs Harbour
What to
bring
Sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, drinking water, snacks
Bookings
Bookings required. Email Precision Helicopters or phone 02 6652 9988 or 0476 766 248.
Book now

This is your chance to explore this remote island and its historic lighthouse with a small tour group. Public access to the island is restricted to only a few dates each year.

Step back in time to understand the remote life of a lighthouse keeper living and working in buildings constructed in 1880. Under the care of NPWS, the buildings and their features have been conserved and meticulously restored. Automated in 1975, the keepers and their families left the island at this time. The light station is now a snapshot into history. 

You'll inspect the Keeper’s Quarters and the lighthouse. Its 19th-century architecture was designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the island and support the isolated lives of its residents. Climb the spiral staircase of the lighthouse to view the panorama from the light tower balcony. Listen as an NPWS guided tells you fascinating facts about the lighthouse. You might even spot humpback whales on their migration to more northern breeding grounds.  

Please wear enclosed flat shoes, warm clothing and a spray jacket. Bring drinking water, snacks and your camera.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/south-solitary-island-tour/local-alerts

Operated by

Park info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about South Solitary Island tour.

Getting there and parking

By car from Coffs Central, heading south:

  • Drive along Hogbin Drive toward the Coffs Harbour airport. 
  • Turn left into Aviation Drive 
  • Precision Helicopter base, Hangar 77 is on the left.

Parking

Parking is available.

Maps and downloads

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Not wheelchair-accessible.