South Solitary Lighthouse

About South Solitary Lighthouse

South Solitary Lighthouse is a things to do venue in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales.

It was built by James Barnet and is one of only three concrete lighthouses constructed during that time in Australia. Known for its isolation, it is an active lighthouse regulated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The lighthouse was chosen to be located on South Solitary Island in 1856 based on shipmasters’ preference. The construction materials had to be transported to the island in adverse weather conditions.

The original lens used in the lighthouse, a Chance Brothers first-order dioptric Fresnel lens, is now displayed at the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum. South Solitary remained kerosene-operated until 1975 when it was electrified and automated.

The structure of South Solitary Lighthouse stands at a focal height of 190 feet (58 m) since its electrification in 1975. The original lantern was replaced with a fibreglass and aluminium lantern in the same year.

A flagstaff was removed, and a helipad was introduced for site operations. The current light source in South Solitary Lighthouse is a solar-powered lamp with an intensity of 38,000 candela.

It displays a light characteristic of one white flash every five seconds and is visible for 15 nautical miles. The light is maintained by helicopter and regulated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

South Solitary Lighthouse is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and managed by the New South Wales Maritime Parks Authority as part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. While the lighthouse is not accessible to the public, it can be seen during boat tours from Coffs Harbour.

Good to know

• Type: Things to Do
• Area: Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
• Phone: (02) 6648 4990
• Website: visit ↗

Frequently asked questions

Find more things to do in Coffs Harbour or browse the Coffs Harbour local guide.