Open Days - July 2009
The South Solitary 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
SPECIAL EVENT - July 2009 - dates to be confirmed
Land on
Included in this fantastic offer is an interpretive guided tour by National Parks and Wildlife Rangers and return helicopter flights. View the beautiful
Limited seats available - contact us to go on the list!
info@precisionhelicopters.com.au
Please see below for information on previous event in August 2008
Special Event
Land on South Solitary Island
Saturday 16th August 2008
Sunday 17th August 2008
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
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
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.
We encourage anyone who is interested to leave their contact details with us. We will notify people when the next trip will take place, and they will have a priority booking.
Contact us on (02)6652 9988 or email
Information on the Event in August 2008
Land on
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 Rangers and return helicopter flights.
View the beautiful
Seats are strictly limited, call or email us to secure your booking or if you require any further information.
What to Expect:
- The tour of the island will be for 1 hour with an approximate 10 min helicopter flight each way.
- Once you have had a full safety briefing of the helicopter, the group will fly to the island.
- On the island you will be taken on a fully guided interpretive tour by NPWS Rangers.
- The tour will include inspecting some rooms of the Head lighthouse keepers cottage, an opportunity to hear some stories from people who lived on the island before it was automated in 1975 and a walk down to the old gantry.
- Groups will stay on formed concrete paths, children must be supervised at all times.
- Return to
The Beach Stone Café will be open for breakfast and lunch from 8am to 4pm, please make a reservation on 6653 6188.
Bookings essential.
Please allow enough time so you do not miss your allocated time.
There is a fantastic children’s playground, public toilets, bbq's and shelters next to the café.
Tour Duration: approx 1.5 hours (give yourself 2 hours)
Price: $225.00 (includes a $50.00 donation to Rotary Club Charity)
Departing from: Approximately 7.5km north of Check-in just north of Beach Stone Café. Internet map: http://maps.google.com.au/maps Then type in South Solitary Island Departures or Helicopter Check-in (google map does not show café or new housing development) or click here for directions A general level of fitness and mobility is required. You need to be able to get in and out of a helicopter (like getting in a 4WD vehicle – come and visit us to have a practice run if unsure!). Previous Tour - South Solitary Island Open Day 2007. 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!
You will be walking for 1 hour on the island, the ground can be uneven, there are several steps and no areas to sit down.
There are toilets at departure and a portable toilet on the island.