
One of only two lighthouse islands in New South Wales, it is situated approximately 18km from Coffs Harbour.
The buildings were constructed in 1880 and are considered to be the oldest in the area.
The island is not accessible to the public, it is under the care of National Parks & Wildlife.
The lightstation was automated in 1975.
The Head Keepers Quarters and Assistant Keepers Quarters have been abandoned since 1975.
In the year 1856 the desirability of erecting a lighthouse on one of the Solitary Islands was discussed by commissioners appointed by the Governments of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, to confer respecting the matter of lighthouses on the Australian coast. Click "Read More" to continue.
The Lighthouse tower is a conical, or slightly tapered, cylindrical structure of mass concrete construction finished externally with white painted cement render. It is maintained by AMSA and remains as an operational navigation aid.
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There are four principal building structures on the Island, comprising:
* The Lighthouse Tower
* The Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
* Two semi detached dwellings for the Assistant Keepers
* The elevated Jetty structure and store
The Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse (FOSSIL) is a local Coffs Harbour group.
The volunteers conduct working bees on the island to help with building maintenance and restoration.
Email fossil2450@hotmail.com
Lydia, I don't believe was at school, as the death certificate; states Home Duties, which back then, that was the term for domestic duties/cleaner etc. She became very ill so a message was sent via Signal Station to Coffs Harbour, for a doctor to come immediately.
South Solitary Island is situated between the Bellinger and Clarence Rivers, off the east coast of Australia, about 18 km from Coffs Harbour and 6 km from Signal Point, now Emerald Beach.
South Solitary Island, NSW Australia
Information on this website originates from various sources, in particular NPWS Management Plan, Lighthouses of Australia and the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum, see the links page for all acknowledgements.
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