Lighthouse keepers and their families were used to living in remote locations, but even they regarded South Solitary Island as the most isolated place in NSW. South Solitary was hard to get to. Lying 18 kilometres north-east of Coffs Harbour, and rising dramatically from the steep rocky landscape, the lighthouse was linked to a high jetty. When seas were calm, food and supplies were delivered using the jetty and basket lifts.
The lighthouse and its cottages were built of concrete in 1880. Although the island cannot be visited, the lighthouse can be viewed by boat cruises from Coffs Harbour. South Solitary Island sits within the Solitary Islands Marine Park. For more information, contact the NPWS on 02 6652 0900.