Meet the site
The Gantry sits on the western side of South Solitary Island directly below its historic lighthouse, first lit in 1880 and one of the more remote and evocative lighthouse stations on the NSW coast, and takes its name from the supply gantry crane once used to winch stores up the cliff to the keepers stationed there. At some point the crane structure gave way and fell into the sea below, and its wreckage — now heavily encrusted with decades of coral and sponge growth — forms the backbone of what is today a shallow, sheltered and easy dive site in about 12-15 m of water. Because it sits on the more protected western flank of the island, the Gantry is rarely affected by the swell that can shut down the more exposed north-eastern moorings, and its shallow depth makes it an easy, low-stress site suitable for less experienced divers or as a relaxed final dive of the day. Turtles frequent the area, wobbegong sharks lie among the wreckage and surrounding rock, and schools of bullseyes and other reef fish have colonised the collapsed structure much as they would a purpose-built artificial reef, while nudibranchs and moray eels occupy the smaller crevices. The historical association with South Solitary Island's lighthouse — a heritage-listed structure still visible from the water — gives the Gantry a point of interest beyond its marine life, and the site is often mentioned by visiting divers and journalists writing about the island as a memorable, easy dive that rounds out a day otherwise spent chasing grey nurse sharks and current on the more demanding sites. It remains, however, a site with more anecdotal than formally documented detail, and exact figures on depth and extent should be treated as approximate.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Solitary Island – The Gantry is recorded as Reef in Coffs Harbour & Solitary Islands. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is South Solitary Island – The Gantry suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book South Solitary Island – The Gantry through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Turtles, wobbegongs, schooling bullseyes, nudibranchs, moray eels, reef fish colonising the wreckage
Location
Western side of South Solitary Island below the historic lighthouse, where the old supply gantry crane used to load stores onto the island collapsed into the sea; wreckage now lies in about 12-15 m.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
jettydive.com.audivernet.comjettydive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.