Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve.

Getting there and parking

Access to Barunguba Montague Island is only available for guided tour visitors or visitors with an overnight accommodation booking. The island is only accessible by NPWS-contracted commercial vessel tour operators. There is no private vessel access.

A minimum age of 5 years applies to all visitors to Barunguba Montague Island.

All guests need to be able to independently climb the island’s jetty ladder and the steep hill that follows.

Transfers depart from Narooma wharf, Bluewater Drive, Narooma, generally around midday. Narooma is on the Far South Coast of NSW, about 5 hours south of Sydney and 3 hours from Canberra.

By public transport

For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you on Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

New Zealand and Australian fur seals are at their peak on the island during spring, making this the perfect time for some seal-spotting. To tempt you even more, humpback whales can often be spotted along the coastline, and pods of dolphins come to play among the boats too – book a guided tour that includes whale watching for the best chance to spot this special sea mammal in its own environment From October huge numbers of shearwaters begin to arrive and nest on the island through the summer.

Summer

Soak up the summer sun on a guided tour of Barunguba Montague Island - some of the best weather for photographs.

Winter

From late winter the seal colony on the island starts to grow. Whales can be viewed from the island during their migration north. It can get quite chilly in winter so pack warm clothes.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 25°C

Highest recorded

38.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

4°C and 16°C

Lowest recorded

2.1°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

July

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

182mm

Facilities

Toilets

Barbecue facilities

Drinking water

Showers

Electric power

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Life jackets must be worn on the boat.

Tours to Barunguba Montague Island can be physically challenging. Here are a few things to consider before you visit:

  • A minimum age of 5 years applies if you're visiting the island. Prams are not permitted.
  • Each tour participant and overnight guest who visits Barunguba Montague Island must be able to independently climb a 2m vertical ladder from the boat up to the jetty.
  • Visitors must be physically able to walk up a steep 400m track from the jetty to the lighthouse area.
  • Morning guided tours involve a walk of up to 3km.
  • Afternoon and evening tours (in season) involve a 1km walk.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve

Contact

  • Narooma, NSW, 2546
  • in the South Coast region

  • Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    Please note: A minimum age of 5 years applies for all visitors. Barunguba Montague Island is only accessible via one of NSW National Parks and Wildlife contracted commercial vessel tour operators. Go to www.eurobodalla.com.au for details.

  • More

Links

Nearby towns

Narooma (9 km)

Narooma is Coastal town with superb beaches and abundant wildlife. Its set on the the foreshores wrapped around the Wagonga River estuary.

www.visitnsw.com

Bermagui (40 km)

Bermagui is a colourful port, famous for its deep-sea fishing. It's on the estuary of the Bermagui River, close to national parks.

www.visitnsw.com

Canberra (219 km)

Canberra is the home of Australia's Parliament House, National Gallery, National Museum and War Memorial, as well as many more significant cultural and architectural offerings. Kids of all ages love the interactive science and technology at Questacon.

www.visitnsw.com