Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
The cottage is on Barunguba Montague Island and only accessible by NPWS-contracted commercial vessel tour operators. There is no private vessel access.
Boat transfers to the island are included in your accommodation package. More information on your transfer will be provided by the local NPWS office after booking. If you have not received additional information 1 week before your booking, please contact (02) 4476 0800 during office hours.
Transfers depart from Narooma wharf, Bluewater Drive, Narooma.
A minimum age of 5 years applies for all visitors to Barunguba Montague Island. Guests need to be able to independently climb the island’s jetty ladder and the steep hill that follows.
Weather restrictions
Barunguba Montague Island is an offshore island. It can be cut off from the mainland vessel access due to sea and swell conditions thus delaying access to and from the Island. In some instances delays may involve several days. Please arrive well-prepared.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Parking
Parking is available at Narooma wharf.
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 Montague Island and provides some of the best weather for photographs.
Winter
From late winter the seal colony on the island starts to grow. 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
- Bedding configuration: 3 bedrooms. 2 bedrooms have a queen bed. 1 bedroom has 2 king single beds.
- 1 external bathroom and toilet.
- Wide verandahs.
- Private courtyard.
- Please leave the property clean and tidy with all kitchen items washed up and put away. Additional fees may be charged for any unreasonable cleaning required or missing/broken items.
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Drinking water
Showers
- Hot showers
Electric power
Montague Island uses solar power. Please avoid washing clothes during your stay, keep showering times to a minimum and turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them.
Kitchen
Fully-equipped kitchen with toaster, kettle, fridge and freezer, microwave, gas oven and gas cook top.
Plates and cutlery
Pots and pans
Bed linen
TV
Towels
Rubbish bin
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Guests must be able to climb a ladder independently at the island jetty and walk up and down the Island’s steep and rocky terrain. Persons with mobility issues are asked to check when booking. Some activities require moderate fitness levels.
Prohibited
- Swimming directly from the island itself is not permitted.
- Amplified music is not permitted.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Fires are not permitted, including in fireplaces.
Fishing
Fishing directly from the Island is not permitted.
Generators
Generators are not permitted.
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.
Park info
- Narooma, NSW, 2546
- in Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve 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.