Barunguba Montague Island and lighthouse tour
Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve
Open, check current alerts
Overview
Explore the natural beauty and history of Barunguba Montague Island, a protected nature reserve just 9km off the coast of Narooma. Montague Island Adventures will ferry you from the mainland for this fascinating guided tour.
- When
- Contact Montague Island Adventures for tour dates.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Medium. Suitable for adults and children over 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A moderate level of fitness is required to manage steep hills, stairs and a ladder when accessing the lighthouse and moving around the island.
- Price
- Contact Montague Island Adventures for pricing information.
- Meeting point
- The vessel departs from the yellow boat shed near the Mill Bay Boat Ramp.
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Book online or call Montague Island Adventure on 0407 487 702.
- Availability
- Available on request. Bookings are available on request depending on numbers and sea conditions.
Get to know fur seals, little penguins, dolphins and whales on a guided tour of Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve. This unforgettable experience combines nature, history and optional underwater adventures.
You can choose between morning, afternoon or evening tours. Depending on the time of day and the season, you may encounter different wildlife along the way. In the morning and afternoon, there’s the option to jump overboard and snorkel beside curious seals in their natural habitat.
Once your vessel lands on the island, experienced local guides will teach you about its unique environment and history, including the 1881 lighthouse. You’ll get to climb stairs of this impressive granite structure for breathtaking panoramic views.
Light refreshments including tea, coffee, soft drink and water are provided on board.
Montague Island Adventures is a licensed commercial tour operator with a Parks Eco Pass.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/barunguba-montague-island-tour/local-alerts
Operated by
Park info
- Narooma, NSW, 2546
- in Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve in the South Coast region
Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve is closed during August.
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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Barunguba Montague Island and lighthouse tour.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Contact Montague Island Adventures for directions.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at the Mill Bay Boat Ramp.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible.
Learn more
Barunguba Montague Island and lighthouse tour is in Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A sacred place
The Yuin people have had a long connection with Barunguba Montague Island, travelling to the island for traditional ceremonies and food, and using it as a men's teaching place. It would have been a dangerous trip - 9km each way by bark canoe. There are many Aboriginal artefacts and middens on the island. Barunguba is the eldest son of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and a brother to Najunuka (Little Dromedary). The older brother, Barunguba was allowed out to sea while Najunuka, the younger brother, had to stay close to his mother. To recognise its cultural significance to Yuin people, Barunguba was declared an Aboriginal Place under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 in June 2018.
Colonial heritage
Get in touch with Australia's colonial history - Captain James Cook spotted the island from his tall ship in 1770 but assumed it was part of the mainland. It wasn't until 1790 that the island was officially identified by European Settlers as an island, and named 'Montagu' after the Earl of Halifax George Montagu Dunk, by the master of the convict ship Surprise. The island received visits from several shipwrecked sailors, and during the goldrush seabird eggs were collected from the island to sell to miners.
- Barunguba Montague Island cruise and tour Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve. Join a Narooma Charters tour to explore this pristine island, just 9km off the coast of Narooma.
- Montague Island Lighthouse Montague Island Lighthouse on Barunguba Montague Island is the perfect place to get in touch with history while seeing dramatic views, amazing birds and marine wildlife.
A sanctuary for seabirds, seals and whales
The protected waters of Barunguba Montague Island are a playground for hundreds of seals who make the island their home, all year round. Between September and November you can also see humpback and southern right whales pass the island on their annual migration south. Watch for blowholes and spectacular displays from the island or on a combined whale watching and island tour. With more than 90 bird species seen on the island, and 15 species breeding there, you’ll be reaching for your binoculars – and camera – at every turn. Up to 8,000 penguins live on the island at any one time. Between September and March they are joined by three species of shearwaters, which can produce more than 12,000 chicks per year, and their colonies seem to be growing!
- Barunguba Montague Island 360 experiences Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. Explore our 360-degree interactive images to discover some of the threatened and unique animals that live and breed here.
- Barunguba Montague Island cruise and tour Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve. Join a Narooma Charters tour to explore this pristine island, just 9km off the coast of Narooma.
- Barunguba Montague Island walking track This 1.5 km coastal walk around Barunguba Montague Island is short but challenging. It takes you past the historic lighthouse and precious penguin breeding boxes.
- Montague Island Lighthouse Montague Island Lighthouse on Barunguba Montague Island is the perfect place to get in touch with history while seeing dramatic views, amazing birds and marine wildlife.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
-
Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)
The largest fur seal, Australian fur seals are found in isolated rocky outcrops and islands along the NSW coast. They come ashore to form breeding colonies and can often be seen at Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve.
-
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
The humpback whale has the longest migratory path of any mammal, travelling over 5000km from its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its breeding grounds in the subtropics. Its playful antics, such as body-rolling, breaching and pectoral slapping, are a spectacular sight for whale watchers in NSW national parks.
-
White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.