Itinerary
Overview
A visit to Barunguba Montague Island is essential on any trip to the south coast of NSW. This itinerary is a great introduction to the teeming wildlife of Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve, off the state’s Sapphire Coast.
Read more about Itinerary: Barunguba Montague Island
You’ll meet the colony of little penguins and Australian and New Zealand fur seals, whose numbers swell between late winter and early December. Between June and November you’re also likely to spot whales on their annual migrations.
Glimpse some of the island’s 90-plus bird species and look out for the endangered grey nurse shark when snorkelling offshore. The island is also a destination for lighthouse buffs and has a rich continuing Aboriginal story to share.
Learn more on a guided tour – you can book your tours and accommodation from the visitors centre in Narooma. To spend longer on the island, you could also sign up as a conservation volunteer.
For weather forecasts in the area, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Your tour starts on a chartered boat from Narooma, a picturesque Sapphire Coast town around 5 hours south of Sydney. The island is only 9km from Narooma. To go there you need to book an island tour or accommodation. Visit the historic lighthouse, a great vantage point for seeing sea birds, pods of dolphins and migrating whales in season. Get involved in conservation work happening on the island, watch little penguins waddle home to their nests at sunset and sleep overnight in the historic lighthouse keeper's cottage.
Barunguba (bar-ran-goo-ba) Montague Island is home to hundreds of seals and more than 90 bird species. It also has cultural significance to the Yuin people. Enjoy a stay in a heritage lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Free park entry
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.
Enjoy a weekend getaway in the historic Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and experience a unique adventure on Barunguba Montague Island.
Join a snorkelling trip around the western side of the island where, depending on the season, anywhere between 400 and 2,000 seals frolic on the glossy back granite rocks. Get up close to the playful seals and an array of other marine life – from stingrays to leafy sea dragons - in the clear, deep waters. For a different perspective, join a fishing trip in the designated areas of Batemans Marine Park.
Barunguba (bar-ran-goo-ba) Montague Island is home to hundreds of seals and more than 90 bird species. It also has cultural significance to the Yuin people. Enjoy a stay in a heritage lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Free park entry
