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Montague Island Nature Reserve

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Overview

Montague Island – Barunguba (bar-ran-goo-ba) in Montague Island Nature Reserve is home to hundreds of seals and more than 90 bird species. Enjoy a stay in a heritage lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Read more about Montague Island Nature Reserve

Montague Island Nature Reserve, just off the South Coast near Narooma, offers the chance to experience a spectacular wildlife wonderland. Choose a day trip or indulge your inner mariner and stay in historic lighthouse accommodation. There’s always the option to really get amongst it and become a conservation volunteer. Any way you experience it, the incredible heritage, wildlife and breathtaking island views could keep you coming back.

Visit from late winter to early December to see hundreds of seals lazing on the rocks, or bring your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching. More than 90 bird species have been seen on the island and 19 of them nest over summer. During spring, you’re likely to see whales frolicking in the water on their annual southern migration.  Our knowledgeable tour guides will be on hand to answer all your questions.

If you’re after an unforgettable experience, why not stay overnight in either of the two lovingly-restored lighthouse keeper’s cottages? Indulge in a weekend escape with a difference in unique heritage quarters amid spectacular surroundings.

Highlights in this park

  • Aerial view of Montague Island lighthouse and cottage at sunset. Photo: Daniel Tran/OEH

    Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage

    Enjoy a weekend getaway in the historic Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and experience a unique adventure on Montague Island – Barung...

  • View of Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at sunrise. Photo: Daniel Tran/OEH

    Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

    Enjoy a weekend getaway in the historic Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage and experience a unique adventure on Montague Island – B...

  • View of Montague Island Lighthouse perched among rocks on Montague Island Nature Reserve. Photo: Stuart Cohen/OEH

    Montague Island Lighthouse

    Montague Island Lighthouse on Montague Island – Barunguba (bar-ran-goo-ba) is the perfect place to get in touch with history while seeing dramatic vie...

  • 3 people follow a ranger guided tour of Montague Island Nature Reserve. Photo © Daniel Tran

    Montague Island walking track

    This coastal walk around Montague Island – Barunguba (bar-ran-goo-ba) is short but challenging and takes you past the historic lighthouse and precious...

 

Whale watching top spots

NSW national parks have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration, which takes place from May to November. Plan your next coastal adventure.

A humpback whale breaches the water off the NSW coast, near Sydney. Photo credit: Wayne Reynolds &copy Wayne Reynolds

 

7 awe-inspiring lighthouses

While most lighthouses are automatic these days, they're still spectacular markers of historic times. To help you get your lighthouse fix, we’ve done the hard work and picked a few (well, 7 to be exact) of the best lighthouses in NSW.

Aerial view of Smoky Cape lighthouse, Hat Head National Park. Photo: Jessica Robertson/OEH.

General enquiries

Contact

  • in the South Coast region
  • 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. Montague Island is only accessible via one of NSW National Parks & Wildlife contracted commercial vessel tour operators (go to www.eurobodalla.com.au for details).

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