Written by Mia & Tom Hartley· Updated Apr 2026Quick Actions
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About Montague Island (Barunguba)
Barunguba Montague Island is an 81-hectare nature reserve 9 km offshore from Narooma, hosting extraordinary concentrations of wildlife including 9,000 pairs of little penguins, 10,000+ fur seals, and tens of thousands of nesting shearwaters. The island is accessible only by licensed tour operator boat and is managed to protect its breeding wildlife. The heritage-listed granite lighthouse (1881) is a key feature.
About
Barunguba Montague Island is an 81-hectare nature reserve 9 km offshore from Narooma, hosting extraordinary concentrations of wildlife including 9,000 pairs of little penguins, 10,000+ fur seals, and tens of thousands of nesting shearwaters. The island is accessible only by licensed tour operator boat and is managed to protect its breeding wildlife. The heritage-listed granite lighthouse (1881) is a key feature.
History & Significance
Barunguba Montague Island's granite lighthouse was constructed in 1881 and is heritage-listed, serving as a key navigational landmark on the NSW South Coast. The 81-hectare island has been managed as a nature reserve to protect its extraordinary concentrations of breeding wildlife, including little penguins, fur seals, and shearwaters. Indigenous significance: Barunguba is the Yuin name for the island, reflecting its cultural heritage to local Aboriginal peoples.
Sources & References
Warnings
Getting There
Book tours through licensed operators in Narooma (e.g., Montague Island Nature Reserve Tours). Narooma is 320 km south of Sydney via Princes Highway.
Parking
Park at Narooma township (9 km from island). Tour operators manage access from the boat ramp; confirm parking arrangements with your chosen licensed tour operator.
Visitor Tips
- •Book the dusk penguin nesting tour for a unique experience of thousands of penguins returning from sea. The snorkelling around the island with fur seals is world-class.
Quick Facts
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Paid
- Duration
- Half day to full day (dawn or dusk penguin tours available)
- Best Time
- September–April (penguin and seal activity); July–September (whale migration)
Location
- Region
- Eurobodalla / South Coast
- State
- New South Wales
Good to Know
Highlights
Activities
Family & Visitor Info
- Ages
- All ages, but dusk penguin tours require patience and warm clothing; young children may find early morning or late afternoon tours challenging
- Shade/Cover
- Limited shade
- Pram Friendly
- No
Food & Drink
No food facilities on the island. Bring snacks and water. Eat in Narooma before or after your tour.
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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