Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve.
Getting there and parking
Access to Barunguba Montague Island is only available for guided tour visitors or visitors with an overnight accommodation booking. The island is only accessible by NPWS-contracted commercial vessel tour operators. There is no private vessel access.
A minimum age of 5 years applies to all visitors to Barunguba Montague Island.
All guests need to be able to independently climb the island’s jetty ladder and the steep hill that follows.
Transfers depart from Narooma wharf, Bluewater Drive, Narooma, generally around midday. Narooma is on the Far South Coast of NSW, about 5 hours south of Sydney and 3 hours from Canberra.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website.
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 Barunguba Montague Island - some of the best weather for photographs.
Winter
From late winter the seal colony on the island starts to grow. Whales can be viewed from the island during their migration north. 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
Toilets
- Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
- Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
Barbecue facilities
Drinking water
- Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
- Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
Showers
- Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
- Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage
Electric power
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
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.
Contact
- Narooma, NSW, 2546
- 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.
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Narooma office
02 4476 0800
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Office open by appointment only. Closed public holidays. - 10 Graham Street, Narooma NSW 2546
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Email: npws.eurobodalla@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Narooma office
Nearby towns
Narooma (9 km)
Narooma is Coastal town with superb beaches and abundant wildlife. Its set on the the foreshores wrapped around the Wagonga River estuary.
Bermagui (40 km)
Bermagui is a colourful port, famous for its deep-sea fishing. It's on the estuary of the Bermagui River, close to national parks.
Canberra (219 km)
Canberra is the home of Australia's Parliament House, National Gallery, National Museum and War Memorial, as well as many more significant cultural and architectural offerings. Kids of all ages love the interactive science and technology at Questacon.