Undoubtedly, Montague Island off Narooma is one of the best and breathtaking attractions on the South Coast!
Being the home to the very adorable Little Penguins, both Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals, Australian Sea Lions and Subantarctic Fur Seals, along with forty nine species of fauna and of course the famous Lighthouse, Montague Island Nature Reserve is a 'bucket list' place to visit.
The Historic Lighthouse...
Accessing this beautiful island can be done so with ferry tours from Narooma, where you may encounter Dolphins, Sunfish, Manta Rays, acres of pelagic fish and during migration season the mighty awe-inspiring whales.
Of course you are welcomed to the Island with the adorable seal colony once you near Montague Island and some tours offer the opportunity to swim with these cute curious marine animals.
It was certainly a 'seal' welcome...
Each evening the Island welcomes the adorable Little Penguin, where these birds return to their burrows each evening after a busy day fishing in and around the Island. The evening migration can be viewed on an evening tour.
What makes this island even more spectacular is that there are no foxes, no snakes, feral cats or other predatory animals (besides the sea birds and seals) that threaten the very cute penguins. Which is why there is a large colony (approx 12,000) of Little Penguins on the Island.
Look at what we spotted...
Montague Island is a protected reserve and is the largest island off New South Wales east coast other than Lord Howe Island, making it so much easier to access- with no need to jump onto a plane, to see one of our own islands!
Wow...Such a breathtakingly beautiful view from the Lighthouse...
For a little history, the Island was first sighted by Europeans in 1770 by James Cook; it was named Cape Dromedary, then identified as an island and named by the master of the Second Fleet convict transport.
From the Dreamtime the local Aboriginal people and to many others Montague Island is known as Barunguba, and is the eldest son of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary on the mainland) and a brother to Najunuka (Little Dromedary, at the feet of Gulaga).
There is a long-time Aboriginal connection with the Island. The Island was used by the local people for traditional ceremonial purposes and also as a source of food. The Island today is still regarded as an important men's teaching place.
Can you spot the adorable Little Penguin?
In 1873, the Lightstation and the Lighthouse were conceived and construction was eventually completed after some problems and the lighthouse was officially commissioned on 1st November 1881.
Over 125 years of lightkeeping on the Island, the Lighthouse Tower is one of the famous landmarks on Montague Island with its significant history!
One of the most amazing sunsets I have seen...
Now days, Montague Island is a popular tourist destination and of course is famous for its lighthouse, recreational activities, wildlife and most especially the Little Penguins. There is restricted public access on the Island so therefore you can only see the island with a guided tour.
Stays are welcomed on Montague Island and no doubt will make it that perfect place to relax and learn about its environment and its history. For all stays on the Island please see the
website.
Getting to the island can only be accessed through a
boat tour, where you are able to get onto the island to experience its beauty and wonders...
