Montague Island is 9 kilometres offshore from Narooma on the south coast of New South Wales. It was sighted by James Cook in 1770 and named Cape Dromedary, then identified as an island and named by the master of the Second Fleet convict transport Surprize after George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax. Montague Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its lighthouse, wildlife (especially little penguins), and recreational activities.

After the vessel Lady Darling was wrecked off Mystery Bay in 1880, the lighthouse on Montague Island was established to protect coastal shipping. First lit in 1881, and then converted to a fully automated system in 1986, it remains a part of our coastal navigation system and nautical history.The lighthouse was designed by James Barnet and built in 1881. The lighthouse is 21 metres tall and the light is 80 metres above sea level with a nominal range of 20 nautical miles (37 km) and a geographic range of 17 nautical miles (31 km). The original Fresnel lens was removed in 1986 and is now on display at the Narooma Lighthouse Museum.

Wildlife

The island is home to a large colony of Little Penguins. As the island has no foxes or feral cats, the penguins have no predators other than other sea birds and seals. With the restoration of native habitat and the provision of penguin breeding boxes, penguin numbers have increased, and there are now approximately 12,000 on the island. The female usually lays two eggs, and during a good year, both chicks will survive. The birds come ashore at dusk after feeding at sea, and visitors to the island can watch the birds from a platform near the jetty.

The northern tip of the island is the seasonal home to a seal bachelor colony. Due to the site's remoteness, it is only possible for visitors to see them from a boat. The majority of the seals are Australian Fur Seals, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. New Zealand Fur Seals, Subantarctic Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions have also been observed.

Lighthouse tours

Montague Island Tours provides visitors with the chance to explore this unique NSW south coast destination - Montague Island Nature Reserve - through day-tour adventures or through two opportunities to stay overnight in the island's accommodation in the restored Lighthouse Keepers' Quarters.

Day Tours: A variety of Montague Island Day Tours are on offer through Narooma Visitors Centre, with transport provided by licensed local charter operators. NPWS Guides meet the boats at the Island's jetty and escort you through the Island's fascinating history, abundant wildlife and unique environment. Tours depart at 9am, 12.30pm and evening penguin tours are also available in season. Prices vary. Ph Narooma Visitors Centre 1800 240 003.

Two night Eco Tour: Ideal for individuals, couples or groups looking for a unique 2 night experience where everything is provided and you just bring yourself. All participants must be able to climb the Island jetty's ladder and the steepish hill, and some fitness for the activities. Each stay provides the opportunity for you to participate in surveying 120 Penguin Nest Boxes, and contribute to the long term protection of the island's Little Penguin Colony. Participation is optional and no prior experience is required. Birds are observed, not handled, during survey. Numbers may be low at some times of the year.