Montague Island Travel Guide

Discover the beauty and adventure of Montague Island in Southeastern New South Wales, Australia with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about top attractions, activities, food, culture, safety, transportation, and nearby excursions.


Montague Island is a breathtaking island located in Eurobodalla region of Southeastern New South Wales, Australia. This tiny island is just 9 kilometers off the coast of Narooma and has a rich history and diverse culture. With stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, it’s no surprise that Montague Island is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Here is our complete guide to everything you need to know before you visit Montague Island:

Introduction to Montague Island

Named after a British Navy Captain, Montague Island was initially used for whaling and sealing before it was declared a nature reserve in 1957. Today, Montague Island is one of the top tourist destinations in Australia, famous for its lighthouse, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife.

List of Places to Visit in Montague Island

When you visit Montague Island, there are plenty of places to explore and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions that you should consider adding to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Montague Island Lighthouse: One of the most popular attractions on the island, the Montague Island Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. The lighthouse was originally built in 1881 and is now a heritage-listed building.

  • Montague Island Museum: Located within the lighthouse, the Montague Island Museum is home to a collection of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the island’s history and culture.

Natural Attractions of Montague Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Montague Island Nature Reserve: As a nature reserve, the island is home to diverse wildlife that can be seen all year round. Some of the wildlife species you can find on the island include Australian Fur Seals, Little Penguins, and nesting seabirds.

  • Montague Island Beaches: The island has some of the most spectacular beaches in Australia, including Little Beach, is known for its turquoise waters and golden sand.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montague Island

  • Mount Dromedary Walking Track: A trek to the top of Mount Dromedary is a must-do when visiting the island. The trail is about 6km long and takes around 3 hours to complete, but the views from the top are worth it.

Best Things to Do in Montague Island: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters surrounding Montague island provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. With a range of aquatic wildlife species, you can discover corals, fish and various crustaceans.

  • Whale Watching: Montague Island offers an excellent opportunity to go whale watching between May and November. Get onboard the whale watching tour and see the migrating humpbacks from up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montague Island

Day 1: Arrive, Take a Tour of Montague Island Lighthouse and check into accommodation for the night.

Day 2: Enjoy the beaches of the island and kayak through the stunning waters.

Day 3: Go dolphin and seal watching tour and explore the scenic open ocean.

Day 4: Explore the Dromdar Mountain Hike and challenge yourself to the adventurous trek.

Day 5: Take the Morning reef fishing tour of Montague Island as it states the reputed history for catches of large fishes.

Day 6: Visit top sites on the island such as Whale Watching, Butterfly Bay, and more.

Day 7: Depart from the Island and explore some attractions near this region.

Food and Drink Scene of Montague Island

Montague Island’s food and beverage culture is mainly focused on welcoming every tourist looking for fresh-off-the-water seafood.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood Platter: This is a comprehensive seafood dish with lobsters, seasonal shellfish, prawns, and local whitefish perfectly cooked with each dish.

Local Beverages

Montague Island is known for its fishery culture and brewing drinks with distilled alcohol. Visitors can try some of the best Breweries of the island for drinking local beverages.

Where to Stay in Montague Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The island provides limited accommodation, and it is suggested to make bookings beforehand. The following are some of the popular stay options available on Montague Island:

  • Montague Island Lighthouse Keepers Quarters: Experience the beauty of Montague Island by staying at the historic Lighthouse Keepers quarters.

What to Buy in Montague Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Montague Island has small shops just near the beach and the island’s lighthouse that sell clothing, souvenirs, and snacks for tourists to purchase and take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Montague Island

Aboriginals thrived for years on this Island as their most overland to travel was via boat. Visitors must pay respect to the Aboriginal community’s beliefs and values while traveling on the Island. Maintaining island hygiene and protecting the cultural sites are some of the primary obligations visitors must bear in mind.

Best Time to Visit Montague Island

The best time to visit Montague Island is from September to November, as the temperatures are warm, and marine life activity increases.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montague Island

Do:

  • Dress Cool: There are many outdoor activities to do on Montague Island, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable and fresh clothes.

  • Be Responsible: Whenever you are fishing or doing an adventurous activity, do not let extra litters or garbage in the environment and try to make it pollution-free.

Don’t:

  • Feeding animals and other species that you see on the Island or littering as it negatively impacts their natural diet and habitat.

  • Purchase souvenirs and products made from endangered species as it is illegal in many countries.

Safety and Health

Montague Island is widely considered a safe and healthy place for tourists. It’s recommended to be aware of safety rules while participating in outdoor activities and staying cautious of wildlife.

Safety in Montague Island

  • Do not swim alone and stay on the Island’s permitted areas for swimming and other kinds of watersports.

Health in Montague Island

  • Visitors should pack any personal prescribed medication with them before touring the Island.

Getting to Montague Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Access is available by boat with a tour operator between October and June.

Airports Near Montague Island

  • Moruya Airport: 47 Km from Montague Island

Bus Stations Near Montague Island

  • Narooma Bus Station: It takes around 10 minutes to reach the Island after arriving at the station.

Other Options

  • Visitors can take a Ferry or Boat Tour from Narooma to Montague Island.

How to Get Around in Montague Island

By foot and boat are the only ways of getting around Montague Island, but there regular boat services available if you want to go on a tour service.

Where to Go Next from Montague Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

When you have completed your Montague Island tour, you can visit other nearby attractions:

  • Bodalla
  • Tilba
  • Narooma

Conclusion

Montague Island is a unique and memorable destination that offers stunning views, exciting activities, and a rich cultural experience. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxed beach vacation, Montague Island has something to offer. We hope that our comprehensive guide will help you plan a fantastic trip to this beautiful island in Southeastern New South Wales, Australia.

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