Barunguba Montague Island
Barunguba Montague Island is a small rocky landmass off the southern New South Wales coast, surrounded by clear waters and natural features. The island contains a historic lighthouse, over ninety bird species, seal colonies that rest on the rocks, and a network of walking trails connecting viewpoints and accommodations.
The Yuin people held this place sacred long before European contact shaped its use. A lighthouse was constructed over 150 years ago to guide ships safely along the coast and has remained a defining feature ever since.
The island holds deep meaning for the Yuin people, whose stories and connection to this place remain visible throughout. Visitors experience this cultural layer when learning about local traditions during guided tours and encounters with historic structures linked to these communities.
Access is only by boat from the nearby town of Narooma, a journey of about 20 minutes, and visitors must book through local tour operators in advance. Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and snacks, as facilities on the island are basic and weather can change quickly.
The island once served as a prison station and later housed a naval orphanage, a history largely overshadowed by the seals and birds visible today. Few visitors realize that beneath this thriving marine landscape lies a complex colonial past now preserved only in the remaining structures.
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