Montague Island Light

Montague Island Light is a cylindrical granite lighthouse built on the highest point of Barunguba Montague Island near Narooma. The tower has a grey stone body with a white lantern room at the top, which remains in operation to guide ships passing along the coast.

The lighthouse was designed in 1873 and built between 1878 and 1881 to warn ships away from the rocky shoreline. This construction marked a turning point for maritime safety along this treacherous stretch of coast.

The island held deep meaning for the Yuin Nation, with the Walbunja and Djiringanji groups coming seasonally to hunt in its waters and on its shores. This indigenous connection remains central to understanding what this place represents to local communities.

The lighthouse can only be visited through guided tours with licensed operators, as it is protected and located on private land. A boat trip to the island is necessary, so planning ahead and checking weather conditions is recommended.

The original Fresnel lens was replaced with solar-powered lights in 1986 and is now displayed in the Lighthouse Museum in Narooma. This shift shows how the station adapted to modern technology while maintaining its role in coastal navigation.

Location: New South Wales

Architects: James Barnet

GPS coordinates: -36.25246,150.22836

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10