Montague Island - Frequently asked questions

The Montague Island Heritage Listed Guesthouse provides accommodation for up to 12 guests and was once the original Head Lighthouse Keeper's quarters. Linen, soap and bath towels are provided. Guest facilities include five bedrooms, two shared bathrooms (shower and toilet facilities), lounge with ocean views, reading and TV room, dining and kitchen area.   

The Assistant Keepers Cottage provides accommodation for up to 6 people. Linen, soap and bath towels provided.  Guest facilities include 3 bedrooms, a shared bathroom (shower and toilet), kitchen and lounge room.
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How long is the boat trip to the island?

Transfer to Montague Island is on a fully surveyed and licensed passenger boat. The Island is 9kms off shore with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. Sea conditions are frequently choppy. 

Conditions of travel?

Tour departures may vary due to sea conditions. In some instances tours may be cancelled or delayed which may include a delayed departure to and from the Island. Please read our detailed booking terms and conditions for further information on this. To account for possible delays we recommend participants allow some time at the end of the tour before scheduling onward travel or important events. In the event of a tour being cancelled due to sea conditions a full refund will be provided.

What's included in the program price?

Nature Escape Ecotour - Meals while on Montague Island, return boat transfers from Narooma, accommodation on the island, NPWS guide and scheduled activities. 

Self-catered Lighthouse accommodation – Boat transfers from Narooma and accommodation. 

What fitness levels do I require?

This program is graded moderate as the Island has some steep terrain. A moderate level of fitness is required to participate in activities and the ability to climb a ladder from a boat onto the Island's jetty. If you have any issues regarding your fitness for particular activities please check when booking.

Participants will need moderate fitness levels in some of the areas with steep rocky ground and some boggy areas, though with the island's varied terrain there would be a suitable area for most persons to at least experience some of the program.

What do I need to bring?
Once you have confirmed a booking on a Naturewise program you will receive a detailed information pack which includes a comprehensive list of what we recommend you bring. In general however the following items are recommended:

Day pack and personal drink bottle
Wet weather and warm clothing (even in summer)
Long sleeved shirts and long trousers
Wide brimmed sun hat
Sunscreen (30+) and sunglasses
Camera and film.  You may also like to bring a pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing
Sturdy and enclosed pair of comfortable walking shoes
Sleeping bag (if required)
Towel and toiletries
Insect repellent
Motion sickness tables (if you suffer from motion sickness) and any personal medication your require .

If you have booked our self-catered lighthouse accommodation you will also need to bring all your own food and beverages to the Island as there are no facilities available.

How long and hard are the walks for the program?

Selected walks for this program are graded medium with a return walking time of 40 minutes - 1.5 hours. Walks are on marked and unmarked tracks, some with steep inclines and involving walking over rocks, rough and steep surfaces. Activities are optional. If at any time you feel concerned about participating in a scheduled activity, please advise your guide at the time.

What are the seasonal wildlife trends ?

Montague Island offers a great experience at any time of the year. If you're specific focus is wildlife this seasonal wildlife guide will assist you with planning for your trip.

Seabird breeding season: September - December
Whales: June - July and September - October
Seabird and land birds: annually with peak season September  - March
Penguins: small numbers are present all year with peak season September - February
Penguin moulting season: February - March
Seals: small numbers are present all year with peak season September - March

How many people are on the overnight tour?

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 people. Minimum passenger numbers are required for program departure.

Can I book a tour for a group?

What about meals?

All meals are provided during the Nature Escape Ecotour program. Meal preparation is facilitated by your guide and generally a group activity with participants helping along the way. Special diets such as vegetarians or food allergies can be catered for - please remember to let us know when you are booking.  Fresh and local produce is used whenever available and we have a policy of supporting local community businesses.  Please bring your own alcoholic beverages as there are no facilities on the island for the purchase of alcohol. 

Can I snorkel or dive off Montague?

For legislative reasons these activities are not permitted from Montague Island or included in the overnight tours.  An optional extra snorkel or dive tour is available through Narooma Charters. Snorkel or dive tours are at an additional cost.  Please contact us for more information. 

Tell me more about the conservation and research projects?

This eco tour supports ongoing conservation and research on Montague Island Nature Reserve. During your stay on the island you will have the opportunity to assist the local National Parks Ranger with penguin monitoring. This is a rewarding experience providing close encounters with the local penguin colony. Participation is optional and no prior experience is required. Birds are observed, not handled, during monitoring activities. Numbers may be low at some times of the year.

Can you recommend any place to stay in Narooma?

For detailed information on visitor and accommodation facilities contact the Narooma Visitor Information Centre on
1800 240 003 or (02) 4476 2881 www.naturecoast-tourism.com.au

• Holiday Lodge provides comfortable and well priced accommodation. 
  Phone 02 4476 2282. www.holidaylodge.com.au
• Narooma Beachfront Apartments features three one bedroom self contained units.  
  Phone: 02 4476 1606 or www.beachfrontnarooma.com.au
• Seascape Ecotel provides budget hotel accommodation. 
  Phone 02 4476 2217   www.ecotel.com.au
• Whale Motor Inn is a four star hotel. 
  Phone: 02 4476 2411 www.whalemotorinn.com
• Narooma YHA is budget accommodation.
  Phone 02  4476 4440

Is travel insurance included?

Personal travel insurance is not included. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, including a cancellation policy.

How do I get to Narooma?

Approximate travel distances to Narooma:

• Canberra (via Braidwood): 220kms (3 hours)
• Sydney: 345 kms (4 - 5 hours)
• Melbourne: 700 kms (9 - 10 hours)
• Wollongong: 271 kms (3 - 4hours)
  

Fly/Drive

• Regional Express Airlines (REX) 13 17 13, www.rex.com.au has daily flights to Merimbula and Moruya from Sydney and Melbourne. 
• Rental cars are available from Thrifty car hire (02) 6495 3440 at Merimbula and Hertz Rent-a-Car (02) 4474 3144 at Moruya.
• Murray's Coaches - 13 22 51, www.murrays.com.au has daily departures from Canberra to the South Coast.
• Premier Motor Services  - 13 33 10, www.premierms.com.au provide transfers to Narooma along the East Coast of Australia from Cairns, Sydney, South Coast NSW, through to Melbourne
• V-Line - 13 61 96 provide rail and coach service from Melbourne to Narooma.

Contact Us :

• Freecall in Australia 1800 032 501
• Phone: + 61 3 5330 2600
• Fax: + 61 5330 2922
• Email: bookings@conservationvolunteers.com.au