Montague Island Overnight Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the accomodation on Montague Island?
How long is the boat trip to the island?

Conditions of travel?

What's included in the program price?

What's not included in the program price?

Tour departure times and location?
What fitness levels do I require?
What do I need to bring?
How long and hard are the walks for the program?

What are the seasonal wildlife trends?
How many people are on the overnight tour?
Can I book a tour for a group?
What about meals?
Can I snorkel or dive off Montage?
Tell me more about the conservation and research projects?
Can you recommend any place to stay in Narooma?
Is travel insurance included?

How do I get to Narooma?

 

What is the accomodation on Montague Island?

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.  

How long is the boat trip to the island?

Transfer to Montague Island is on a fully surveyed and licensed passenger boat with Narooma Charters. 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?

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

What's not included in the program price?

Travel to Narooma, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, meals, activities and transfers other than stated in the program itinerary.

 

Tour departure times and location?

Tours depart from the Town Wharf in Narooma at 9.30am.  The approximate return time to Narooma is 1.30pm.

What fitness levels do I require?

Tours require a reasonable level of fitness 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.

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
  • Work / gardening gloves
  • 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

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?

Yes group bookings are welcome. For groups of nine or more people you can book out a tour date exclusively for your group.  We can also design programs and dates to suit your group needs. Please contact us for more information on our group packages.

What about meals?

All meals are provided during the 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 purchase of alcohol.

Can I snorkel or dive off Montage?

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?

All activities undertaken on Montague Island are consistent with the Nature Reserve status and are part of a long term seabird habitat restoration program. During the tour there are opportunities to participate in conservation projects taking place on the island. Participation is optional and no prior experience is required.  The duration and nature of activities will depend upon various factors including time of visit, weather, research being undertaken on Island, and the particular phase of any work program being undertaken at the time of the trip. Activities are undertaken for a minimum of two hours per tour, but this may be extended or reduced depending upon factors such as weather.  Researchers will work with tour groups should they be on the Island at the time. However, visiting researchers are not guaranteed for every trip.    

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

  • 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
  • Holiday Lodge provides comfortable and well priced accommodation. Phone 02 4476 2282. www.holidaylodge.com.au
  • 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