Just a 20-minute boat ride from the coastal town of Narooma, Montague Island is awash with arresting wildlife. A penguin colony, peregrine falcons and kestrels all make their home here, while whales and dolphins leap in the surrounding turquoise waters.

It’s the playful native fur seals that make Montague Island such a draw and witnessing them dance beneath the waves is a sight to behold. But there’s plenty more besides. Montague Island’s rich history and dramatic landscapes all invite exploration. Here’s how to get the most from a trip to Montague Island.

Montague Island: where history and nature align

Also known as Barunguba, Montague Island has immense Aboriginal significance. Ancient Aboriginal artefacts have been found scattered across it, and for centuries the island was used in ceremonies and as a source of food.

In the more recent past, European settlers and mariners in the late eighteenth century turned it into a base for sealing and fishing. Thankfully, today, Montague Island is now a protected nature reserve.

Only visitable through a guided tour, Montague Island’s dazzling array of wildlife almost rivals the Galapagos. As your boat zooms toward the island, you’ll spot the tall lighthouse crowning its peak. The skies teem with swarming birds and the shoreline appears to move thanks to its colony of seals undulating down to the sea.

How can I snorkel with seals at Montague Island?

During peak season in winter over 1,000 Australian fur seals reside on Montague Island. You’ll spot them sunbathing on the rocks before plunging in for a cooling dip. Curious and friendly, the seals love showcasing their acrobatic skills to visitors on an underwater safari.

Numerous operators offer three-four-hour seal snorkelling tours. Departing from Narooma, you’ll cruise over to Montague Island and a certified PADI Dive Master or Instructor will guide you through your underwater experience. Lock eye-to-eye with fur seals as you bob on the waves. If you’re lucky you may even spot a passing pod of humpback whales too.

What else is there to see and do on Montague Island?

Montague Island’s incredible wildlife will captivate visitors, but its rugged landscapes and compelling history demand to be seen, too. Itself, a geological wonder formed by granite and lava, the island is strewn with native flora like matrush and acacia. Spend a few hours wandering across its rocky formations.

After strolling around Montague Island’s scenic landscapes, ascend to the famous lighthouse. Built in 1881, this landmark offers jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramas from the top.

Montague Island at a glance

  • Narooma on the NSW coast is 218km and three hours’ drive from Canberra. Boats depart from Narooma and take 20 minutes.
  • Underwater Safaris and Narooma Charters are the main seal snorkelling tour operators.
  • Montague Island is sacred to Aborigines and has a centuries-long history.
  • Montague Island is a protected nature reserve, home to over 90 bird species, a penguin colony, fur seals, whales and dolphins.

Who is Montague Island good for?

Confident swimmers, families, children eleven years and up, wildlife watchers.

About the ActewAGL evHub

There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.

For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Tesla, 2 Plugs 7 kW2
Stations Tesla Destination

120, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, 2600, ACT


The Seabird
Type 2, 2 Plugs,
2 Stations Non-networked

103, Bruce Cameron Drive, Moruya, 2537, NSW


Train St Central
Type 2, 1 Plug
1 Station EVUp

55, Train St, Broulee, 2537, NSW