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Unwind on Montague Island

Unwind on Montague Island

The little island off the Australian coast home to birds, penguins, seals and not much else

The light house keeper's cottage sitting atop one of the massive rock formations on Montague Island
The light house keeper's cottage sitting atop one of the massive rock formations on Montague Island

Montague Island is a small island located off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular tourist destination and is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales. The island is approximately two kilometers long and one kilometer wide, and is a part of the Montague Island Nature Reserve.

The view out over the sea from Montague Island
The view out over the sea from Montague Island

Where in the world are we?

I always had a yen to visit Montague Island. It regularly gets a mention in descriptions of the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race as the boats race past it on their way South.

Our visit and three day stay at the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage was organised through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

We had the island to ouselves most of the time. Tourists do come on day trips but they are only on the island for a short time.

The island is known for its picturesque coastline, rugged cliffs, and unique rock formations. It is also home to the historic Montague Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1881 and is still in operation today, although the service is now automated.

Looking over the lighthouse keeper's complex from the top of the lighthouse
Looking over the lighthouse keeper's complex from the top of the lighthouse

A walk around the island will reveal the colony of New Zealand and Australian fur seals which are at their peak on the island during spring. You might even spot  humpback whales along the coastline, and pods of dolphins come to play among the boats too. From October huge numbers of shearwaters begin to arrive and nest on the island through the summer.

A view of the lighthouse from the courtyard of the lighthouse keeper's cottage.
A view of the lighthouse from the courtyard of the lighthouse keeper's cottage.
If you are staying on the island, make sure you bring a good book or a jigsaw to while away the evening hours.
If you are staying on the island, make sure you bring a good book or a jigsaw to while away the evening hours.
A reminder of the lonely life of the original lighthouse keepers and their families.
A reminder of the lonely life of the original lighthouse keepers and their families.
The lighthouse on Montague Island.
The lighthouse on Montague Island.
Montague Island fades into the background as we return to the mainland
Montague Island fades into the background as we return to the mainland. With the increased use of indigenous names, perhaps they will be talking about the Sydney/Hobart race yachts passing Barunguba in the future.

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Unwind on Montague Island

Montague Island is a small island located off the coast of the state of New South Wales, Australia. Home to the historic Montague Island lighthouse, it’s a great place to visit if you want to unwind for a couple of days.

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Rachael
6 months ago

This is a very relaxing place to visit

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