MONTAGUE ISLAND
Host: MIKE WHITNEY
Mike’s checking in … at a lighthouse. Montague Island Nature Reserve was the winner in the Eco Tourism Category at the 2006 NSW Tourism Awards and Mike’s here to check it out and experience the overnight tour for himself.
Snorkelling/Diving With Seals
Montague Island is home to the largest Australian and New Zealand fur seal haul-out site along the NSW coast, with more than a thousand seals crowding the rocks on the northern site in winter and spring. The seals are there all year round and snorkelling/diving with the seals is an optional extra that’s available throughout the year.
In spring at the peak season there are up to 2000 seals at Montague Island.
In summer the number of seals is in the vicinity of 200 – 300.
Island Tour and Lighthouse/Muesem Tour
Lighthouse Tour:
The lighthouse tour goes for 1 hour. There are not that many stairs leading to the top of the lighthouse, so it’s suitable for people of all ages.
At the top of the lighthouse there’s a small balcony that you can go out on and the view from the top is amazing.
Museum Tour:
The museum is located next to the lighthouse keeper’s quarters and is set up to show people how the lighthouse keeper and his family used to live back in the late 1800’s / early 1900’s.
The tour covers the history of the Island and the lighthouse and also covers the architectural aspects of the buildings on the island.
Conservation Activities
All conservation activities undertaken on Montague Island are consistent with the Nature Reserve status of the Island and overnight tours include some form of conservation activity. No prior experience is required to participate.
The duration and the nature of the activities will depend upon various factors including time of visit, weather, research being undertaken on the island and the particular phase of any work program being undertaken for a minimum of two hours per tour but this may be extended or reduced depending upon factors such as weather.
Researchers will take tour groups should they be on the island at the time, however visiting researchers are not guaranteed for every trip.
The key activities that are done as part of the conservation program are:
- Revegetation of plants
- Weed removal
- Planting new native plants
- Maintaining the nursery that is located on the island
- Bird surveys including penguins and mutton birds
- Retagging penguin nesting sites
Penguin Viewing
Montague Island is one of the most important breeding areas along the NSW coast for seabirds, particularly Little Penguins. The island has a large colony of Little Penguins and many other seabirds use it as a breeding ground and migratory resting place.
Three species of Shearwaters, as well as Silver Gulls and Crested Terns also nest in spring and summer. Soaring eagles and other birds of prey are regular visitors counted amongst the more than 90 bird species recorded on or over the Island.
Montague Island provides a unique site for the many naturalists, botanists and other researchers who gather much data here in this diverse, isolated ecosystem.
Sea Bird habitat restoration is a large part of the penguin conservation program on Montague Island.
The reason they are doing the Sea Bird habitat restoration is because the penguins become entangled in the weeds and die, hence the weed removal program.
The penguin viewing happens at sunset (currently around 8.30pm).
To see the penguins, there is a viewing platform that can accommodate 10-15 people. There are also 2 landing sites, where you can sit on the rocks and the penguins walk straight past you!
Accommodation + Eating Out
Accommodation is provided in the Island heritage restored and beautifully appointed guesthouse which is the original lighthouse keeper’s quarters.
Linen and bath towels are provided and other guest facilities include a lounge/reading room, kitchen and dining area.
All meals are provided during the overnight stays with fresh and local produce is used whenever available and Montague Island has a policy of supporting local community businesses.
There are 5 rooms which accommodate 10 people.
More Information
Conservation Volunteers
Telephone: 1800 032 501
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
Team up with the Conservation Volunteers for a two night package. Prices start from $550 per person. This includes meals, accommodation, NWPS guide, scheduled activities and vessel transport from Narooma. Diving is an optional extra and is $88 per person including tanks and 2 dives.
Prices correct as at 17/02/07