Conservation Volunteers Australia invites you to experience Montague Island, a stunning nature reserve located on New South Wales’ south coast, nine kilometres offshore from the small coastal township of Narooma. Montague Island has been protected as a wildlife sanctuary for over 50 years, and a visit to the island this spring will reveal why, as 30,000 seabirds return to nest for the annual breeding season.
Amongst the crested terns, shear waters and silver gulls, up to 8,000 pairs of little penguins come ashore, making it the largest colony found in New South Wales. Fur seal numbers peak in spring, with more than 1,000 seals found playing together on the northern edge of the island, and humpback whales grace the surrounding waters on their annual migration southward to Antarctica.
If environmentally responsible travel is for you, then a visit to Montague Island will showcase nature tourism at its best. Small group ecotours entice visitors back again and again to four-star heritage guesthouse accommodation, set in amongst the wild wonders.
Naturewise Conservation Holidays provide meaningful travel, connecting people with nature and the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ in helping to protect and conserve the island.
The special quality of this ecotourism experience has been recognised in a plethora of awards and recognitions, most notably, a National Tourism Award for Australia’s best ecotourism experience. It is Advanced Eco Certified, meeting strict guidelines set by Australia’s peak ecotourism body, Ecotourism Australia.
Your nature holiday on Montague Island can be as active or passive as you choose. Guided by a local park ranger, explore the island by foot, discovering its vast ecological and historical significance, revealed in 125 years of lighthouse history and wildlife found around every corner. According to previous participants, there is nothing else quite like this experience:
“Breathtaking wild beauty, perfect weather, excellent company, delicious food and wine – Wow! Thanks for having us in this treasure of a place.” Sarah and Geoff Cains
Ecotours are operated by Conservation Volunteers Australia and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Free call (aus only) 1800 032 501.