This amazing nature reserve, which has won many awards for its eco-tourism tours, is a seabird haven and is part of the Mt Dromedary Igneous Complex. The northern part of the island is made up of a andesite lava extrusion from a volcanic eruption on Gulaga, or Mt Dromedary as it is also called, about 95 million years ago in the Cretaceous period. The dark coloured rocks in the north contrast with the southern part of the island which has been formed through intrusive igneous rocks that have cooled underneath the surface and been exposed through erosion. These rocks were also formed through the activity of the ancient volcano. These igneous intrusions in the south of the island now take the shape of impressive sculptural tors that have been well-rounded and smoothed with weathering.

Until about nine thousand years ago the island was part of the mainland, connecting with Cape Dromedary, just south of Mystery Bay, by a sand spit. Barunguba Montague Island is now 9km offshore from Narooma and of interest to not only geologists, but lighthouse historians, nature lovers and eco-tourists. It is also a very culturally significant place to the local Yuin people.

How to get there: Book through the NPWS Narooma Office on 02 4476 0800. You can book overnight or day trips.

What to do: Help with conservation work; watch the penguins as the surf into the rocks in the evenings; whale watch in spring; relax, paint and take photographs; bird watch and climb the lighthouse.