Narooma and Barunguba Montague Island Heritage
Historical Sites and Heritage Locations
Long before Narooma became the seaside town it is today, Wagonga Inlet served as a vital port, supplying the Dromedary and Nerrigundah goldfields from 1860. Sawmilling later became the region's main industry, with timber shipped to Sydney from local mills until the mid-1950s. Narooma was declared a town in 1886.
Even in its early days, Narooma drew visitors with its natural beauty, superb ocean and inlet fishing, and plentiful oysters. From the 1920s, stylish guesthouses welcomed Sydney professionals alongside farmers and graziers from the west, while foreshore camping became a favourite pastime. Today, tourism remains Narooma's leading industry.
History lovers can start at the old Visitor Centre building to view the original lens from Montague Lighthouse, and discover the story of Barunguba Montague Island and its light station, from Aboriginal custodianship and early settlement to maritime endeavours and fishing. Book a charter to visit the historic Barunguba Montague Island Lightstation.
Walk the shoreline to Bar Rock Lookout, or follow the Mill Bay Boardwalk, where interpretive signs bring Narooma's past to life alongside a cluster of heritage-listed boatsheds.
For a different perspective, cruise aboard the Wagonga Princess to hear what life was like "on the river" or catch a film at the School of Arts Hall, better known as the Kinema, one of NSW's longest-running movie theatres.
History lovers can start at the old Visitor Centre building to view the original lens from Montague Lighthouse, and discover the story of Barunguba Montague Island and its light station, from Aboriginal custodianship and early settlement to maritime endeavours and fishing. Book a charter to visit the historic Barunguba Montague Island Lightstation.
Walk the shoreline to Bar Rock Lookout, or follow the Mill Bay Boardwalk, where interpretive signs bring Narooma's past to life alongside a cluster of heritage-listed boatsheds.
For a different perspective, cruise aboard the Wagonga Princess to hear what life was like "on the river" or catch a film at the School of Arts Hall, better known as the Kinema, one of NSW's longest-running movie theatres.
