The Old Wharf is the site of the former lighthouse jetty on Montague Island. The Marine Life Network describes it as the former lighthouse jetty from the 1880s, a calm 8 m site suitable for beginners. The lighthouse, completed in 1881, was supplied by boat, and remains of the landing structure – footings, bolts and scattered ironwork – lie on the reef and sand.

Old structures in shallow water become artificial reefs. Expect sponges, sea squirts and encrusting algae on the remains, and fish such as bream, luderick, sweep, leatherjackets and blue groper around them. Octopus, nudibranchs and small crabs live in the crevices, and seals often come to investigate divers in the shallows. The surrounding reef is granite boulders with kelp.

The site suits beginners and snorkellers, and it is a good second dive in calm conditions. It offers a bit of history alongside the marine life. Landing on the island is only allowed on NPWS-guided tours, so this site is dived from the boat. There is no published position and the Marine Life Network summary is the only source. Remember that anything from the old jetty is protected heritage and must not be removed. Visibility is often good, since the island is far from river runoff, and the shallow depth gives long, relaxed bottom times. It also makes a good snorkel for non-divers on the boat. The lighthouse and keepers' cottages can be seen from the water, and the island's colonies of little penguins and seabirds are a reminder of Montague's long history as a light station and nature reserve.

Boat access only. Narooma Charters leaves from the Narooma town wharf on Wagonga Inlet (about 25 minutes to the island) and Underwater Safaris from Narooma marina; private boats launch at the Apex Park or Bar Beach ramps inside the inlet. Every trip crosses the Narooma bar, one of the most dangerous on the NSW coast, so departures depend on bar conditions; Bermagui harbour (about 24 km by sea) is the fallback launch point.

The old wharf is at the landing used to supply the lighthouse; it is dived from the charter boat, not from the island (landing requires an NPWS tour).

Montague Island is about 9 km offshore and fully exposed, but operators can usually find a sheltered side. The main limit is the Narooma bar, which closes in moderate easterly or southerly swell, especially on a run-out tide, so trips are often delayed or cancelled. Currents are strongest around the northern and eastern sides.

The old wharf area is described as calm, but it is only sheltered when the wind and swell come from the other side of the island.

Descend near the old jetty remains, explore the pylon footings and scattered structure at 4–8 m, then follow the reef edge a short way and return to the boat. Finish with a safety stop in the shallows beside the boat.

Listed by the Marine Life Network as a calm beginners' site; used by Narooma operators for new divers and snorkellers.