Bruny Island in Tasmania is a hidden gem that offers an array of exciting activities for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.
Located just off the southern coast of Tasmania, this picturesque island boasts stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re interested in exploring the island’s vibrant food scene, embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the serenity of its untouched beauty, Bruny Island has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will delve into some of the top things to do on Bruny Island that are sure to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
If you are looking for things to do from Hobart for a day or for a few days why not head to Bruny Island, Tasmania?
A regular question we are asked: Is it worth visiting Bruny Island? For a small island, with only 600 residents, it is impressive, offering the visitor excellent local cuisine, history, scenic landscapes, the best oysters in Tasmania, wine and much much more. Bruny Island is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania.
There are so many things to do on Bruny Island you may want to consider staying a night or two.
You can choose to stay either on North Bruny Island or South Bruny Island.
In our article on Bruny Island you will learn:
- where is Bruny Island
- how to get to Bruny Island from Hobart
- what to see and do on Bruny Island
- frequently asked questions on visiting Bruny Island
- available hikes on Bruny Island
- where to eat on Bruny Island
- travel tips on Bruny Island
- Bruny Island weather
- Bruny Island cruises
Did you know that Tasmania is reputed to have the world’s cleanest air?
Where is Bruny Island Located
Tasmania Islands: There are 334 islands in Tasmania, 3 large ones such as Flinders Island, King Island and Bruny Island, the rest are smaller islands or rocky outcrops.
Bruny Island Tasmania is an island of 89,000 acres and 362 sq km located on the south-eastern coast of Tasmania. The two islands – North and South Bruny Island span 100 km in length. The three major towns are Alonnah, Lunawanna and Adventure Bay.
Bruny Island Map
Frequently Asked Questions on Visiting Bruny Island
How much does the Bruny Island Ferry cost?
Currently, there are two fares available – light fares and standard fares. Light fares are available for travel before 7.30 am Monday to Sunday and from 5 pm to 7 pm Saturday to Thursday.
You can check the latest fares and availability here
Do you need to make reservations in advance for the Bruny Island Ferry?
You do not need to book for a journey on the Bruny Island Ferry. If you are travelling in peak holiday times we do recommend booking in advance so that you don’t miss out, it is a popular destination for visitors to Tasmania and locals returning to the mainland for produce or visiting family and friends.
Current update from the Sealink Ferry website:
“Please note online pre-purchased tickets will only be available for vehicles less than 6 metres with a standard fare driver. Vehicles less than 6 metres with *Concession/Pensioner, vehicles greater than 6 metres trailer combinations and light fares will still need to be purchased at the booth in Kettering.“
Good To Know: The last ferry departs Bruny Island at 7 pm.
Is there public transport available on Bruny Island?
There are no buses on Bruny Island so you will either have to have a car or bike for your transport or visit by a tour.
Is there a public bus from Hobart to the ferry terminal at Kettering?
Bus 415 from Franklin Square runs a scheduled service that takes 50 minutes. For more information on departure times click here
When is the best time to visit Bruny Island?
September to February are the peak times to visit Bruny Island.
Bruny Island weather – the weather is warmer from September to February.
Other times are peak holidays such as Easter, School Holidays and Christmas time.
How much time do you need on Bruny Island?
We did a Bruny Island day trip but you could easily spend a night or two and see more of the Bruny Island attractions.
How do you spend a day on Bruny Island?
There are so many things to do in Bruny Island. These are some of our favourites:
- Eating oysters from Get Shucked – Bruny Island’s drive-through Oyster Bar
- Tasting cheese from the Bruny Island Cheese Shop
- Trying craft beer from the Bruny Island Cheese Shop
- Tasting honey at Bruny Island Honey – they have been collecting honey for over 20 years and have 800+ hives
- See Australian Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins. The Bruny Island penguins can be found at The Neck and the best time to see them is at dusk when they emerge from their burrows to feed
- Search for the white wallaby in the Mount Mangana rainforest
- Explore The Neck Lookout and Wildlife Reserve
- Visit the Truganini Lookout for stunning views
- Visit the Cape Bruny Lighthouse Station and Museum
- Visit the Houndstooth Whiskey Distillery
- Visit the Bruny Island Chocolate Company for a tasting of chocolate and fudge
- Eat at the Bruny Island Seafood Restaurant
- Eat at the Bruny Island Hotel
- Try Bruny Island Premium Wines – Australia’s southernmost vineyard offering wine and cider
- Drink Bruny Island Cider at the Bruny Island Hotel
- Take a Bruny Island Boat Cruise
- Enjoy the incredible scenery
- Enjoy Bruny Island walks. There are many Bruny Island walking tracks so you may need to spend at least a few days enjoying them all.
What do you wear on Bruny Island?
Ensure that you take with you a rain jacket, wear layered clothes and good walking shoes. In winter pack a beanie and gloves.
We would also recommend sunscreen and insect repellent.
What animal life can we expect to see on Bruny Island?
Bruny Island is home to fur and elephant seals, penguins, dolphins, whales and a variety of birdlife that includes mutton birds, albatross and the swift parrot and more.
Are the roads sealed on Bruny Island?
South Bruny has several unsealed roads.
How many petrol stations are there on Bruny Island?
Adventure Bay has the only petrol station on the island. Petrol is more expensive than on the mainland.
Good to Know: We would recommend filling up on the mainland before travelling on the Ferry.
Are there many hikes on Bruny Island?
Hiking Bruny Island is very popular.
There are many Bruny Island walks available:
- Fluted Cape Hike – one of Tasmania’s 60 short walks – 4 km allow 2.5 hours
- Mavista Nature Walk – 1.4 km allow 40 minutes
- Allonnah Sheepwash Bay Track – 3 km allow 1 hour
- Labillardiere Peninsula Track is made up of 2 circuits 1) the Luggaboine Circuit 4 km 1.5 hours and the Labillardiere Peninsula Circuit 15 km 5 hours
- Cape Queen Elizabeth Track – 12 km allow 3 hours
- East Cloudy Head Track – 12 km allow 4 hours
What are the best family beaches on Bruny Island?
The best family beaches are Adventure Bay and Jetty Beach on South Bruny Island and on North Bruny Island Killora Beach and Nebraska Beach.
Can you surf on Bruny Island?
You can surf at Mabel Bay and Cloudy Bay.
How To Get To Bruny Island
There are three options when visiting Bruny Island.
You can book a Bruny Island Safari Tour which includes visiting the lighthouse, food and sightseeing.
Book NowLatest review: “The best thing about our Bruny Island tour is all the inclusions that we experienced that day. We left Hobart early, made the 8.30 ferry, enjoyed a picnic of oysters from Get Shucked, cheese and freshly made bread from Bruny Island Cheese Company. Also included was a private tour of the Bruny Island Lighthouse with a guide. We had our table reserved in advance at the popular Bruny Island Hotel and enjoyed visiting the Bruny Island Fudge Company, Bruny Island Honey, Truganni Lookout, Bruny Island Distillery all guided by a local who told interesting stories and historical facts.”
You can hire a car to visit Bruny Island from either Hobart Airport or Hobart City.
Travel Tip: You will need to check with the car hire company whether they allow their cars to be taken across by ferry to Bruny Island over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
How to get to Bruny Island from Hobart:
Take the A6 highway out of the city to Kingston where you take the B68 exit for Channel Highway. On arrival in Kettering turn left on Ferry Road and head to the terminal.
By Sea – Bruny Island Ferry
The ferry to Bruny Island Tasmania leaves from Kettering on the mainland, 32 km from Hobart. The journey from Hobart to Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in Kettering takes around 45 minutes.
You can keep up to date with the latest on the Sealink Ferry to Bruny Island on their Facebook page.
Bruny Island ferry time – the journey takes 20 minutes.
Bruny Island Ferries leaves every 30 minutes from Kettering to Bruny Island in either direction. Sealink now operates the service 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can purchase the ticket on arrival. Tickets are open return and valid any day. Check-in is 20 minutes prior to sailing. Passengers travel free of charge.
Cash is the preferred payment method but EFTPOS Paywave and PayPass are available.
Whilst waiting at the Ferry terminal we can recommend coffee and freshly baked muffins from the Bruny Island Gateway Cafe at 76 Ferry Road Kettering. Our guide always has his breakfast there and we can see why after enjoying the coffee and muffins.
Tasmanian National Parks Pass
For some areas of Bruny Island, you will require to purchase a Tasmanian National Parks Pass. Full details here.
Bruny Island Shopping and Restaurant Tips
Good to know: You will find some restaurants may only open Friday and Saturday nights during the Spring and Summer seasons. It is recommended to ring in advance and to make a booking if travelling in peak season.
Good to know: There are general stores in Adventure Bay, Alonnah and Oyster Cove. If you need a pharmacy, the post office or the police you will need to go to Alonnah.
Bruny Island Accommodation
Bruny Island has a range of accommodations for all types of travellers and budgets.
Good to know: Consider booking in advance for peak travel periods. Some accommodations are booked out a year in advance in particular at Christmas and Easter with regular travellers.
North Bruny Island has a range of holiday houses for families and couples. All are located a short distance from the Ferry Wharf.
South Bruny Island has more accommodation options than North Bruny Island from luxury holiday homes, hotels, cabins, cottages, caravan park and camping grounds.
Bruny Island Weather
Quick Climate Info | |
---|---|
Hottest Month | January (17 °C avg) |
Coldest Month | July (9 °C avg) |
Wettest Month | October (23.7 mm avg) |
Windiest Month | December (18 km/h avg) |
Annual precip. | 196.8 mm (per year) |
Source: Weather by CustomWeather, © 2021
Where to Eat on Bruny Island
Bruny Island Restaurants
Wondering where to eat on Bruny Island?
Good to know: Some restaurants only open on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call the venue before heading out and during the busy summer period you will need to make reservations.
The most popular restaurants on Bruny Island are:
Hotel Bruny Bistro is located at 3959 Main Road Alonnah. You will need to make a reservation during the summer months. The food is excellent. Try the local Bruny Island Cider.
Get Shucked Oyster Bar Restaurant is located at 1735/1751 Bruny Island Main Rd, North Bruny. You can either drive through and buy your oysters and head along the coast for a picnic or enjoy sitting at one of their outdoor tables.
Bruny Island Cheese Company is located at 1807 Bruny Island Main Road Great Bay. Not only do they produce the best of local cheeses they offer an excellent range of craft beers, wines and cheese platters to enjoy with your beverage of choice.
Bruny Island Premium Wines is located at 4391 Bruny Island Main Road Lunawanna. For a range of premium wines look no further than Bruny Island Premium Wines. The Wine Bar & Grill serves all-day lunch in a relaxed alfresco dining area amongst the vines, featuring an extensive Bruny Island produce menu.
Bruny Island Cafes
Penguin & Pardalote Coffee House is located at 710 Adventure Bay Road Adventure Bay. For great coffee, light breakfast items, beer, wine, oysters and crepes! Locally sourced produce, with an awesome view.
Bruny Island Cafe is located at 3349 Bruny Island Main Road. For breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Bruny Island Food Producers:
Bruny Island has some of the best local food producers:
Get Shucked Oysters – 1735 Bruny Island Main Road Great Bay. You can eat in or takeaway. Why not enjoy a local brew with your oysters that come natural or cooked. Bread and chips are also available.
Bruny Island Cheese Shop – 1807 Bruny Island Main Road Great Bay. We visited the Bruny Island Cheese Shop first thing on arrival on our day tour, where we tasted 3 of their cheeses and freshly baked sourdough baguettes on a picnic at Two Tree Point. The picnic also included oysters from Get Shucked.
Bruny Island Beer Company – 1807 Bruny Island Main Road Great Bay. At the end of our day tour, we had some time before we needed to be at the Ferry Terminal and enjoyed a paddle of their craft beers.
Bruny Island Honey – 2184 Bruny Island Main Road Great Bay. Enjoy tasting the many varieties of locally produced honey. The shop has a range of products made from honey including yummy honey ice cream, face creams, hand lotions, lip balm and more. There are books and a range of gifts available.
Houndstooth Whiskey Distillery at 55 Adventure Bay Road Adventure Bay (part of the Bruny Island Chocolate Company). When you visit the Bruny Island Chocolate Company you can purchase their distilled whiskey, which apparently so a local told us, is a very smooth drop.
Bruny Island Chocolate Company – 55 Adventure Bay Road Adventure Bay. The best fudge we have tasted, so be sure to sample their different types. Their fudge is made from a special recipe so it is not as sugary as other fudge we have tasted around the world.
Bruny Island Premium Wines – 4391 Bruny Island Main Road Lunawanna
Bruny Island Cider – can be purchased at the Hotel Bruny at 3959 Bruny Island Main Road Alonnah. We highly recommend that you purchase a bottle or two of their cider to enjoy with lunch at the Hotel Bruny.
Bruny Island Smokehouse – 259 Lennon Road Bruny Island North Bruny
Bruny Island Berry Farm – 550 Adventure Bar Road Adventure Bay
Bruny Island Tripadvisor
Read what other travellers have to say about their time on Bruny Island here.
What To Do on Bruny Island
What are the top things to do on Bruny Island?
Bruny Island Cruises
Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise (from Hobart)for 3 hours where you can spot dolphins playing and humpback whales on their yearly migration. The cruise also includes a visit to the fur seal colony at The Friars and the famous “Breathing Rocks”.
The full-day tour includes morning tea and lunch. Departure is at 7.30 am from Franklin Wharf at the Hobart Waterfront Book Centre returning around 5.30 pm.
For the latest availability and booking click here
Options to join the cruise from:
Kettering (where the ferry departs from on the mainland)
Bruny Island Tours
Bruny Island Tours from Hobart. You can read our review here.
Book NowA fun day of dining on Bruny Island oysters, cheeses, honey, chocolate, lunch at the Hotel Bruny with visits to the Lighthouse, The Neck, Adventure Bay and more. You may even be lucky enough to see the rare white wallaby.
Check out our Youtube Video of our Bruny Lighthouse Tour, Sightseeing and Gourmet Food here
Bruny Island Full-Day Tour Including 6 Course Lunch
Depart Hobart for a full 9 hour day of gourmet food tasting and sightseeing. After lunch enjoy a scenic beach walk, HIBA garden tour, Bligh Museum and a visit to Bruny Island Honey. Lunch includes two glasses of wine, beer, cider or soft drinks. Search for the white wallaby and enjoy a walk through the Mavista rainforest.
Bruny Island Attractions
The Neck/Truganini lookout
It is worth the 279 wooden steps climb to the top of the Neck for stunning 360 degrees over North and South Bruny Island and the isthmus that joins the two. Once on the lookout, you will find a monument that has been dedicated to the Aboriginal woman Truganini who worked tirelessly in Tasmania uniting the aboriginal communities. Her father was the chief of the Nuenonne tribe.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Another opportunity for 360-degree views of Bruny Island. The heritage-listed lighthouse dates back to 1836 and stands 114 metres tall. It is the only lighthouse in Tasmania that is open for tours. It is well worth doing the tour. If you are worried about the steps, don’t, the walk up to the lighthouse is more strenuous than the tour inside to the top of the lighthouse.
There is a small museum near the car park at Cape Bruny Lighthouse which is worth a visit.
30 Minute Tour AUD10.00 per person
Sunset Tour approximate duration 1 hour AUD70.00 per person
Book here in advance for Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours
Search for the White Wallaby at Adventure Bay
The Bennett’s Wallaby (also known as the White Wallaby) can only be found on Bruny Island and nowhere else in the world.
Visit Two Tree Point at Resolution Creek
This pretty spot in Adventure Bay is named for the two trees that stand at the point where Resolution Creek meets the ocean. Explorers Captain Furneaux in 1773, Captain James Cook in 1777 and Captain Bligh in 1788 stopped here for fresh water supplies during their voyages.
Good to know: a good spot for a picnic and there are picnic tables available
Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration
Address: 856 Adventure Bay Road South Bruny
A privately owned museum built by convict bricks. The museum contains documents, paintings and maps from the early explorers of Tasmania.
Entrance Fee: AUD4.00 adults and AUD2.00 children
Flight Deals to Hobart
For the latest flight deals to Hobart compare prices here. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar have flights to Tasmania.
Hobart International Airport (domestic and international departures and arrivals from the same terminal) is located 17 km from Hobart CBD.
As Tasmania is an island there are strict quarantine rules. For more information click here.
Wifi Coverage on Bruny Island
Telstra is the better option for coverage, most other providers you may be able to get 3G or 4G.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Bruny Island in Tasmania offers an abundance of activities and attractions that cater to all interests and preferences. Whether it’s exploring the stunning natural landscapes, indulging in delicious local produce, or immersing oneself in the rich history and cultural heritage of the island, there is something for everyone.
From breathtaking hikes and wildlife encounters to mouthwatering food tours and charming art galleries, visitors are guaranteed a memorable experience on this unique destination. With its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Bruny Island truly captures the essence of Tasmania’s natural wonders. So why wait? Plan your trip now and embark on an unforgettable adventure on Bruny Island.
Bruny Island is a special destination in Tasmania and one that we hope you will have time to visit and enjoy. Bruny Island is perfect for a day trip or to spend a few nights with family and friends.
We at Staycation Australia wish you an enjoyable time discovering Tasmania.
More reading:
Port Arthur Day Tour (review of our tour)
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