Bruny Island

Bruny Island, a rugged sliver of wilderness off Tasmania’s south-east coast, is a place where dramatic sea cliffs meet pristine beaches and gourmet produce thrives. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Kettering, the island feels a world away from the mainland, offering a perfect blend of coastal walks, local food artisans, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re hiking to a lighthouse with sweeping ocean views, spotting white wallabies at dusk, or sampling cheese and oysters straight from the source, Bruny is a must for anyone craving a genuine taste of Tasmanian island life.

Highlights & What to See

• The Neck – Climb the wooden boardwalk to the lookout for a breathtaking view of the narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny. Keep an eye out for little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk.
• Bruny Island Lighthouse – Australia’s second-oldest lighthouse, perched on the southern tip. The short walk offers dramatic cliff-top scenery and, in season, whale sightings.
• Adventure Bay – A long sweep of white sand perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere. The nearby penguin colony is a highlight after sunset.
• Get Shucked Oyster Bar – Pull up a chair at this waterfront shack for the freshest oysters, shucked to order. Pair with a local wine or cider for a quintessential Bruny experience.
• Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co. – Sample artisan cheeses and handcrafted beers in a rustic setting. The tasting platter is a delicious introduction to the island’s produce.
• South Bruny National Park – Explore walking trails through coastal heath and eucalypt forest, including the Cloudy Bay Lagoon walk and the more challenging Fluted Cape Track.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bruny Island rewards a full day, but an overnight stay is ideal to experience its evening wildlife and sunrise coastal walks. If you’re short on time, a day trip allows you to hit the highlights: catch the early ferry, tour the Neck and lighthouse, enjoy a seafood lunch, and return on the late afternoon ferry. For a more relaxed pace, base yourself at Adventure Bay or Alonnah for two nights, giving you time to explore both the north and south ends of the island.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park – A scenic drive north leads to Tasmania’s most iconic bay, with its perfect curve of white sand and granite peaks. Combine both for a classic east-coast itinerary.
• Hobart – Tasmania’s capital is just a 30-minute drive from the ferry terminal. Spend a day exploring Salamanca Market, MONA, and Mount Wellington before heading to Bruny.
• Huon Valley – Lush apple orchards, cider houses, and the Tahune AirWalk make this a natural pairing with Bruny on a south-east Tasmanian road trip.
• Port Arthur – The historic convict site on the Tasman Peninsula is about an hour’s drive from the ferry. Combine with Bruny for a history-and-nature weekend.

Please check official sources for current details.