Bruny Island is a spectacular island destination just a short ferry ride from Hobart. Actually two islands connected by a narrow sandy isthmus called The Neck, Bruny offers dramatic sea cliffs, pristine beaches, rare white wallabies, some of Tasmania's finest artisan food producers, and a pace of life that makes the Tasmanian mainland seem hectic. It is one of the best day trips from Hobart, though staying overnight allows you to fully appreciate the island's quiet magic.
Getting There
Bruny Island is about a 40-minute drive south of Hobart to the Kettering ferry terminal, then a 20-minute ferry crossing to Roberts Point on North Bruny. The Bruny Island Ferry (Mirambeena) runs frequently through the day - no booking required for foot passengers; vehicles should book in peak season. Fare is around $38 return per car. Once on the island, you will need a car as there is no public transport and the island stretches 50km from north to south.
The Neck
The Neck is the narrow sandy isthmus connecting North and South Bruny - a remarkable landform just a few metres wide in places, with ocean on both sides. A timber boardwalk and lookout at the Neck provides one of Tasmania's most spectacular views. At dusk, short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) return to their burrows in the sand dunes - an unforgettable wildlife spectacle from September to April.
Bruny Island Cruises
The Bruny Island Cruise is one of Tasmania's great wildlife experiences - a 3-hour boat trip along the towering sea cliffs of the south coast. The cruise passes beneath dolerite cliffs up to 250 metres high, through narrow channels, and along coastline accessible only by sea. Wildlife commonly seen includes Australian fur seals, dolphins, sea eagles, albatross, and occasionally whales. From $145. Book well in advance in summer.
Artisan Food Trail
Bruny Island has become a celebrated food destination with several outstanding producers:
- Get Shucked Oyster Farm: Fresh Pacific oysters grown in the clean waters of Great Bay. Shucked to order at the waterside shed. A dozen oysters from $18. One of the best oyster experiences in Australia.
- Bruny Island Cheese Company: Award-winning artisan cheeses made from local milk. The C2 (a washed-rind cheese) is outstanding. Tastings available.
- Bruny Island Beer & Cider: Craft beer and cider made on the island. The taproom has views over the paddocks.
- Bruny Island Honey: Leatherwood honey from hives placed in the island's wilderness areas. The flavour is intense and unique to Tasmania.
- Bruny Island Premium Wines: A small vineyard producing cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Beaches & Nature
- Adventure Bay: The main beach on South Bruny, where Captain Cook and other early explorers anchored. The Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration tells the history.
- Cloudy Bay: A wild, windswept surf beach on the south coast. Beautiful but powerful - for experienced swimmers only.
- Fluted Cape: A 4-hour return walking trail from Adventure Bay through forest to dramatic cliff-top views. One of Tasmania's best coastal walks.
- South Bruny National Park: Encompasses the lighthouse at Cape Bruny, dramatic coastal scenery, and diverse wildlife.
Where to Eat
- Get Shucked: See above - essential for oyster lovers.
- Bruny Island Cheese Company: Cheese tasting and platters.
- Hotel Bruny: The island's pub, with a restaurant serving local produce. Mains $22-36.
- Bruny Island Beer & Cider: Taproom with pizzas and platters.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Bruny Island Explorers Cottages (basic self-contained cabins), Jetty Beach Holiday Park (camping and cabins at Dennes Point).
- Mid-Range: 43 Degrees Bruny Island (modern self-contained accommodation with bay views), All Bruny Island (holiday house rentals across the island).
- Luxury: Satellite Island (a private island off Bruny's coast with a single luxury cabin - one of Australia's most exclusive stays. From $1,200 per night), Captain Cook Holiday Houses (premium houses with stunning views).
Practical Tips
- Day trip or overnight: Bruny works as a long day trip from Hobart, but overnight stays allow you to enjoy the food trail more leisurely and catch the shearwaters at dusk. - Fuel: Fill up before catching the ferry. There is limited fuel available on the island. - Weather: Bruny is exposed to Southern Ocean weather. Bring warm layers and waterproofs, even in summer. South Bruny can be windy. - White wallabies: Bruny Island is home to a population of white (leucistic) Bennett's wallabies - not albino, but a genetic colour variation. They are most commonly seen around Adventure Bay and Lunawanna.
AUBIS Tip
: Bruny Island is one of Tasmania's highlights. Use AUBIS to plan a food-focused day trip - book the Bruny Island Cruise, schedule stops at Get Shucked, the Cheese Company, and the brewery, and finish with a walk to the Neck lookout at sunset. The platform will help you time the ferry crossings and food stops perfectly.