Bruny Island is roughly 50 kilometres from north to south and sits just off Tasmania’s south-east coast. It is close enough to Hobart for a day trip yet remote enough to feel like an escape. This guide brings together everything on this site; follow the links for detail.
Where is Bruny Island?
Bruny lies south of Hobart across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. The ferry leaves from Kettering, a small marina town roughly 35–45 minutes’ drive south of Hobart via the Channel Highway, and arrives at Roberts Point on North Bruny. From there the main road runs south over The Neck to South Bruny, where most of the sights are.
Getting there
- By car: take the SeaLink-operated vehicle ferry from Kettering. The crossing takes around 20 minutes. Vehicles can be booked in advance — see our full Bruny Island ferry guide.
- Without a car: join a day tour from Hobart that includes transport and the ferry. Our without-a-car guide compares the options.
- By boat: the Bruny Island wilderness cruise has a full-day option with coach transfers from Hobart.
North Bruny vs South Bruny
North Bruny is gently rolling farmland and quiet bays. Dennes Point at the northern tip has a beach, a jetty and a café; Barnes Bay and Great Bay are sheltered and peaceful. Several food producers line the main road towards The Neck. Read more about North Bruny.
South Bruny is wilder and busier. Adventure Bay is the main tourist hub, with the cruise departure point, a general store, cafés and accommodation. Alonnah and Lunawanna sit on the western side facing the channel. The national park covers much of the southern coastline. See South Bruny.
The top sights
- The Neck and Truganini Lookout — climb the stairs for the classic isthmus view; return at dusk in the warmer months to see penguins and shearwaters.
- Cape Bruny Lighthouse — a historic tower on dramatic cliffs at the island’s southern tip.
- Adventure Bay — a long crescent beach with Cook-era history and the starting point for cruises and the Fluted Cape walk.
- South Bruny National Park — Fluted Cape, Cloudy Bay, the Labillardiere Peninsula and Jetty Beach.
- Wilderness cruise — sea caves, cliffs and The Friars seal colony.
- The food trail — cheese, oysters, whisky, honey, chocolate and wine.
How long to stay
A day trip is entirely possible, but Bruny rewards an overnight stay: you can see The Neck at dusk, visit the lighthouse in quieter late-afternoon light and walk Fluted Cape before the day-trippers arrive. Our how many days guide and itineraries help you decide.
When to go
Bruny is a year-round destination with a cool temperate maritime climate. Summer (December–February) has the longest days and the busiest ferries; autumn (March–May) is often settled and calm; winter (June–August) is cold and quiet; spring (September–November) brings wildflowers and the return of seabirds. Weather can change quickly at any time of year — pack layers and a rain jacket. See best time to visit Bruny Island.
Getting around the island
Distances are bigger than they look and many roads are unsealed gravel, including the road to the lighthouse and parts of the route to Cloudy Bay. Drive slowly, watch for wildlife — especially at dawn and dusk — and check whether your hire-car agreement allows gravel roads. Fuel and supplies are limited, so fill up before the ferry. Full details on getting around Bruny.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from beach shacks and cottages to architect-designed retreats and campgrounds. Adventure Bay has the widest choice; Alonnah and Lunawanna are central for the lighthouse; North Bruny suits a quiet escape. See where to stay and camping on Bruny Island.
Practical tips
- Book the ferry for peak times. Summer weekends, public holidays and school holidays can mean long queues at Kettering.
- Fill up and stock up. The island has a couple of small stores and limited fuel.
- Buy a parks pass before entering South Bruny National Park.
- Download offline maps. Mobile coverage can be patchy in the national park.
- Respect wildlife. Do not feed wallabies, keep dogs out of the national park and use red light (or none) at penguin colonies.
- Leave time. The most common regret is rushing. Bruny is best enjoyed slowly.
Responsible travel
Bruny Island is the Country of the Nuenonne people. The island’s ecosystems are fragile: stay on tracks, take rubbish with you, and give shorebirds and penguins plenty of space. Our wildlife guide explains how to watch animals without disturbing them, and our history page gives context to the places you will visit.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Bruny Island worth visiting?
Yes. Within about an hour of Hobart you get one of Tasmania’s most photographed lookouts, a historic lighthouse, sea-cliff cruising, white wallabies and a cluster of excellent food producers.
Can you do Bruny Island in a day?
Yes — a day trip from Hobart covers The Neck, Adventure Bay, a few producers and either the lighthouse or a cruise. Two days is more relaxed.
Do you need a car on Bruny Island?
You need either a car or a tour. There is no public bus service on the island, and the attractions are spread over roughly 50 km.
Do I need a national parks pass for Bruny Island?
Yes, for South Bruny National Park, which includes Fluted Cape, Cloudy Bay, the Labillardiere Peninsula and the lighthouse precinct. Buy it online from Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.
