Summer’s out and if you’re planning a getaway anytime soon in Australia, let me tell you a little something about Bruny Island so you can add that to your vacay spots this year! Bruny Island is Tasmania’s most loved island escape. Located at the south of Tasmania, this tiny piece of land is known world-wide for its diverse landscapes, amazing food and wildlife. The island pulls in visitors from the mainland and beyond, with roughly 150,000 people visiting each year.
If you’re wondering whether you should visit and what kind of things to do in Bruny Island, keep reading to find out why Bruny Island is a popular getaway spot!
Easy Access From Hobart
Bruny Island is about an hour away from Hobart, making it extremely attractive for a weekend escape or a small detour from routine. All it requires is a short drive from Hobart to Kettering where the ferry takes you to the island across the D’Entrecasteaux Chanel.
You can either self-drive from Hobart for flexibility to leisurely explore the island or choose one of the many guided tours revolving around Bruny Island attractions for a more rounded experience.
Outdoor Activities
Now, with its luscious nature and dramatic landscapes, the best way to explore and experience what makes Bruny, well… Bruny, is by getting outdoors. From coastal walks to wildlife encounters, these outdoor Bruny Island activities truly showcase its raw and natural charm.
- Bruny Island Cruises: These guided Bruny Island cruises explore the island’s dramatic coastlines, taking you past towering cliffs, sea caves and more, with plenty of commentary onboard. It’s one of the best ways to see Bruny.
- Full-day Tours: These tours are ideal if you’re looking to experience Bruny Island in one go. The Bruny island day trips from Hobart bundle all of the must-see spots into one adventure and often include food tastings, scenic lookouts and local spots. (plus they offer a mainland hotel pickup which means you don’t need to drive!)
- Camping: For the ultimate “outdoorsy” experience, you should definitely go camping on Bruny. The island is dotted with reserved campsites close to beaches, bushlands and walking tracks that offer you a chance to wake up surrounded by nature.
- Beaches: Bruny Island beaches range from calm and sheltered bays to wild stretches of sand that’s shaped by wind and waves. They are uncrowded which make them a perfect place for peaceful swims, picnic spots and coastal walks.
Hiking: Most hiking trails are primarily located within the South Bruny National Park. The island has a variety of exceptional hiking trails ranging from short nature walks to more challenging circuits. The Cape Queen Elizabeth Track and the Fluted Cape Walk are some of the popular options because of their scenic routes.
Foodie’s Paradise
If you’re looking for food that is fresh, local and easy to experience, then Bruny Island is the place for you! The island is profoundly known for its oysters, cheese, berries, honey and wine, all produced on the island or nearby.
What makes this a special foodie’s paradise is how close everything is. You can go from tasting freshly shucked oysters to sampling wine and cheese within minutes. And most producers sell directly to visitors, so you’re eating food straight from the source! There’s no fine-dining fuss here. The food is simple, yet high quality, and tied closely to the island; so hop on the famous Bruny Island food tours and live out your foodie dreams!
Rich Wildlife & Untouched Natural Beauty
Bruny Island wildlife and natural beauty are best experienced in South Bruny National Park, where nature is left to do its thing! This protected land is home to white wallabies, wombats, echidnas and plenty of birds – all roaming freely across the forests and coasts. If you look out to sea, you might even spot seals, dolphins or migrating whales!
What makes this national park also special is that it is a prime spot to see Little Penguins, the world’s smallest penguin. They can usually be spotted at the Neck Game Reserve at dusk when they return from sea. The island is untouched, being one of the few places where the wild can be wild. There are no crowds or overbuilt man-made structures; every path you take leads to unforgettable views.
The island is a testament to Tasmania’s raw beauty, represented in stunning natural landscapes, incredible food and genuine locals. It is also the perfect little escape from the concert buildings and skyscrapers. So if you’re willing to experience the ‘wild’ side of Tassie, add Bruny Island to the top of the places you want to visit!
