Bruny Island is one of Tasmania’s most captivating destinations, perfect for a day trip packed with natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and mouthwatering local produce.
A 35-minute drive from Hobart followed by a quick car ferry crossing brings you to Bruny Island, a haven of wild coastlines, unspoiled beaches, forested walks, and a rich food scene.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through our 1-day itinerary for Bruny Island — including some of the highlights such as The Neck Lookout, Adventure Bay, Get Shucked Oysters, and the Fluted Cape Walk.
Whether it’s the spectacular scenery, amazing local food, or the abundance of wildlife, Bruny Island has it all — and you’ll be wishing you could stay longer.
Getting to Bruny Island | SeaLink Ferry
Your Bruny Island adventure begins with the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry, which departs from the coastal town of Kettering, located approximately 35–40 minutes drive south of Hobart.
The ferry provides a quick 20-minute crossing over the scenic channel, offering beautiful views of the Tasmanian coastline.
The SeaLink ferry is a vehicle ferry, meaning you can bring your car across, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace.
Onboard, there’s a small seating area on the top deck, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and stunning views from anywhere on the vessel.
Ferry Prices & Schedule
The SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry runs daily, with departures roughly every 20–30 minutes during peak times.
As of July 1, 2024, the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry fares are structured as follows:
- Vehicles under 6 meters: Return fares range from $39.20 to $53.20, depending on the fare type (Regular, Saver, or Super Saver).
- Vehicles between 6 and 10 meters: Return fares range from $65.60 to $91.00.
- Motorcycles and bicycles: A flat return fare of $7.30.
📝 TIP: To maximize your time on Bruny Island, consider catching an early morning ferry, especially during peak seasons when services can be busier.
For the most current schedules and fare details, please refer to the official SeaLink Bruny Island website.
First Stop: Dennes Point & Nebraska Beach
Upon disembarking from the ferry, head north on the unsealed road to Dennes Point, a peaceful coastal village known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views.
The road is suitable for 2WD vehicles, so no need for a 4WD.
Morning Coffee Recommendation
For a delightful breakfast or brunch, visit the Jetty Café, also known as Bruny Island Wild. Located at the northern tip of Bruny Island, this cozy café offers great views and a seasonal menu made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, light lunch, or just a cup of coffee, the Jetty Café is a great spot to start your day.
Dennes Point Heritage Trail
After your coffee, you can take a walk on the Dennes Point Heritage Trail, a 1.5-kilometer path with lovely views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Storm Bay.
Along the trail, you’ll find informative signs about the area’s history, from the Tasmanian Aboriginal people to early European settlers. The trail leads to Kelly’s Point, the northernmost tip of Bruny Island.
Nebraska Beach
Just a short drive from Dennes Point, Nebraska Beach is a peaceful spot to relax, swim, or take a beach walk.
The calm waters are perfect for a dip, especially in warmer months. We spotted local fishermen catching calamari, a reminder of the area’s abundant marine life.
Fresh Seafood Fix: Get Shucked Oysters
Next, head south to Get Shucked, Bruny Island’s iconic oyster bar. This is a must-do for seafood lovers.
The oysters are freshly harvested from the surrounding waters and served straight to your plate. The team here focuses on sustainable oyster farming, and you can taste the quality in every bite.
Whether you opt for them natural, with a squeeze of lemon, or grilled with toppings, Get Shucked offers an authentic Tasmanian seafood experience.
We decided on the Signature Mixed Dozen, a perfect sampler featuring four fresh oysters, four Kilpatrick oysters with Worcestershire sauce and crispy bacon, and four Asian Fusion oysters, coated in panko crumbs and served with a rice noodle salad and flavourful dressing.
The Iconic Neck & Truganini Lookout
A short drive from Get Shucked brings you to one of Bruny Island’s most photographed locations — The Neck.
This narrow isthmus connects North and South Bruny Island and is a natural marvel on its own.
Here, you can climb the wooden staircase to the Truganini Lookout, named in memory of a prominent Aboriginal woman from the region.
From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding beaches, ocean, and dense forests stretching inland. It’s also a prime spot to spot native birdlife or, if you visit around dusk, the island’s famous fairy penguins.
Adventure Bay | The Heart of Bruny Island
After exploring the northern parts of Bruny Island, we made our way to Adventure Bay, situated on the eastern side of South Bruny Island.
This sheltered bay, historically visited by explorers like Captain Cook, now serves as a hub for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Quiet Corner, located at the northern tip of Adventure Bay, is an ideal spot for a picnic. We found a bench overlooking the water and took our time preparing a delicious lunch, all while enjoying the serene views of the bay.
If you haven’t brought a picnic, Mari Bruny is an excellent dining option in Adventure Bay. Located at 710 Adventure Bay Road, this cozy, family-run restaurant offers a variety of delicious meals from breakfast through to dinner.
The Fluted Cape Walk | A Must-Do Hike
If you’re up for an adventure, the Fluted Cape Walk is one of the best hikes on Bruny Island. This 6.3km loop with 313m of elevation gain takes you through stunning coastal scenery, leading to breathtaking clifftop views.
If you have the time and energy, I highly recommend completing the full circuit via Grass Point and the Fluted Cape Summit for the most rewarding experience.
However, if you’re short on time, I suggest at least making your way to Grass Point, where you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of Penguin Island.
From there, hike up the Fluted Cape Walk for another 5–10 minutes to reach the best viewing spot for Fluted Cape before retracing your steps.
This shorter option still delivers incredible scenery without committing to the full climb.
Wildlife Encounters on Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe a diverse array of native animals in their natural habitats.
During our return trek from the Fluted Cape summit, we were fortunate to spot the rare white Bennett’s wallaby!
These white wallabies are a unique sight on Bruny Island, resulting from a rare genetic mutation in the Bennett’s wallaby population.
Some exhibit pure albino traits with white coats and pink eyes, ears, and noses, while others possess only the white coat. They typically inhabit forested areas but can often be seen resting in open spaces during the day.
Beyond wallabies, the island is home to various mammals, including echidnas, Tasmanian pademelons, and brushtail possums.
Notably, Tasmanian devils and wombats are absent from Bruny Island.
Birdwatchers will be delighted to know that Bruny Island hosts all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic bird species, including the forty-spotted pardalote, Tasmanian native hen, and green rosella.
The island’s diverse habitats make it an excellent location for birdwatching throughout the year.
In the surrounding waters, keep an eye out for dolphins and seals, which are frequently seen off the coast. During certain times of the year, you may also witness humpback and southern right whales during their migratory journeys.
📝 TIP: For a more immersive wildlife experience, consider joining a Bruny Island eco-cruise departing from Adventure Bay. These cruises offer close-up encounters with the island’s marine life and seabird colonies, providing a unique perspective on Bruny Island’s rich biodiversity.
Why Bruny Island is Worth the Trip
Bruny Island offers a wealth of experiences that can easily fill more than a single day. Beyond the highlights we’ve explored, the island boasts numerous other attractions worth your time:
- Cape Bruny Lighthouse: Situated at the island’s southern tip, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and insights into Tasmania’s maritime heritage.
- Cloudy Bay: A haven for surfers and beachcombers alike, Cloudy Bay’s expansive shoreline is perfect for relaxation and water activities.
- Varied Walking Trails: From the rainforest-clad paths of the Labillardiere Peninsula to the scenic vistas of East Cloudy Head, there’s a trail for every hiking enthusiast.
If you love good food, Bruny is also a paradise for fresh produce—think creamy Bruny Island Cheese, local honey, handcrafted chocolates, and premium wines from island vineyards.
For a comprehensive overview of all that Bruny Island has to offer, including detailed maps and additional points of interest, consider visiting Bruny Island’s official visitor website.
Found It Helpful? Pin It for Later!
