Bruny Island

Overview

Just a short ferry ride from mainland Tasmania, Bruny Island is where rugged wilderness meets gourmet indulgence. Divided into North and South Bruny by a narrow isthmus known as “The Neck,” the island offers dramatic coastlines, dense rainforest, world-class wildlife viewing and a thriving local food scene. Whether you’re kayaking with seals, sampling local cheeses and oysters, or hiking to windswept lookouts, Bruny Island is a place that combines adventure with absolute tranquillity.

Explore Bruny Island Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we make it easy to discover Bruny Island your way — with all the highlights, but none of the stress.

• Self-Drive Tours – Want full flexibility? We’ll give you detailed driving notes, ferry times, and insider tips so you can explore Bruny’s wild coastlines and gourmet stops at your own pace.
• Small Group Tours – Ideal for travellers who love a well-organised experience without missing the personal touches. Enjoy a relaxed, scenic journey with a local guide and new friends along the way.
• Private Guided Tours – Our premium option. With a local guide behind the wheel, you’ll get deeper stories, fewer crowds, and exclusive access to hidden trails, wildlife encounters and more.

Seasonal Highlights on Bruny Island

Each season offers a different flavour of Bruny Island’s charm. Here’s what to expect:

Summer (Dec–Feb): Sun-soaked adventure

• Ideal weather for wildlife cruises and beach picnics
• Oysters, berries and fresh produce at their peak
• Great visibility for coastal walks and photography

Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp air, foodie experiences

• Fewer crowds, perfect for relaxed gourmet trails
• Autumn colours in the rainforest and quiet beaches
• Best time for cheese, wine and whisky tasting

Winter (Jun–Aug): Wild and peaceful

• Stormy seas and dramatic cliff views
• Cosy up by the fire after a day of exploring
• Excellent conditions for birdwatching and photography

Spring (Sep–Nov): Bloom and baby animals

• Wildflowers in bloom across South Bruny
• Spot baby wallabies, seals and birdlife
• Fresh, seasonal produce returns to roadside stalls

Best Things to See & Do on Bruny Island

Iconic Attractions

• Bruny Island Cruises – One of the island’s must-dos. Glide past towering sea cliffs, caves and blowholes as you spot fur seals, dolphins and sea birds.
• The Neck Lookout – Climb the steps to one of Tasmania’s most iconic viewpoints, overlooking the narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny.
• Bruny Island Cheese Co. – Stop in for handcrafted cheeses, sourdough bread and small-batch beer made right on the island.
• Adventure Bay – A gorgeous sweep of beach and a great spot to swim, kayak or catch a wildlife tour.
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse – Take a guided tour of Tasmania’s second-oldest lighthouse and soak in panoramic ocean views.
• South Bruny National Park – Hike through dense forest to clifftop lookouts, explore hidden beaches and enjoy incredible wildlife spotting.
• Bruny Island Premium Wines – Australia’s southernmost vineyard — great food, even better views.
• Get Shucked Oysters – A roadside oyster bar serving some of the freshest, plumpest oysters you’ll ever try.
• Inala Nature Museum & Jurassic Garden – A unique private sanctuary showcasing fossils, rare birds and Tasmanian flora.
• Berry farms and local markets – In season, stop in for farm-fresh berries, honey, jams and handmade crafts.

Photo Hotspots

• The Neck Lookout – A dramatic perspective of the thin strip of land dividing the island
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse – Windswept and wild, with sweeping Southern Ocean views
• South Bruny cliffs – Towering sea cliffs and hidden beaches
• Bruny Island Cruises – Action shots of seals, dolphins and dramatic sea caves
• Adventure Bay – Calm turquoise waters and white sandy shores
• Bruny Island Cheese Co. – Rustic charm and cheese boards worth snapping

Hidden Gems

• Alonnah Jetty – A peaceful sunset spot often overlooked by visitors
• Cloudy Bay – Wild surf, remote beauty and excellent for a quiet beach walk
• Two Tree Point – A culturally significant Aboriginal site near Adventure Bay

Where to Stay

• Captain Cook Holiday Park – Great for families and located right across from Adventure Bay
• Free Spirit Pods (North Bruny) – Eco-friendly and beautifully positioned near the water
• 43 Degrees Bruny Island – Architect-designed pods near Adventure Bay with a luxury feel
• Hotel Bruny – Relaxed waterfront accommodation with unbeatable sunset views across the bay.
• Adventure Bay Retreat Bruny Island – Boutique, eco-friendly cottages set amongst pristine bushland.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Bruny Island

Yes, you can take your rental car on the ferry to Bruny Island — and it’s the best way to explore all corners of the island.

• Compact Cars – Fine for solo travellers or couples sticking to the main roads
• SUVs – Recommended if you’re heading down gravel roads to lighthouses, beaches or remote hikes
• Vans – Ideal for families or small groups needing space for gear and groceries

We’ll make sure your rental is booked, your ferry is timed, and your itinerary is seamless.

Add Bruny Island to a Bigger Tassie Escape

Bruny Island fits seamlessly into a wider Tasmanian road trip and offers the perfect contrast to mainland experiences. Just a short ferry ride from Kettering (about 40 minutes south of Hobart), it’s easy to include Bruny alongside other southern gems like the Huon Valley, Mount Wellington, or the dramatic cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. 

You can even loop it into a longer journey heading up the East Coast or across to Cradle Mountain. Whether you want to explore Tassie’s natural wonders, indulge in gourmet stops, or unwind by the coast, we’ll help you map out a smooth, scenic itinerary that makes the most of every day.

Why Travel with The Road Trip Oz

At The Road Trip Oz, we’re all about making travel feel effortless, exciting and entirely your own. Whether you’re dreaming of a self-drive escape through Tasmania’s wild corners or a guided experience with a local expert behind the wheel, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the adventure. 

From hand-picked accommodation and ferry bookings to hidden local favourites and must-see highlights, we tailor every detail to suit your style of travel. Our local knowledge means you won’t miss a thing — and you’ll get more out of every stop.

No matter how you choose to explore Bruny Island, we’ll make sure your trip is relaxed, rewarding and totally unforgettable.

Book Your Bruny Island Escape

Whether you’re here for the oysters, the sea cliffs or the serenity, Bruny Island is one of Tasmania’s most memorable stops. Let us help you turn it into something truly special.

Get in touch with The Road Trip Oz and we’ll start building your Bruny Island itinerary – personalised, perfectly paced and packed with experiences you’ll never forget.

Secure your Brunsy Island adventure today!