Escape to Tasmania’s southern jewel and experience the breathtaking charm of Bruny Island in the off-season. With fewer crowds, an air of tranquillity, and a landscape that transforms under winter’s embrace, this season is your invitation to rediscover yourself while reconnecting with nature.
Why visit Bruny Island in the winter? The off-season reveals Bruny Island’s quiet charm, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, making it the perfect time to explore its rugged beauty, local wildlife, and peaceful setting.
1. Encounter rare wildlife on Bruny Island

Winter on Bruny Island offers a rare chance to encounter its most iconic resident: the white wallaby. These enchanting creatures, with their snow-like fur, are often easier to spot in the cooler months. Winter is also an active season for other animals, such as echidnas, which can be seen foraging for food, and seals basking on the rocky shores. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting white-bellied sea eagles soaring above and hearing the calls of swift parrots. Keep your camera ready as you explore the quiet trails - this is your opportunity to witness nature’s brilliance in serene silence.
2. Chase the Southern Lights

As the sun sets on Bruny’s expansive horizons, the sky holds a secret for the vigilant: the Aurora Australis. The long nights of winter create ideal conditions for this natural light show. Bundle up and head to one of the island’s secluded beaches or elevated lookouts to watch ribbons of green, pink, and violet dance across the heavens. Winter’s clear skies also provide the perfect backdrop for stargazing, where the Milky Way and constellations like Orion fill the crisp night air. Few experiences can match the soul-stirring beauty of seeing the Southern Lights reflect over Bruny’s pristine waters.
3. Immerse yourself in wild serenity

Winter sharpens Bruny Island’s rugged beauty, wrapping its cliffs, forests, and coastlines in a crisp, ethereal stillness. Walk the windswept sands of Adventure Bay, breathe in the fresh eucalyptus-scented air on rainforest trails, or stand in awe atop The Neck lookout. For those craving adventure, winter offers the perfect time to walk the island’s rugged coastline or take a wilderness cruise along the dramatic cliffs and serene waters. Each step reconnects you to a world of untouched wonder and reminds you of the peace that only nature can provide.
4. Cosy comforts await

As you explore the island’s wild heart, take a break to savour its wintertime delights. Bruny Island’s rich produce - from artisanal cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese Co. to freshly shucked oysters at Get Shucked - is best enjoyed with a glass of local wine beside a roaring fire. Visit the cellar doors, farm gates, and cafes that remain open year-round, ready to warm your soul and your palate.
5. Luxurious winter escape

Indulge in a little luxury during your winter getaway on Bruny Island. Cosy up in boutique accommodations offering panoramic views of the coastline and lush forests. Many lodges and cottages come equipped with wood fireplaces, plush furnishings, and locally sourced gourmet provisions for an indulgent stay. It's the the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book or enjoy a glass of wine while wrapped in a warm blanket, savouring the tranquility of the season.
Plan your winter escape and reignite your soul

Bruny Island in winter is more than a destination—it’s an experience. Travel on the SeaLink ferry during Saver and Super Saver crossings to save up to 25%. Often the coolest part of the day, check the ferry timetable to make the most of these exclusive rates.
With rare wildlife encounters and stunning natural vistas waiting, each moment on this southern treasure is designed to nurture your spirit, spark your sense of wonder, and create memories that last a lifetime. Winter is your chance to see Bruny Island at its purest - untouched, unhurried, and utterly unforgettable.
Ready to visit Bruny Island this off season?
How cold does it get on Bruny Island in winter?
In winter, Bruny Island experiences temperatures that typically range from 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (54°F). However, it can feel colder with wind chill due to its coastal location.
Can you see the Aurora Australis from Bruny Island?
Absolutely! Bruny Island is one of the best locations in Tasmania to catch the Southern Lights during clear winter nights.
How do you get to Bruny Island?
Take a 30-minute drive from Hobart to the ferry terminal at Kettering, followed by a 20 minute ferry ride across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. The SeaLink ferry runs daily and operates on a queueing system.