Whether you’re hunting for the perfect wheel of artisanal cheese or a rare white wallaby sighting, Bruny Island is a place that rewards those who know where to turn. Instead of following the usual tourist trail, follow this self-drive guide to see a new perspective while dodging the crowds.
How to get to Bruny Island
Your trip officially starts at the Kettering ferry terminal, about 30 minutes south of Hobart. The SeaLink Bruny Island ferry is a quick 20-minute journey across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. There’s no need to book a departure time - just roll up, join the queue, and drive on. Once onboard, head to the upper deck for the best spot to get a proper look at the channel and the North Bruny coastline.
Tip: Check the ferry timetable for the Saver and Super Saver sailings to save up to 25%.
The Morning: The Quiet Wilderness
While most tourists head straight for the stairs at The Neck Lookout, keep driving toward the Cape Queen Elizabeth track. This is one of the premier Bruny Island walks and the ultimate "locals" alternative to the lookout. You’ll walk through coastal heath and emerge onto a stretch of beach that feels completely private.
Tip: Aim for the Mars Bluff Arch. It’s a massive natural rock formation on the beach that’s far more impressive for a photo than the standard lookout view.
The lunch stop: Gourmet without the rush
By midday, you’ve earned a seat and a glass of something local. To find some of the best Bruny Island food, cross over The Neck - the slender, sandy isthmus that tethers the two halves of the island together - and head into the rugged south. Here, you are spoilt for choice:
- Bruny Island Premium Wines: As the southernmost vineyard in Australia, this is the place for a serious cool-climate Pinot or a crisp local cider. The deck looks out over the vines, making it a great spot to pause and sample a menu that highlights the island’s best produce.
- Hotel Bruny: This is the island’s social hub. It’s exactly what a coastal pub should be: unpretentious, welcoming, and serving up massive plates of local seafood. Grab a seat on the deck with a cider and watch the sun hit the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
- The Izzy Bar: For a more casual, backyard vibe, look for this gem near Lunawanna. It’s tucked away in a beautiful garden and serves incredible woodfired “fugazza” (Argentinian pizza bread) using local greens and smoked meats. Open Saturday and Sundays only.
The Afternoon: Rugged Cliffs and Rainforest Cool
The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the non-negotiable highlight of the south; it’s a bit of a drive to the end of the road, but standing 114m above the Southern Ocean is a classic Bruny experience.
Alternatively, head to the Mavista Rainforest Walk. While everyone else is focused on the rugged coastline, this 40-minute stroll through lush tree-ferns and mossy sassafras feels like stepping into a hidden world. It’s cool, quiet, and offers a complete forest contrast to the salt-sprayed cliffs of the southern tip.
The Wind-down: The “Final Loot” Run
Before you head back to the ferry terminal, make your final gourmet stops to take the best of the island home with you.
- Bruny Island Cheese Co: This is a heavy hitter for a reason. Grab a tasting flight or just stock up on a few wheels to take home. Open until 4pm.
- Bruny Island Chocolate Co: For a sweet fix for the drive back, this boutique factory outlet is the place to grab hand-made fudge and truffles. Open until 4pm.
- The Honey Pot: A must-stop for anyone who appreciates real Tasmanian honey. Open until 4:30pm.
- Bruny Island House of Whisky: Located closer to the ferry terminal, it houses a massive collection of Tasmanian single malts and is a sophisticated way to toast the end of the day while keeping an eye on the ferry movements. Open until 5pm.
The “Need to Know” Tips
- Best ferry times: Consider catching the early morning ferry to beat the crowds there and head back to the mainland on a later sailing (between 6pm - 7:15pm) to catch the sunset or stay overnight to enjoy more of the island.
- Petrol station: There’s only one petrol station on the whole island, located at Adventure Bay General Station. Fill your tank in Kettering before you board the ferry to avoid a "low fuel" light ruining your day.
- National Parks Pass: You’ll need a valid pass for the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and the South Bruny tracks. You can buy these online, at Service Tasmania centres or at most Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres.
- Unsealed roads: While the main roads are sealed, the road to the Lighthouse and Cloudy Bay are gravel. It’s perfectly fine for a 2WD car, but it can be bumpy.
- Digital detox: Mobile coverage varies across the island, particularly in remote areas. Don’t rely on Google Maps to find your way, instead download your maps for offline use or use a physical map.
