Bruny Island ended up being one of the highlights of our Tasmania trip.
If you’re visiting Hobart and only have time for one day trip, make it Bruny. It’s raw, scenic, food-focused, and just the right amount of touristy without feeling overly commercialised. Think dramatic coastlines, fresh oysters, cheese stops, quiet beaches, and winding roads that make the entire drive part of the experience.
It’s the kind of place where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. You’ll find yourself slowing down, pulling over for photos, or stopping at spots you didn’t even plan for.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning your own Bruny Island day trip.
BRUNY ISLAND
Named after the French explorer Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, who mapped parts of Tasmania in the late 1700s, the island stretches roughly 100 kilometres from the northern tip to the southern end.
One thing many first-time visitors don’t realise is that Bruny Island is actually two islands connected by a narrow strip of land called The Neck. This is one of the most photographed spots on the island and one of its most recognisable landmarks. You’ll pass through it when heading south, and it’s worth stopping to walk up the lookout.
From the top, you’ll see the ocean stretching out on both sides, with the road cutting straight through the middle of the island. It’s a simple view, but one that perfectly captures the character of Bruny.
Bruny Island is also known for its wildlife. The island is home to wallabies, seals, seabirds, and little penguins. Some areas also have sightings of the rare white wallaby, which can occasionally be spotted in the wild. Sadly, we didn’t catch any albino wallabies during our trip 😦
GETTING THERE
Getting to Bruny Island is pretty straightforward, but it does involve a ferry. From Hobart, drive about 35-40 minutes south to Kettering. This is where the Sealink ferry terminal is located.
📍 Kettering Ferry Terminal
20 Ferry Rd, Kettering TAS 7155
The ferry ride itself takes about 20 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day. You don’t need to book the ferry in advance if you’re bringing a car. You simply line up and pay when boarding.
For our trip, the ferry cost around AUD $52.92 total for the vehicle, which we split between four people.
If you’re travelling during peak seasons or weekends, expect a bit of a queue. Arriving early usually helps.
GOING AROUND
Bruny Island is not somewhere you explore without a car.
There’s very little public transport and most of the highlights are spread across both North Bruny and South Bruny. The main road runs through the island, and most attractions are short detours from it.
Driving also allows you to stop whenever you want, and trust me, you will want to stop. Some of the best moments happen when you pull over at random scenic spots or quiet beaches you didn’t plan to visit.
SITES & ACTIVITIES
📍 The Neck (Truganini Lookout)
This is the classic Bruny Island photo spot. A short staircase leads to a lookout where you can see both sides of the island at once. On a clear day, the view is incredible. It’s also known as a place where little penguins sometimes come ashore at night, though we visited during the day.
📍 Adventure Bay
Adventure Bay is one of the calmer, more relaxed parts of the island. Wide open water, quiet surroundings, and a peaceful energy that makes you want to stay a little longer. It’s a nice stop if you want to stretch your legs, take photos, or simply enjoy the view. You’ll also find small cafés and spots where you can grab a quick snack if you’re exploring the southern part of the island.
📍 Grass Point Walk
Another easy coastal walk that starts near Adventure Bay. It takes you through bushland and along the shoreline, with views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. It’s a relaxed walk and a nice way to experience the natural side of the island without doing a full hike.
📍 Cape Bruny (South)
If you’re willing to drive a bit further south, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is another popular stop. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia and sits on dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean. The road leading there is partially unsealed, so driving conditions can vary depending on the weather. But if you enjoy rugged coastal scenery, it’s worth the extra effort.
📍 Cloudy Bay (South)
Cloudy Bay feels more rugged and wild compared to other parts of the island. The beach is long, open, and dramatic, with waves crashing against the shoreline. It’s a great stop if you enjoy scenic coastal views or photography. The road going there can be unsealed in some sections, but many visitors still make the drive.
📍 Cape Queen Elizabeth Track (North)
If you want something slightly more adventurous but still manageable, this track leads to one of the most photographed rock formations on the island. The walk is around 3 km return, relatively easy, and the reward at the end is a natural rock arch overlooking the ocean. It’s one of Bruny’s hidden gems.
EATS
Bruny is very food-focused. Many people visit purely for the local produce stops. And honestly, I get it.
Get Shucked
📍 1735 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay
Let me start by saying this—I am not an oyster person. For someone who loves seafood, oysters are actually my least favourite. I can only tolerate Panko or Kilpatrick oysters, depending on how they’re prepared.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it has mixed reviews online. But Get Shucked genuinely surprised me.
The oysters were fresh, clean, and briny. Nothing overly complicated. Just good produce done right. Even I enjoyed it.
Bruny Island Chocolate Company
📍 1 Lennon Rd, North Bruny
If oysters and cheese aren’t your thing, chocolate might be. They sell handmade chocolates, fudge, and sweets. It’s a nice, quick stop, especially if you want something sweet before continuing the drive south.
Bruny Island Cheese Company / Cheese & Beer Co.
📍 1807 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay
We ordered a platter with a few cheeses and a side of wallaby. Yes, wallaby. I’ve had kangaroo before, so it wasn’t completely new territory. It’s lean, slightly gamey, but not overpowering. It paired really well with the cheese.
The only downside was the bread that came with the platter. It felt a bit small for the price, but the flavours were great. Still worth visiting if you enjoy cheese and local produce.
Bruny Island Honey
📍 2184 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay TAS 7150
Bruny Island Honey is another popular stop if you’re exploring the island’s local produce. They’ve been producing honey on Bruny for generations, and the shop sells a variety of honey, honey products, and even honey ice cream.
We stopped here for a quick visit and ended up trying the honey ice cream, which was actually really good. Simple, creamy, and not overly sweet. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s a nice, quick stop along the drive and a good way to try another local product the island is known for.
Bruny Island House of Whisky
📍 360 Lennon Rd, North Bruny TAS 7150
If you enjoy whisky, this is a fun stop while exploring the island. Bruny Island House of Whisky showcases a wide selection of Tasmanian whiskies, including bottles from several distilleries around the state. Tasmania has quietly built a reputation for producing high-quality whisky, and this spot is a good place to sample some of them in one place.
They offer whisky tastings and also have a small bar and cafe where you can relax for a bit before continuing the drive. Even if you’re not a whisky drinker, it’s still an interesting stop to learn a little more about Tasmania’s growing whisky scene.
PSA: Don’t drink & drive.
Bruny Baker Bread Fridge
📍 Alonnah, Bruny Island
This one deserves its own moment. Bruny Baker operates using an honesty system bread fridge. Fresh bread usually drops around 10 AM and sells out quickly. Simply grab what you want and leave payment. No cashier. No staff. Just trust.
The bread is genuinely good. But here’s the important part: PLEASE PAY PROPERLY.
It was disappointing to hear that some visitors don’t leave payment. That kind of behaviour ruins small businesses and eventually affects tourism. Places like this exist because people trust each other.
Many of Bruny’s produce stops are located along the main road, so it’s easy to visit several of them while driving south. Just keep an eye out for the signs as you go.
TIPS FOR VISITING BRUNY ISLAND
- Start early – Many food stops close around 3 – 4 PM, so arriving early gives you more time to explore.
- Don’t rush the drive – Bruny is not somewhere you speed through. The roads are scenic, quiet, and full of little stops that aren’t even marked on Google Maps. Take your time.
- Bring snacks and water – While there are food stops, distances between them can be longer than expected.
- Be present and in the moment – Bruny Island works best when you don’t rush it. Most visitors try to squeeze too many stops into one day. But the real charm of the island is slowing down, enjoying the drive, and spending time at the places you like.
SOOOO, the question remains:
IS BRUNY ISLAND WORTH IT?
Absolutely.
Even if you’re not chasing oysters or cheese stops, the island itself is beautiful. It feels raw, quiet, and slightly untouched compared to many other day-trip destinations.
For me, it was easily one of the most memorable parts of our Tasmania trip.
If you’re based in Hobart and have a day to spare, Bruny Island should definitely be on your list.
If you have any questions, or if you want some tips, feel free to leave a comment or message via e-mail. If you like this article and want to see or know more about my other trips and tips, follow me on Instagram, and Tiktok.
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