Bruny Island Australia: Ultimate Guide To Outback
Bruny Island is a hilly island off the south coast of Tasmania, Australia. It has been inhabited for over 10,000 years by Aboriginal Tasmanians and Europeans. The island is named after Jean de Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, who visited the island in 1793.
The Island is located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, in Australia’s South East region. The closest town on the mainland is Kettering. The island can be reached by passenger ferry from Kettering or Kettering Wharf at the tip of the Tasman Peninsula.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Aboriginal people were living on the island as early as 8,000-10,000 years ago. In 1793 Captain Bruni d’Entrecasteaux visited the island and named it after himself. The Bruni d’Entrecasteaux Channel was named after him as well. The first European settlers arrived in 1804 when whalers set up camp on the eastern shoreline. In 1804 Jean Baptiste Baudin explored part of Bruny Island’s coastline.
This map of Bruny Island will give you an idea of where everything is located.
Bruny Island weather
The climate in Bruny Island is sub-tropical and Mediterranean. The weather is mild year-round, with dry summers and wet winters. The average temperature in summer (December to February) is 22°C and 19°C during winter (June to August). Rainfall is high throughout the year. However, there are two distinct seasons. A wet season from November to April, and a dry season from May to October. Average annual rainfall ranges from 1,980mm at Lunawanna to 2,170mm at Green Ponds.
The island has two distinct climatic zones: the coastal region where rainfall is lower and the land rises to higher altitudes where heavy rainfall occurs.
The island enjoys long days (up to 18 hours) of sunshine during summer. It can cause dehydration if you’re not careful. Drink plenty of water before you head out on your adventure!
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How to get to Bruny island
The island can be reached by ferry from Kettering via the tourist hub of Bicheno. The island is also accessible by plane from Hobart Airport to King Island Airport, which is about 15 minutes from Kettering.
Bruny Island Ferry
There are two companies that operate ferries from Kettering: Bruny Island Ferry Service and South Bruny Island Ferry Service. The former has larger vessels and more frequent sailings than its competitor, however, both ferries leave on time and arrive at their respective destinations safely every day of the year (except Christmas Day).
The trip takes just under an hour and costs $50 in return for adults, $20 for children 10-16 years old and $25 for seniors 65+. Children under 10 go free but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Things to do on Bruny island
This island is home to a unique mix of beaches, bushwalks and wildlife. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:
- Ocean fishing — The waters off Bruny Island have been rated as one of the top ten spots in Australia to catch snapper and Kingfish. There are several charter operators that offer tours where you can get out on the water and try your luck at catching something big.
- Swim with dolphins — The waters off the northeast coast of Bruny Island are home to a pod of bottlenose dolphins that have learnt to trust humans. You can swim with these animals in their natural habitat, or go on an organised boat tour that brings you closer than ever before.
- Whale watching — Southern Right Whales pass through Bruny Island waters during their annual migration from Antarctica back towards warmer waters off South America (where they give birth). This means that if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to see these amazing creatures up close as they travel past the island’s shores, or even come ashore for rest and feeding stops along the way.
- Bushwalking — There are many bushwalking trails around Brun
The island is a nature lover’s paradise with beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and over 200km of walking tracks. There are also plenty of other things to do on Bruny Island, from visiting historic sites to swimming with sea lions. This guide will help you plan your visit to Bruny Island so that you can make the most of your stay.
Bruny Island accommodation where to stay
There are plenty of places to stay on Bruny Island. Here are some suggestions:
- Riverside Cottages — These luxury cottages are located just north of Kettering on the Southern end of the island. They have beautiful views over Kettering Beach and are great for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. They also have a fantastic restaurant called The Riverside Restaurant which offers a range of local produce as well as seafood straight from Kettering Bay. You can find more information on the website.
- Bruny Cottage — This cottage features two bedrooms with ensuites, an open-plan living area and an outdoor deck with amazing views over Kingborough Harbour. It’s located just south of Kettering on the Southern end.
- Rent a Tent — If you want an adventure, why not try camping? There are plenty of campsites around the island where you can rent tents or pitch your own tent at one of the many beaches or parks. Check out this list for some great places to pitch your tent on island.
- Bruny Island Holiday Cottages – Holiday houses are perfect if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and spacious that will sleep everyone comfortably. Cottages come with all amenities so you don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning up after yourself! Here’s a list of some great holiday cottages on Bruny Island.
Conclusion
As you can see, Bruny Island is a beautiful and exciting place to visit. And with a little bit of planning, you can have a trip that’s tailored towards your own personal interests. If you stick around long enough, perhaps you’ll even decide to settle here. Bruny Island is pretty great, after all.
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