Bruny Island Australia: Ultimate Guide To Outback
Are you planning a trip to Australia and looking for an unforgettable adventure? If so, Bruny Island is the perfect destination for you. Located in Tasmania, this remote and rugged island is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich history. In this ultimate guide to Bruny Island, we will show you why this Australian outback should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
An Excursion into Bruny Island History
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 lived 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 at Neck Bruny Island in 1804 when whalers set up camp on the eastern shoreline. In 1804 Jean Baptiste Baudin explored part of Bruny Island’s coastline.
Bruny Island nature
Bruny comprises in fact two islands — North and South Bruny — bound by an isthmic neck. Some of its most beautiful landscapes lie across the lighthouse bay in the southern Bruny National Park. 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 climates. The coastal region receives lower rainfall and has higher altitudes. The southeastern coast receives heavier rainfall.
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
To reach Bruny Island, you will need to take a short ferry ride from Kettering, a town about a 30-minute drive south of Hobart. The ferry trip takes approximately 15 minutes and offers stunning views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the island itself. Once you arrive, you can explore the island by car, bike, or foot.
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.
Most popular 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.
Things to do on Bruny Island — our version
According to our editorial team, there are things you really need to see on this island. Here are our top picks:
Admire the Views at the Neck and Truganini Lookout
The best-known tourist spot in Bruny is Truganini Viewpoint at its Neck. A narrow beach and narrow isthmus that connects North Bruny and South Bruny Islands. In the neck, a dune stands above the shoreline. You can climb more than 200 steps to the top and enjoy stunning views.
The platforms above the building are called “Truganhini Lookout”. It was named after a Trugani Bruny woman believed to last have full-blood Tasmanian Indian ancestry in Australia. Pro tip: Take photos early in the day with fewer people in them or in a much more attractive environment.
Eat and Drink at the Bruny Island Beer and Cheese Co
If you are a foodie, visit Bruny Island Beers. This is 20 minutes from the ferry port. It started off just like a dairy and grew into a fantastic place in the region. It produces cheese and is able to create great beer.
The ideal place to enjoy bruny island cheese is fresh bread made in their wood ovens. The loaf is so good! The café has a cheese-aperitif menu, cafes and snacks as well as samples of beer.
Visit the Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Cape Bruny Lighthouse has been popularly visited several times. The house built in 1838 occupied 158 days of activity a year. The first light was made from whale oil! Several years ago automated lights in the nearby Headlands were doing the same job that lights have done.
It is only a short stroll from parking on the top of the hill to the Light House. It is breathtaking The views from the coastline. You can take one-hour tours around lighthouses for just $15 a day. The tour includes visiting the lighthouse’s upper deck, which offers a better view.
Taste Fresh Oysters at Get Shucked
It is probably hilarious, but seafood here isn’t a joke! Get Shucked is a fresh oyster farm where from our table you have a great view of the farm’s oysters. It can be called a “restaurant” between the bays.
Hike to Fluted Cape
Although short and steep, this walk can be challenging. The area is voted one of Tasmania’s sixty best short walks. Tasmania Park says the distance is 4km, although the GPS tracker measured 6.5km and 900m of climbing. The circuit is a flat walk across the water, ending at an old whaling station at Grass Point.
From here you climb steeply along dramatic ledges to the top of the cap. Keep walking for photos. You’ll have to stop breathing though : )
The trail turns back up the hill for the final leg. About two hours hike. It starts at a parking lot next to the Bruny Island Cruise Lines in Adventure Bay.
South Bruny National Park
South Bruny Nationalpark covers most of the South Bruny Islands. National Park includes Cape Bruny Lighthouses Cloudy Bays Adventure Bays FlutedCaps etc. A very good place to watch whales is Adventure Bay in May and October.
View of Cloudy Bay. Many hiking trails are available for exploration. An easy 2-hour walk to Fluted Cape offers views of the Tasman Sea and the coastal cliffs of Bruny Island. To learn more about walking on Bruny Island, visit the Park & Wildlife Service website.
Immerse Yourself in Local History
Bruny has an interesting history. There are several places to visit on the island. Visit the Bruny Island Quarantine Station interpretive website on Killora Road in North Bruny or the Bruny Island Historical Society in Alonnah in South Bruny or the Bligh Museums of Ocean Exploration in Adventure Bay. And for natural history buffs, check out the Inala Natural Museum and Jurassic Park on Cloudy Bay Road in South Brunswick!
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 here.
- 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 the island.
- Bruny Island Holiday Cottages – Holiday houses are perfect if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and spacious that will sleep everyone comfortably. Cottages have 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.
Self-Drive Bruny Island vs. Bruny Island Tours
As elsewhere, you can travel with a guide or on your own. Both are good options, depending on your preferences and budget.
If you don’t feel like researching and planning your own itinerary, hire a guide. He or she will be able to show you the best of the island.
Of course, if you want to save money or do a great job on your own, we’ll leave you with some tips:
- Plan your itinerary well in advance: Before you arrive on the island, take some time to research the different attractions and activities the island has to offer. Make a list of the places you want to visit and devise a rough itinerary for your trip.
- Hire a car: A car is necessary to get around Bruny Island, so make sure you hire one well in advance. Remember that some of the island’s roads can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive carefully and stay alert.
- Pack appropriate clothing and equipment: Bruny Island is known for its rugged coastline and varied terrain, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing and equipment for your outdoor activities. This includes walking boots, rain gear and warm layers.
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.
F.A.Q.s
The Bruny Islands are famous for their excellent regional produce. Indulge yourself in a variety of tasty seafood products. If you want to get something to drink, go to Bruny Islands Premium Wine or Bruny Hotels for the best deals.
Hobart Ferry Terminal: 40 minutes. Ferries to Bruny Island. 20 min.
You can visit Bruny either by bike or walking. The island does not have a public transportation system, so it’s necessary for a driver to go everywhere. During my visit, we drove and visited the island for two days.
Why Bruney Islands? What are they? Bruni Island is an incredible and peaceful spot on Australian soil. The region is blessed with numerous unique wildlife such as white wallabies and is the refuge of numerous endangered species.
Although a number of people do an overnight visit to Bruny Island, the place will definitely have an enjoyable stay. The final ferry of the three-day trip leaves at 7 pm so the town is quiet in the evenings.
Bruny continues to attract more people who travel by boat. Living on a small island for a long time was my decision. But it means letting go.
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