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Bruny Island is a must-visit for any traveller exploring Tasmania, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and mouth-watering local flavours. This full-day itinerary will take you through some of Bruny Island’s most iconic landmarks, starting from the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry at Kettering, across breathtaking views at Neck Lookout, to the majestic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and finishing up at the serene Two Tree Point in Adventure Bay. Whether you're here for the views, history, or simply a scenic day out, Bruny Island promises an unforgettable experience. Do note that one day is definitely not enough to fully experience everything Bruny Island has to offer. This itinerary gives you a taste of what you can enjoy in a day, with additional recommendations at the end of this post for those who have more time to explore!
Getting there
Your adventure begins with a 30-minute drive from Hobart to Kettering Wharf, where the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry departs for Bruny Island. You can take your car with you on the ferry, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace. The ferry operates every 20 minutes, except between 12:30 PM and 1:20 PM, so there’s no need to schedule your day too tightly around ferry times. While bookings aren’t required, expect queues during busy periods, especially between 8 AM and 10 AM leaving Kettering, and 4 PM and 5 PM leaving Bruny Island. Travelling outside of these peak hours can not only save you time but also reduce ferry costs. For more details on ferry schedules and pricing, visit the SeaLink Bruny Island website here.
The SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry offers a smooth 15-minute ride from Kettering Wharf to Roberts Point Wharf on Bruny Island. As you sail across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the fresh sea breeze and the stunning coastline provide the perfect prelude to your island adventure.
Stop #1 - The Neck Game Reserve Lookout
Once you arrive in Bruny Island, your first stop is the Neck Game Reserve Lookout (also known as, the Neck and Truganini Lookout), just a 20-minute drive from Roberts Point. Ample parking at the base makes it an easy stop and there are restrooms near the carpark for your use!
From the carpark, it's a short but steep climb up the wooden stairs (15-min return, 200 or so stairs) to the top of the lookout. The views are worth every step — from the summit, you'll witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Isthmus Bay, Adventure Bay, and Great Bay, with the narrow strip of land known as "The Neck" connecting North and South Bruny. The Neck Lookout is not only one of the island's most iconic views but also a place of significance for local wildlife, particularly the little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters that nest along the beach below. If you're visiting at dusk, you might even catch a glimpse of these adorable birds returning to their burrows.
Stop #2 - Cape Bruny Lighthouse
After soaking in the views from the Neck and Truganini Lookout, drive approximately 30 minutes south to the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse. There's ample parking near the lighthouse, and from there it's just a five-minute walk to reach the impressive structure.
Built in 1836, this lighthouse has watched over the treacherous southern waters of Tasmania for nearly two centuries. It stands as a testament to Tasmania's maritime history and offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged coastline.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch amidst the scenic beauty before embarking on the 1:30 PM lighthouse tour, which runs for 30 minutes. This guided tour takes you through the history of the lighthouse and allows you to climb to the top for unrivalled views of the Southern Ocean. Tours must be booked in advance — check out the official Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours webpage for timings and ticket information.
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Last Stop - Two Tree Point, Resolution Creek in Adventure Bay
After exploring Cape Bruny, make your way to Two Tree Point and Resolution Creek in Adventure Bay, an ideal spot to end your day on Bruny Island. You have two route options: the sealed B66 Bruny Island Main Road, or the unsealed C629 Coolangatta Road that winds through Bruny Island State Forest. We opted for the latter, enjoying the rugged beauty of the forest despite the bumpy ride — a 4WD is strongly recommended for this road. Both routes take roughly the same time to reach Adventure Bay.
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At Two Tree Point, you'll be greeted by a peaceful beach with crystal-clear waters and views stretching across Adventure Bay. The area holds cultural significance as a site where Aboriginal Australians lived for thousands of years, and it’s a great place for a quiet walk along the shore. If you have more time, consider exploring Adventure Bay itself, with its hiking trails, historical landmarks, and quaint local eateries.
While near Adventure Bay, keep an eye out for Bruny Island’s famous white wallabies. These rare and striking creatures can often be spotted near the entrance to South Bruny National Park, adding a unique wildlife experience to your visit. As your day winds down, it’s time to head back to Roberts Point Wharf to catch the SeaLink Ferry back to Kettering. Take in the last views of Bruny Island’s stunning coastline as you sail across the channel, reflecting on the diverse experiences of the day. Once back in Kettering, your Tasmania journey continues, with more adventures awaiting you.
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Bruny Island offers a day of scenic beauty, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. From the breathtaking views at Neck Lookout to the historic grandeur of Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the peaceful shores of Two Tree Point, this itinerary ensures you’ll experience the very best the island has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing day trip, Bruny Island won’t disappoint. It’s an adventure you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left its shores.
💡Additional things to do on Bruny Island:
If you have more time on Bruny Island, here are a few other must-see spots to consider:
Bruny Island is full of hidden gems, so if your schedule allows, explore these spots to make your visit even more memorable!
If you have more time on Bruny Island, here are a few other must-see spots to consider:
- The Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration: Located in Adventure Bay, this small but fascinating museum contains relics from Captain Bligh’s explorations, as well as other significant maritime artefacts related to Bruny Island.
- Cloudy Bay Lagoon: Perfect for surfers and beach lovers, Cloudy Bay offers sweeping beaches and excellent surf. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip if you have more time.
- Mavista Nature Walk: A short rainforest walk near Adventure Bay that’s great for birdwatching and connecting with the island’s natural beauty. The trail leads through a lush forest, with beautiful scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.
- Walk to Cape Queen Elizabeth: The scenic Cape Queen Elizabeth walk is a must-do for nature lovers, offering a 13km return trek that takes about 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through bushland, cross sand dunes, stroll along a remote beach, and explore fascinating rocky crevices. The highlight of the walk is the stunning rocky archway at Mars Bluff, a perfect spot for photos.
- Take a Half-Day Eco-Cruise: For an unforgettable wildlife experience, hop on a half-day Eco-Cruise with Bruny Island Cruises. This three-hour tour takes you along the island’s rugged southern coastline, where you'll have the chance to spot dolphins, seals, seabirds, and even whales if you're lucky. The cruise also offers a close-up view of Bruny’s dramatic natural features, including towering sea cliffs, fascinating sea caves, and a powerful blowhole that seems to come alive with the ocean's force. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in Bruny’s stunning wilderness.
Bruny Island is full of hidden gems, so if your schedule allows, explore these spots to make your visit even more memorable!
Love our itinerary? Excited to visit Bruny Island? Book your accommodation via Booking.com below at cheaper prices!
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This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!