Discover everything you need to know in this up-to-date guide about Bruny’s most epic 279-step viewpoint.
The aptly named “Neck Lookout” overlooks the Bruny Island Neck, a sandy isthmus connecting the north and south ends of Bruny Island in the south of Tasmania.
The lookout is a popular location to visit on day trips to Bruny from Hobart and offers an unbeatable view of the island and ocean. With just a short walk to the top lookout, it’s a fantastic spot for an impressive view with minimal effort!
Below I’ll explain how to get here, and the best time to visit, with photos from my recent trip!
How to Get to the Neck Lookout on Bruny Island
Boarding the Ferry to Bruny Island
In order to get to the Neck Lookout, you'll first need to get to Bruny Island. Ferries depart from Kettering, approximately 30 minutes south of Hobart. The best way to explore this beautiful slice of Tassie is to drive here yourself.
Ferry Port: Kettering Ferry Terminal
The ferry is 20 minutes and allows you to take a vehicle fairly cheaply. You can pre-purchase your ticket online or pay at the ticket booth on arrival.
Arriving on Bruny Island
Once you exit the ferry put these coordinates into your Google Maps and you'll arrive at the lookout in about 20 minutes.
Google Maps Pin: "Neck Carpark"
Directions:
- Arrive at the Roberts Point Boat Ramp from the ferry.
- Follow Lennon Road.
- Continue until Lennon Road merges onto Bruny Island Main Highway heading south.
- Keep driving until you reach The Neck.
- Look for the narrow stretch of sand and a large, signed car park, which is impossible to miss.
Alternatively, you can also book a very popular full-day tour of Bruny Island from Hobart that also includes a stop by the famous Neck Lookout!
If you don't have your own vehicle yet, you might be in for a shock. That's because Tassie has some of the most expensive car rental prices in Australia. To help you save a few bucks, here's the best car rental prices.
The Neck Lookout
The Neck Lookout is the best way to take in the scenic coastal vistas of this unique isthmus. Once you reach the car park, you'll need to climb 279 timber steps to reach the outpost viewpoint above.
Let me tell you though, that this view is worth the hype, and the climb! At the top, you'll get a 360-degree vantage point overlooking the golden sands separating the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Channel (on the left) from the Tasman Sea (on the right).
The wooden boardwalk and stairs also extend over to Neck Beach, an impossibly long stretch of sand that is home to native birds including short-tailed shearwaters and fairy penguins.
The best time to visit
We visited Bruny Island several times and discovered that the best time to go to the Neck Lookout was early in the morning. Midday can be challenging for parking since it's a popular tourist spot!
The Neck Reserve Camping Area
If you're travelling around Tassie by campervan like we did, then you should know that it's also possible to camp near The Neck Lookout on Bruny Island. This campsite is called The Neck Reserve Camping Area and you'll find it just a bit further south from the lookout.
Location: Camping Area
Camping Tasmania has a great resource guide with up-to-date information.
Staying here gives you a better opportunity to get to the lookout before the crowds in the morning.
Spotting Penguins on The Neck Beach
Did you know that one of the most popular things to do on Bruny Island is to watch the penguins return to their burrows in the sand and dunes at the Neck Beach?
The best time to see the Penguins is September to February. They generally head back to their burrows around dusk and if you're quiet enough you'll see them exiting the water and making their way to bed. The pin below is a great area to view the penguins.
Location: Penguin Viewing Area
Another cool animal to spot on Bruny Island is the White Wallaby which can be spotted along the fluted cape walk.
Tip: With both of these animals for the best chance of spotting it's important to stay quiet and not make sudden movements.
Accommodation Options on Bruny Island
This is the best-rated holiday and vacation home on the island. It is conveniently located in Adventure Bay, close to the Fluted Cape and the cruise terminal.
Cottages that cater to all group sizes and feature a private balcony, fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen facilities. Just a minute's walk to crystal clear waters and a 10-minute drive to the main Bruny Hotel.
That wraps up this guide to visiting the Neck I hope this has made it easier to visit whether that be in your own vehicle or a tour from Hobart.
Below you'll find some more guides and blogs for Tassie to help you discover more must-visit spots and off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
- 65 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania - My ultimate guide to exploring Tassie, complete with must-visit icons & hidden gems.
- Hikes in Tasmania - Discover 40+ of Tassie's best hiking trails, including short walks and long overnight treks!
- Waterfalls in Tasmania - A guide to 25+ of Tasmania's best waterfalls!
- Where to Stay in Tasmania - The ultimate accommodation guide to help your stops and places to stay.
- Best Tours & Experiences in Tasmania - This years' roundup of my favourite bookable tours & experiences across Tassie!