Discover 11 unmissable things to do on your next visit to Bruny Island, one of Tasmania’s best island destinations.
Bruny Island is often recommended as a must-visit destination for travellers arriving in Tasmania. This 362-square-kilometre island encapsulates a lot of what Tasmania is all, including abundant wildlife, sweeping vistas, awesome trails and of course, world-renowned produce!
I spent a week exploring every inch of this island while traveling around Tasmania in our van. So, to help you find what to do, I’ve written this travel guide revealing the main attractions and some hidden gems to check out.
1. The Neck Lookout
The Neck Lookout is the iconic viewpoint overlooking the picturesque isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island. You'll often see this lookout spot as the featured photograph in travel guides, magazines and travel blogs.
The Neck Lookout is easy to reach, with a pull-over parking bay on the Main Road. To be honest with you, if you're driving around the island, this spot is impossible to miss!
From the top of the 279 flight of timber steps is a great 360-degree vantage point overlooking the isthmus, separating the beautiful D'Entrecasteaux Channel from the Tasman Sea.
Location: 43°16'09.1"S 147°20'52.4"E
2. Venture to Adventure Bay
Adventure Bay is one of the best areas on Bruny Island for hiking, embarking on cruises and even staying on the island. In fact, Adventure Bay has its own local community, with many of the island's residents living in this area.
Something perhaps a little contrary to the name, this bay is also one of the most peaceful parts of Bruny. At the beach, you'll find calm, relaxing waters and pristine white sand for swimming (if you're brave) and kayaking. If you're looking for something on the calmer side of things to do on Bruny Island, this is a great spot that I recommend.
Location: Eastern side of Bruny Island, south of the Neck Lookout.
3. Discover Local Bruny Island Produce
If you ask any Taswegian what you should see or do on Bruny Island, they'll often tell you to go and taste the local produce. That's because Bruny is well-known in Tasmania for its excellent, locally produced food. This is one of those places where Paddock to Plate really rings true.
For a short run-down, the most well-known include the Bruny Island Cheese Co, Get Shucked (oysters), The Bruny Island Chocolate Factory and Bruny Island Premium Wines.
4. Jump on a Cruise With Bruny Island Cruises
If this list of things to do on Bruny Island was in any type of order, then this south-coast Bruny cruise would be number one. Actually, the trips on Bruny Island Cruises have often rated as the best things to do in Tasmania!
While you can book a cruise from Hobart, you can save money by booking one departing from Adventure Bay, just beside the Fluted Cape car park (below). On the trip, you'll get endless opportunities to see seals, dolphins, whales and sea birds.
A cruise is by far the best way to explore Bruny Island's rugged coastline, complete with epic sea cliffs, blowholes and coastal caves– easily my top recommendation in this guide.
5. Hike to the Fluted Cape
If you'd rather explore the rugged coastal landscapes from the trail, then The Fluted Cape hike is one of the best hikes on Bruny Island.
The Fluted Cape Walk also begins at the appropriately named Adventure Bay and climbs the cape along the east coast with plenty of incredible spots along the way to stop and admire the view. There are multiple viewpoints along the trail but the best ones are at the headland at the end.
Location: Fluted Cape Parking Area
6. Drive to South Bruny National Park
For those looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do on Bruny Island, I recommend heading down to the south coast to explore South Bruny National Park.
This national park is unofficially named the Wilder side of Bruny. Here, you'll leave the culinary comforts behind to discover a dramatic landscape of elevated sea cliffs and windswept beaches surrounded by native rainforests.
7. Visit the Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Cape Bruny Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of the island and accessible via a reasonably decent gravel road on the southwest fork, appropriately known as "Lighthouse Road".
Constructed in 1836, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the only Southern Tassie lighthouse that is available for tours and in my opinion, one of the most worthwhile to visit. This heritage-listed site towers 114 metres above the impressive cliffs and coves, which makes it ideal for photographers and history enthusiasts.
8. Check Out the Rocky Archway at Mars Bluff
One of the most popular hikes on the island is the Cape Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth track. This track departs from a small car park on Bruny Island Main Road, just opposite Bruny Island Honey (also on this list of things to see and do).
The highlight of the track is the much acclaimed Rocky Archway, located at Mars Bluff approximately 3-4 kilometres along the track.
In fact, many people don't make the hike to the cape, choosing instead to cut it short by visiting the archway instead. However, if you plan to do this, make sure to time the tides. You'll want to check out this attraction at low tide for the best photos!
Location: 43°14'32.4"S 147°24'18.6"E
9. Spot A Rare Bruny Island White Wallaby
While Bruny Island isn't as famous as Maria Island for wildlife, it is home to one of Australia's rarest wallabies! The famous white wallabies are native to the island and one of the only places in Australia where you'll have a good chance of spotting one.
Due to the lack of predators on Bruny Island, these cute little guys are thriving. In fact, recent reports estimate the population to be around 200 white wallabies on Bruny Island.
So, if you're visiting the island, one of the most unique things to do on Bruny Island is to see one of these rare little wallabies! We spotted the white wallabies just beside the car park trailhead to the Fluted Cape Walk at East Cove (pinned above).
Did you know? These white wallabies have a genetic defect that causes an imbalance of melanin, causing them to become albino. When this happens in other parts of Australia, they are often snatched up by predators before they are able to spread their genes.
10. Stop By the Bruny Island Honey Company
A short drive north of The Neck Lookout on the Main Road, you'll find the official storefront for Bruny Island Honey. This honey company has been harvesting Tasmanian bee honey for over 20 years, with over 400 hives across the island.
What's unique about this honey shop is that they offer free tasting of their different products.
Each honey product is different based on the trees and native bushes in which the bees collect their nectar. I recommend trying the Prickly Box and the Manuka honey here if you're keen on adding something sweet to your list of things to do on Bruny Island Tasmania!
Location: 2184 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay
11. Jump On a 10-minute Scenic Flight
This last activity is by far the most epic activity on Bruny Island! There is one company that operates scenic flights over and they are known as Island Scenic Flights. You'll find their office just before the honey shop on the main road.
Location: 2179 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay
12. Bruny Island Premium Wines
Bruny Island Premium Wines, located in the heart of Bruny Island, is Australia's southernmost vineyard and winery.
This family-owned operation is famous on the island for making exquisite, locally-produced wines and serving delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients at their property.
If you're up for a relaxing lunch or afternoon after exploring the island, this makes for an ideal place to stop. Their cider is also highly recommended by other travelers on TripAdvisor.
Location: 4391 Bruny Island Main Rd, Lunawanna
13. Alonnah Foreshore Walk (Shearwater)
The Alonnah Shearwater Walk is another great coastal hiking track that is much more relaxing and easier than the Fluted Cape. This 3 km trail is perfect for an evening stroll to witness the sunset over the water the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and leads to the quaint township of Alonnah.
If you like history, you'll be following the track used by the old bullocks in the early days of Bruny Island logging.
Tip: It's an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers to spot the shearwater birds, especially during their nesting season. The walk is well-suited for families and offers several benches along the way to relax and enjoy the views.
Location: Start from the jetty at Alonnah
14. Mavista Nature Walk
The Mavista Nature Walk offers a great escape into Bruny Island's native rainforest and is another relatively easy and accessible track. This 1.4 km walk starts near the Mavista Picnic Area just south of Adventure Bay in Waterfall Creek State Reserve.
Along the way, you'll wind through lush ferns and towering eucalypts and offering excellent opportunities for photos. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including diverse bird species. We also spotted an echidna on the trail!
15. Taste Bruny Island's Seafood
Don't think that the food ends with honey and cheese. Bruny Island is a haven for seafood lovers and a great place to try local catches like oysters, mussels, and abalone.
Bull Bay, on the island's northern coast is where locals catch some of the freshest and best seafood in Tasmania. This region is also one of the most beautiful, with a picturesque backdrop of stunning cliffs and beaches. There's an excellent Deep-to-Dish tour you can book from Hobart on Viator.
For dining on land, the Hotel Bruny and The Bruny Island Seafood Restaurant are must-visit spots that come highly recommended on review platforms like TripAdvisor and Google.
How to Book a Bruny Island Day Trip From Hobart
Travellers who don't have their own vehicle or would prefer to be shown the beautiful island of Bruny by a local guide– you're in luck. Several tour companies organise day trips to Bruny Island from Hobart and from Launceston.
However, based on my experience, they're not all equal and the price varies dramatically.
After comparing countless tours and trawling reviews across booking sites, the below trip by Bruny Island Safaris came out to be the best by far in terms of price and what you get.
This tour is one of the highest-ranked on GYG, with 4.9 stars total out of more than 700 reviews at the time of writing.
How to Get to Bruny Island Independently
Bruny Island is located just south of Hobart and is accessible via a car ferry from the small port town of Kettering.
If you have your own car, then this is the easiest and best way to explore Bruny, and quite affordable at only $37.50 per vehicle for a return trip with SeaLink. This is constantly increasing so make sure to check in advance for updated pricing.
Tip: Make sure to fill up your vehicle before embarking on the car ferry to Bruny Island. There is one petrol station on the island, but fuel prices are much higher.
Where To Stay on Bruny Island
Adventure Bay is the best area to stay on Bruny Island, offering a mix of serene beaches, local dining options, and proximity to the island's top attractions.
Featured in: Where to Stay in Tasmania
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.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Bruny Island?
While you can visit Bruny Island at any time of year, the best time is generally between September–February. These months see warmer weather and the chance of spotting wildlife is higher.
How Long to Spend on Bruny Island
With all of the epic things to do on Bruny Island, it's no wonder people want to know how long to spend here. In my opinion, 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend on the island checking out all the things worth seeing including some food tasting tours and coastal hikes like the Fluted Cape.
That covers my list of what to do and see on Bruny Island. Have you found something that you believe is worthy of the list? Let me know in the comments below.
While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other guides to the state. I guarantee you will find loads of inspiring travel ideas as well as great hikes, waterfalls, and attractions.
- 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!