If you’re visiting Hobart and want to experience Tasmania’s wild side, a day on Bruny Island is all you need! This island packs incredible food, wildlife, beaches and stunning views into one compact destination, and it’s just a short ferry ride away!
I had only 24 hours to explore Bruny Island, so I planned my trip to include popular attractions and activities. The trip was packed with so many memorable moments that writing about them was the best way to preserve my Bruny Island day trip.
Table of Contents
Morning Ferry From Kettering
It started with a scenic drive from Hobart to Kettering, the small seaside town where the ferry to Bruny Island departs. The drive to the ferry terminal took about 30 minutes and was surprisingly beautiful. As you leave the city behind, the road wound through quiet countryside, with farmlands, forests and glimpses of the sparkling D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
The ferry to Bruny Island took another 15-20 minutes and you could drive your car straight onto the ferry, which made it easy to explore the island at your own pace. Standing on the deck, with that cool ocean breeze and a view of the Tassie coastline was the perfect start to the day. Before I knew it the ferry was docking at Roberts Point, and I was on the island!
Oysters & The Neck Lookout in Bruny Island
One thing I quickly learned was that Bruny Island equals a paradise for food lovers – especially seafood fans.
My first stop was Get Shucked Oyster Farm, a famous oyster place known for serving incredibly fresh oysters that were harvested just metres away. They were fresh, briny and a little sweet. Sitting outside with a plate of oysters in Bruny Island and a view of the ocean felt like the ultimate island experience.
After a delicious entree, I drove south to one of the island’s most iconic attractions, the Neck Lookout. The narrow strip of land connects North Bruny and South Bruny, with the lookout offering a spectacular 360-degree view. It’s the most picturesque place on the island, with the ocean stretching out on both sides of the island, separated by a thin stretch of land.
Wilderness Cruise
As it was with many Bruny Island visitors, the highlight of my Bruny Island trip was without a doubt the wilderness cruise. From the small harbour at Adventure Bay, I booked the 3-hour Bruny Island boat tour that explored the rugged coastline of South Bruny, a part of Tasmania that’s remote, dramatic and completely untouched.
The boats themselves were built for adventure. They’re fast and designed to handle the powerful Southern Ocean swells. As soon as we left the calm waters of the bay, the ride became part of the experience. The wind picked up, the waves grew bigger and suddenly we were speeding along one of the most spectacular coastlines in Tasmania.
The scenery was spectacular with towering sea cliffs rising straight out of the ocean, caves carved into rock walls and huge waves crashing against the shoreline. As we cruised along the coast, we passed beneath the towering Bruny Island Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. Seeing it perched high above the cliffs, gave a real sense of how wild and isolated this part of the island once was.
After the rocks, cliffs and caves, came the Bruny Island wildlife! The guides were incredibly skilled at spotting animals and knew exactly where to go. We saw many local Australian Fur Seal colonies where dozens of seals lounged across the rocks, barking and stretching. The boat got surprisingly close, allowing everyone onboard to watch these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Some of the younger seals even swam around the boat, popping their heads above the water as if they were curious about us.
Despite the adventure and speed, the guides constantly shared fascinating stories about the island’s geology, wildlife and maritime history. It made the whole journey feel like a nature tour and wildlife safari in one! By the time we returned to Adventure Bay, everyone on the boat had wind-blown hair and huge smiles.
Lunch & Local Produce Tasting
As it was with many Bruny Island visitors, the highlight of my Bruny Island trip was without a doubt the wilderness cruise. From the small harbour at Adventure Bay, I booked the 3-hour Bruny Island boat tour that explored the rugged coastline of South Bruny, a part of Tasmania that’s remote, dramatic and completely untouched.
The boats themselves were built for adventure. They’re fast and designed to handle the powerful Southern Ocean swells. As soon as we left the calm waters of the bay, the ride became part of the experience. The wind picked up, the waves grew bigger and suddenly we were speeding along one of the most spectacular coastlines in Tasmania.
The scenery was spectacular with towering sea cliffs rising straight out of the ocean, caves carved into rock walls and huge waves crashing against the shoreline. As we cruised along the coast, we passed beneath the towering Bruny Island Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia. Seeing it perched high above the cliffs, gave a real sense of how wild and isolated this part of the island once was.
After the rocks, cliffs and caves, came the Bruny Island wildlife! The guides were incredibly skilled at spotting animals and knew exactly where to go. We saw many local Australian Fur Seal colonies where dozens of seals lounged across the rocks, barking and stretching. The boat got surprisingly close, allowing everyone onboard to watch these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Some of the younger seals even swam around the boat, popping their heads above the water as if they were curious about us.
Despite the adventure and speed, the guides constantly shared fascinating stories about the island’s geology, wildlife and maritime history. It made the whole journey feel like a nature tour and wildlife safari in one! By the time we returned to Adventure Bay, everyone on the boat had wind-blown hair and huge smiles.
Beaches & Wildlife Spotting
I decided to spend the rest of the day doing what Bruny Island is best for – exploring its beaches, driving the quiet roads and keeping an eye out for wildlife.
My first stop was number one on the Bruny Island beaches list – Adventure Bay Beach. The beach stretched out into a wide crescent with soft sand and clear water. Framed with rolling green hills and forests, made the whole place feel peaceful. I took a slow walk along the shoreline, listening to the waves and watching seabirds glide over the water. Further south, the landscape became even wilder. With dense forests, it was very likely that I would spot some of the wildlife that Bruny raves about.
Before long, I spotted a few long-beaked echidnas scourging for food near the bushes. They’re surprisingly common around the island. I walked a little more before I saw a group of wallabies grazing quietly before they spotted me. One regret is that I didn’t see the rare White Wallaby that Bruny Island is famous for, but that just gives me a reason to come back!
I then spent some time just driving along the quiet roads, occasionally stopping to take a few photos and admire the view. Moments like this were what made the island special. It wasn’t about ticking off attractions, but more about experiencing a place where nature feels completely wild.
By the time I started heading back towards the ferry, I felt like I’d seen a completely different side of Tasmania. One filled with empty beaches, incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Return To The Mainland
With a full day of exploration under my belt, it was time to make my way back to the ferry terminal. The drive back across the island felt bittersweet because I wasn’t ready to leave this beautiful place.
I caught the ferry to Kettering, watching the island slowly disappear behind me as the boat crossed the channel. By the time I returned to Hobart, I was tired, but in the best way possible.
So, if your question was “Is a Bruny Island day trip worth it?”, the answer is yes, absolutely! Even in just one day, the island is easy to visit and offers an all-round experience. Whether you’re tasting fresh oysters, cruising along sea cliffs or walking on beaches, it’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.
