Bruny Island Itinerary – Your perfect day trip from Hobart
Bruny Island is like a mini-version of Tasmania, but with even less traffic and plenty more wildlife!
This Bruny Island itinerary shows you how to plan your perfect day trip from Hobart, whether it’s building your own itinerary or enjoying a guided tour of the island.
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Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary
A Bruny Island day trip would have to be the most popular options for travellers staying in Hobart, or road trippers wanting to include Bruny Island as an extension to their Huon Valley Itinerary.
There are two popular approaches to planning your day on Bruny Island:
- Spend the whole day exploring on land – OR –
- Spend half the day exploring on land, and the other half on the water on a Pennicott Bruny Island Cruise
In this article I will show you how to structure your day to experience Bruny both ways, including local tips to help make the most of your time on the island and to also plan your own customised day trip itinerary.
If it was me – and keep in mind I’m a massive foodie – this is how I would structure my Bruny Island day trip itinerary…
|
Time |
Step-by-Step Itinerary Description |
|---|---|
|
7:45am |
Leave Hobart and drive south down the Channel Highway to Kettering (if it is a weekday then you may need to leave 10-15mins earlier, as peak-hour traffic could hold you up in Hobart). To avoid traffic hassles, I recommend staying at the amazing Waterview Gardens B&B in Margate – click here to see what I mean! |
|
8:40am |
Buy your tickets on arrival at the Sealink Ferry terminal in Kettering and join the vehicle queue. Ferries leave every 20 minutes, so don’t stress about getting a specific ferry. |
|
8:50am |
Catch the ferry across to Bruny Island. It only takes 20 mins, but that’s enough time to hop out and snap a few photos across the water. |
|
9:10am |
Arrive on Bruny Island and start your road trip! |
|
9:30am |
Stop in at Get Shucked Oysters (they open at 9:30am) and settle in with a dozen of Australia’s freshest and tastiest oysters. |
|
10:00am |
Cheese, bread, beer… it would be far too easy to spend your entire day nibbling and sipping your way through the rustic and utterly moreish menu at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co (they open at 10am). You’ll need some restraint though, as you wouldn’t want to spoil your appetite for lunch! |
|
11:10am |
Just a few minutes down the road you’ll find tastings of the Prickly Box, Manuka and Leatherwood honey at the wonderful Bruny Island Honey (they open at 9am). |
|
11:30am |
Leaving Bruny Island Honey at around 11:20, you’ll find yourself arriving at ‘The Neck’ at around 11:30am for the short climb of 300 steps to Truganini Lookout – it’s a stunner and well worth the huffing and puffing! On your way down, do the short extension to the Penguin View lookout. |
|
12:00pm |
Leave ‘The Neck’, heading south. If you have the time, pull over at the Bruny Baker Bread Fridge and pick up a freshly baked loaf to take with you. You’ll see the Bread Fridge on the corner of Sheepwash Road on your right-hand side, just a few minutes before you reach Alonnah. |
|
12:20pm |
Arrive at Bruny Island Premium Wines for lunch and tuck into a delicious lunch and a drop or two of their finest wine or cider in front of the log fire. |
|
1:30pm |
Finish lunch and keep driving south to Cape Bruny Lighthouse. |
|
2:00pm |
Learn all about the history of Cape Bruny Lighthouse and enjoy the fantastic views from the top on a Lighthouse Tour. Tours run every half hour – I suggest booking ahead online to avoid disappointment on the day. |
|
2:30pm |
Head back to Alonnah and over to Adventure Bay Road. |
|
3:15pm |
Arrive at Bruny Island Chocolate Co. for more tastings and a guaranteed sugar rush. |
|
3:45pm |
Relax and burn off all those calories with a stroll along Adventure Bay Beach (as long or as short as you like), or if you’ve been making good time then I thoroughly recommend the coastal walk to Grass Point (2hrs return). |
|
4:45pm |
Head back past The Neck to the ferry terminal. The last ferry leaves the island at either 6:40pm or 7:00pm. If you have a spare hour, instead of heading straight to the ferry you might like to do the loop drive up to Dennes Point and back down through Killora – the views are amazing! |
|
5:30pm or later |
Catch the ferry back to Kettering and your accommodation. |
Bruny Island Ferry – Quick Guide
The ferry to Bruny Island is run by SeaLink and departs from the coastal town of Kettering, about a 40 minute drive south of Hobart.
The ferry runs regularly from 6:10am to 7pm daily in both directions (click here for the timetable), making it very quick and easy to and from Bruny Island.
Buying a ticket online is possible (here), but all this does is provide you a spot on ‘the next available ferry’ – it isn’t for a specific time of day. This means you are better off just turning up on the day and purchasing your ticket on arrival.
Your ticket covers one vehicle and all passengers, and a return ticket will cost around:
- Small Vehicle (<6m) – From $55
- Long Vehicle (<10m) – From $95
- Vehicle and Caravan – From $125
‘Saver’ and ‘Super Saver’ fares apply at particular times of the day. Check the timetable for more information. Concessional fares are also available.
Tassie Road Trip Resources
- Vehicle rental guides – Car & SUV | Campervan | Motorhome | Motorcycle
- More free self-drive itineraries – Click here
- Discounts on Tassie’s best tours and accommodation – Click here
- Free guides to help you plan your holiday – Click here
- eBook ‘How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip‘ – Click here
How to include a Pennicott Bruny Island Cruise?
The Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Bruny Island Cruise is one of Tasmania’s most popular tours, and once you’ve experienced it you will understand why. The seascapes, marine life and geology are truly spectacular!
A cruise goes for 3hrs and there are up to three departures daily, depending on the time of year you are visiting:
- 10:00am (1 December – 28 April)
- 11:00am (All Year)
- 1:30pm (1 December – 28 April)
If you would like to see as much of Bruny Island as possible (on land) then I would be trying to book the 1:30pm cruise. This way you have the entire morning to do, see and eat as much as possible before heading over to Adventure Bay to start your cruise.
However, this 1:30pm cruise time is only available during the peak season.
If you are visiting at other times of the year then the 11:00am cruise is your only option, and together with the shorter daylight hours this is going to limit how much more of Bruny Island you will be able to see.
If it was me and I was visiting in winter, I would plan my day like this:
- 9:00am – Arrive on the island (if you arrive at 8:00am or earlier then you could squeeze in a drive up to Dennes Point)
- 9:30am – Get Shucked Oysters (Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co. only opens at 10am so it will be difficult to coordinate)
- 10:00am – Truganini Lookout at ‘The Neck’
- 10:30am – Bruny Bread Fridge – OR – Explore Adventure Bay before your cruise
- 11:00am to 2:00pm – Enjoy your Pennicott Cruise
- 2:30pm – Bruny Island Chocolate Co.
- 3:00pm – Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.
- 4:30pm – Catch the ferry back to Kettering
If you’re not so keen on foodie options, replace the Chocolate, Cheese and Beer with a trip down to Cape Bruny Lighthouse after your cruise, as you should be able to squeeze in a tour before you leave the island.
Bruny Island Tours
A lot of travellers appreciate not having to worry about planning the logistics of a day trip to Bruny Island. I’m guessing you might also be very interested in trying the locally crafted beer, wine, spirits or cider on offer across the island.
This is where a guided Bruny Island day tour really shines!
There are some fantastic tours of Bruny Island that depart from Hobart in the morning, returning in the evening, helping you make the most of every minute on the island.
Click here for a review of all the tour options, but these are my two favourites:
- Land Only – Food, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Tour – 10% OFF with the LAPOFTAS code
- Land & Sea – Full-Day Bruny Island Cruise and Tour
Create your own Bruny Island itinerary (1 or 2 days)
The most important thing that will influence your Bruny Island day trip itinerary is the amount of time you plan on spending on the island.
In my experience you can see most of Bruny’s best bits in a single day, but stretching your stay to a couple of days or longer would be even better.
With that in mind, I thought I might provide you with a list of all the best things to see and do on Bruny Island – including timings for each – so you can pick and choose the activities that you would love to include in your own DIY itinerary.
Northern Bruny Island Options
- Dennes Point is beautiful in the morning or afternoon light – enjoy a stroll on Nebraska Beach or the Dennes Point Heritage Trail (1hr). Nebraska Beach is calm and sheltered – the ideal option for families or couples wanting to go for a swim!
- Explore the historical buildings and tales of yesteryear with a visit to the Bruny Island Quarantine Station (Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm – Allow 1-2 hrs)
- Get Shucked is famous for its oysters – ask about Tasmania’s native ‘angasi‘ oyster as they are well worth a try when in season (May-Sept)
- Bruny Island Honey (0.5 hr) is the place to go to taste seasonally changing Prickly Box, Manuka and Leatherwood honey from more than 400 hives dotted across the island
- Walk to ‘The Arch’ at Cape Queen Elizabeth (easy, 3 hrs)
- Founded by Nick Haddow, drop by Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. (1 hr) and graze on a delicious cheese platter or sip on a cleansing ale
- Get a birds-eye view and plenty of jaw-dropping photos of Bruny Island with Island Scenic Flights (from 10 mins up to 2 hrs or longer)
- Pull over at ‘The Neck’ to experience one of Australia’s most iconic views (0.5 hr) – 300 steps required to get you to the top
- See where the Fairy Penguins make their homes in the dunes at Neck Beach (0.5 hr) – another fantastic spot for a swim
- On your way back to the ferry terminal, finish your day with a wee dram of Tassie’s finest whisky at the Bruny Island House of Whisky (0.5-1 hr) – please drink responsibly!
Southern Bruny Island Options
- Pick up a freshly baked loaf from the ‘Bread Fridge’ just a few minutes outside Alonnah (here) on the road to Adventure Bay
- Head south from Alonnah and enjoy a wine tasting at Bruny Island Premium Wines (0.5-1 hr)
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and learn about the history of Bruny Island from the top of Cape Bruny Lighthouse – tours are available (0.5 hr). Keep in mind that the road to the lighthouse is unsealed which may prohibit the use of your rental car on this road.
- Relax with nature as you wander the peaceful paths of Sprokkelwood Art Garden (1 hr)
- Bird watchers will love Inala Reserve and Jurassic Garden, where they have plenty of bird hides and the possibility of sighting a rare 40-Spotted pardalote (1-2 hrs)
- If you have a sweet tooth then a visit to Bruny Island Chocolate Co. an absolute must (0.5 hr)
- Keeping heading east to Adventure Bay and you will find some of Bruny’s best walking trails – the coastal walk to Grass Point is popular and very easy (1.5-2 hrs return), or you can extend this trail to Fluted Cape for a longer walk (moderate, 2.5-3 hrs)
- Adventure Bay is where you need to keep your eyes peeled for rare albino wallabies – their white fur is amazing
Lunch Options on Bruny Island
My favourite places for lunch on Bruny Island include:
- Bruny Island Premium Wines – Located a few minutes south of Alonnah, this winery is the most gourmet dining experience on the island and it’s my personal favourite. Log fires in winter and a lovely ‘farm-to-fork’ menu.
- Hotel Bruny – Conveniently located in Alonnah with fantastic views across the water, in addition to your pub mainstays they love showcasing Tassie seafood – the chowder is amazing!
- Bruny Island Wild – This cafe is hidden away in Dennes Point, at the northern tip of Bruny Island and while they have limited opening days/hours (Fri-Sun normally) their wood-fired pizzas and fresh fish & chips are well worth a visit
Where to stay for your Bruny Island day trip
Hobart and Surrounds
- Waterview Gardens B&B – Conveniently located in Margate, just a few minutes’ drive from the ferry terminal in Kettering, this hosted B&B is perfect for couples who don’t want to have to worry about Hobart traffic, while still wanting to be close enough to see the sights of Hobart, or to head down the Huon Valley. The cooked breakfasts prepared by Leonie and Tim are scrumptious, and Lappers receive a very special offer – click here to learn more!
- Edinburgh Gallery – Great for families on a budget
- RACV Hobart Hotel – Excellent value for couples and families near the Hobart waterfront
- 110 Hampden – Self-catering comfort-loving couples will fall in love with this property!
- MACq 01 – Who doesn’t love a luxe splurge, right on the water’s edge?
- Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park – The closest caravan park to Kettering, with fantastic reviews from campers and caravanners.
- Discovery Parks Risdon – A fantastic base for exploring Hobart, the Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley and beyond. It’s a bit further away, but Lappers receive 20% OFF with the LAPOFTAS code.
Bruny Island
- Nebraska Retreat – Perfect for couples looking for a luxe stay, right on the edge of Nebraska Beach in Dennes Point.
- Free Spirit Pods – Nature enthusiasts will adore this property, high in the tree-tops.
- Mandala – Spacious accommodation for families and couples, as well as being pet-friendly!
- Captain Cook Holiday Park – Located right next to the beach at Adventure Bay, this is the only caravan park on the island. Lovely sites and their cabins are great value option for families.
- Neck Reserve Camping Area – One of the best free-camping options on the island but also very limited capacity.
- Bruny Island Landscape Supplies – A popular camping location near Get Shucked Oysters and Bruny Island Cheese. Water and power are available, but you must be self-contained. Pet-friendly. Bookings essential.
For more free and low-cost camping recommendations you’ll love my Local’s Guide to Camping & Caravanning Tasmania.
Final thoughts on your Bruny Island day trip itinerary…
I hope you have found this article helpful in deciding how to plan your day trip (or longer!) on Bruny Island.
I’m guessing you might be interested in similar guides and articles for planning the rest of your Tassie road trip holiday?
If that is the case then you are going to love these planning resources and itineraries:
- Road Trip Itineraries
- Full ‘Lap’ itineraries (7, 10, 14 days) – Click here
- East Coast, West Coast and Central Tasmania ‘mini-‘Short and Sweet’ Itineraries – Click here
- Huon Valley Itinerary – Click here
- B&B Itinerary – Click here
- Learn more about Tasmania:
- Choose your wheels (and save money):
- Check out my favourite Tasmania accommodation options
We would love to see you over in our Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group as well! It would have to be one of Tasmania’s friendliest groups, and whether you are a first-timer to Tassie or a repeat visitor you are guaranteed to get some fantastic tips to help with your travel planning.
Happy travels!
Andrew.
All my Tassie info at your fingertips…
There are literally dozens of articles and guides here on the website to help plan your Tassie road trip – but it can take a long time to find the ones that are most relevant to you and your style of travel.
My eBooks pull everything together into one place, saving you hours of browsing and getting you on the road with my practical (and local!) tips and advice.
Guide to Caravanning & Camping Tasmania
How to Plan Your Tasmania Road trip
Complete Hobart Day Trip Planner
When only a map will do…
Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island.
A paper map is the perfect backup, and I love the range from HEMA and Lonely Planet.
My HEMA maps are sourced through the wonderful team at Adventure Awaits, and they are providing Lappers with a generous 10% OFF when you use the links below, or the LAPOFTAS code on checkout!
HEMA Map (Regular)
HEMA Map (Pocket)
Lonely Planet Map