Bruny Island is a unique place, filled with Jurassic capes, wild nature, wildlife and rich history. This island makes for a great day trip or multi day trip – depending on how much time you have.
If you love food and trying out local produce, this is the place to go in Tasmania! From cheese, whiskey, wine, honey, jam and much more. It is a food lovers paradise.
I got to spend one day exploring this island, and this itinerary follows what I did during my time and other places I recommend you visit. You will need anywhere between 4-8hrs to explore this island, depending on how long you stop at each place.
Is Bruny Island worth visiting? I think it is! And you can defiantly explore here in one day.
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Table of Contents
Getting to Bruny Island
The ferry for Bruny Island leaves from Kettering, a 30 min drive from Hobart CBD. The ferry runs from 6.10 am to 12.10pm and 12.30pm to 7.15pm from Kettering, at 20min intervals.
You can purchase ferry tickets from Sealink for $48.50 AUD for vehicles and a return trip. The ticket is valid for return travel between Kettering and Bruny Island for 365 days.
How long do I need on the island?
I found that one day was enough time to see majority of the major attractions and try the local produce. If you want to complete this at a slower pace and complete some of the hikes, I recommend 2-3 days here.
You will also need a car for transport around Bruny Island. or you can look at some of the tours I have listed below.
Bruny Island Itinerary
Get on the early morning ferry and head on over to Bruny Island. The whole ferry trip only takes about 10-15mins and you will stay in your car for the duration of this trip. Once on Bruny Island, I recommend starting off your day by heading south, towards the lighthouse.
STOP 1: The Neck Truganina Lookout
This first stop is about halfway down the island and is worth stopping for! The walk to the lookout will only take you about 10mins, after you ascend a few steps. This thin strip of land connects the two halves of the island, giving a spectacular view.
You can also take some time to explore the beaches nearby or you might get lucky and see some penguins!
STOP 2: Bread Fridge
The Bread Fridge is a fridge on the side of the road, which is filled by freshly made bread and baked goods every morning by a local baker. It works on an honestly system, where you can either put cash into the drawer or direct transfer.
I got a loaf of sourdough bread and a few Anzac slices – they were incredible! Some of the best sourdough bread I’ve ever had. I believe they usually fill the fridge around 9am each morning, so if you can aim to get here just after 9 that would be perfect.
STOP 3: Bruny Island Lighthouse
The lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks on Bruny Island. It is located at the very southern end of the island and does require driving on over 10km of unsealed roads. These roads are not well kept and do have heaps of potholes. So if you are driving a rental car, make sure its covered in your rental agreement.
Here you can choose to view the lighthouse yourself or go on one of the tours, which takes you inside and up the lighthouse. You can also walk one of the many hikes around the area. I wouldn’t recommend doing these unless you have a few days, as they can take around 5 hours to complete.
STOP 4: Bruny Island Chocolate Factory
This small chocolate factory has a range of delicious chocolate treats – they make great presents! You can even buy whisky and whisky flavoured spreads here. This is a great little side stop and the owner is lovely. She even gave me a free chocolate because I brought presents for everyone except myself.
STOP 5: Beach’s leading to Adventure Bay
If the weather is favourable, I recommend stopping off at some of the beaches before heading to Adventure Bay. Places like Barkers Beach and Hanssons Beach looked like nice spot to stop and explore.
Unfortunately, the weather was a bit off when I visited, so I just made my way down to Adventure Bay and went for a short walk along the Beach. Here is also where you are most likely to spot the rare albino wallaby!
STOP 6: Bruny Island Raspberry Farm
This is another place which sells incredible local produce. Here you can buy jams, spreads, dips and sauces, all made on site at the farm. You can even have some pancakes or scones, and a range of beverages here. I highly recommend the raspberry scones, they were delicious! This is a great place to stop for a late morning snack.
STOP 7: Bruny Island Honey
Another short stop. Here you can buy 100% local honey which is 100% pure. This business has been collecting honey for over 20 years and currently have 400 hives on the island. You can purchase pure Tasmanian honey, honey treats, gifts, skincare and even cosmetics here!
STOP 8: Bruny Island Cheese Company
If you love cheese and wine/beer, you will want to stop here! I stopped here for lunch and got a cheese board with a sneaky glass of champagne. They have a range of different platters which highlight their different cheeses, all with home-made bread (yum). You can also book a tasting experience for small or large groups. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and a great place for a lazy lunch.
STOP 9: Get Shucked
Get shucked is an oyster bar, which offers fresh oysters farmed on Bruny Island. These oysters are harvested, shucked and served daily. I am not an oyster fan myself, but if you are this would be a great place to stop and try some local, fresh produce.
STOP 10: Bruny Island House of Whisky
Here you will find a collection of over 140 Tasmanian Single Malt whiskies and home to an exclusive range of gins. Here you can stop off for a tasting and a drink with a view, before heading to the ferry terminal.
This is the last stop on this itinerary, the ferry terminal is only a 15min drive away from here.
Places and activities not mentioned in this itinerary
- Hotel Bruny and Bruny Island Cider: If you have a spare bit of time I would recommend stopping here for lunch (a proper lunch). They have amazing seafood meals and you can taste the locally made Bruny cider.
- Bruny Island Cruises: Take an award winning 3 hour wilderness cruise around the rugged coastline of Bruny Island.
- Hiking: There are heaps of incredible hikes to complete on this island, however I would only recommend looking into these if you have more then 1 day to spare.
Accommodation Options
Bruny Island has a range of luxe stays to camping options.
- Budget/Camping : Captain Cook Holiday Park
- Bush Camping: They have a range of bush camping options on the south of the island.
- Mid-range/Luxury: 43 Degrees Bruny Island
Bruny Island Tours
This full day Bruny Island tour starts a 7.30am and takes you to majority of the places mentioned in this itinerary. The total cost for the tour is $145 AUD per person. It includes pickup/drop off at the meeting spot, a guide and national park fees.
If you are looking for a food and tasting tour, this tour is a great option.
You can also find more tours on Bruny Island here.
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