After living and working on King Island for over a year, I flew to Tasmania to start my trip, covering most of the state. Bruny Island was the first stop on my itinerary. I took the bus from Hobart to Kettering and the free ferry to the Island. Loaded with camping gear, I hitchhiked around and discovered all its hidden gems. Below you can find the travel video I made from my trip. Afterwards, I’ll happily share the list of the best things you should see and do on your trip to Bruny Island. I’m sure you will enjoy every moment as it is such a beautiful place to visit.
1. See the Cape Bruny Lighthouse:
I love visiting lighthouses. Every lighthouse has its own story and usually comes with a great view. The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is located on the Island’s southern tip. It was first lit in 1838 and got decommissioned in 1996. However, the lighthouse is well-maintained and is still very beautiful to visit. In combination with the Tasmanian coastline and the views of the Southern Ocean, you can’t miss the Cape Bruny Lighthouse on your trip!
2. Discover the Bruny Island Neck:
Bruny Island’s Neck is an isthmus connecting north and south Bruny Island, and one of the main reasons to travel to this Island. The 360-degree views and the nature around the Neck are breathtakingly stunning. The best time to come here is around dusk; you may be able to see penguins returning to their retreats!
3. See the Truganini Lookout:
The Truganini Lookout and memorial are located on the northern side of the isthmus. The monument is dedicated to the Neunonne tribe, who first inhabited Lunnawannalonna, the indigenous name of Bruny Island. Climb the 179 timber steps and enjoy the magnificent views of the landscape. There is a reason why this view is on the front page of the Tasmanian Lonely Planet!
4. Check out the white wallabies:
Bruny Island is somewhat known for its white wallabies. The Island has about 200 albino wallabies. The Bennets wallabies have a rare genetic mutation resulting in their white albino fur. Due to the remoteness of the Island, the population has been able to grow without interruption. To find these wallabies, you must head to South Bruny National Park or Adventure Bay. Seeing these was one of the highlights of my trip!
5. Walk the Fluted Cape Track:
The Fluted Cape Track is featured as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. This walk, close to Adventure Bay, is my favourite hike on the Island. Most people only walk the shorter route to Grass Point, but I recommend doing the entire 4km. The views of Penguin island are spectacular and are well worth the climb.
6. Libillardiere Peninsula and South Bruny National Park:
Libillardiere Peninsula is another bushwalk on Bruny Island that I loved. However, this one is not for the faint-hearted; the walk brings you along the remote beaches in the South Bruny National Park and is about 18km long. That being said, well worth your time and effort! It is not accidental that also this hike made it into the 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania.
7. Have a tasting at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer:
Bruny Island Cheese and Beer makes for the perfect lunch stop on your trip! It is giving you a taste of Bruny! The company was founded in 2003 and began brewing beer in 2016, making all products from locally sourced ingredients. Bruny Island Cheese and Beer is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the kitchen from 10 am to 4 pm.
8. Swim at Adventure Bay Beach:
Adventure Bay is one of the main townships of Bruny Island. It offers various attractions like museums and is home to boat tours that show Bruny in a different light. Swimming at the beach is a must-do after a long day exploring the Island.
9. Visit Cape Queen Elizabeth:
The walk around Cape Queen Elizabeth combines both beach and bush adventure. Walk between Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon to the highlight; the Rocky Archway at Mars Bluff. Please don’t make the same mistake I made, and make sure your camera or phone is full of charge to get some fantastic photos.
10. Enjoy the views in Lunawanna:
It’s impossible to drive around Bruny island and not drive through Lunawanna. The town was named after the island’s indigenous name. Make sure you stop at the little coffee shop here; there is excellent coffee and even better views.
11. Take the ferry to Bruny Island:
I know catching the ferry to Bruny Island is unavoidable, but it is worth mentioning. The views you get from Kettering and the Island onboard the boat are a fantastic start to your Bruny Island adventure. Travelling with SeaLink takes about 20 minutes, and they run 20 times a day. It is also possible to take cars and campervans across to the Island, so if that’s more your style, you are in luck! Passengers travel free of charge and don’t have to book in advance.
12. Go camping or go completely wild on Bruny Island:
Bruny Island is full of great camping sites! If you want to go wild, you can consider hitchhiking around the Island as I did. If you haven’t watched the video I made from the trip; I suggest watching it. All items on this list appear in the video! These were the best things to do and see on Bruny Island. Pack your camping gear and enjoy what the Island has to offer you! Thank you for reading!
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