The absolute best things to do and see on Bruny Island in Tasmania:
After living and working on King Island for over a year, I finally flew to Tasmania to kick off my big trip across most of the state. Bruny Island became my very first stop—and what an incredible way to launch the adventure! I caught the bus from Hobart down to Kettering, hopped on the free ferry across the d’Entrecasteaux Channel, and arrived loaded with camping gear. From there, I hitchhiked all around the island, uncovering its absolute hidden gems and falling completely in love with its wild beauty. Check out the travel video I created from the entire experience below—it’s packed with footage of every highlight! After that, dive into my curated list of the 12 best things to see and do on Bruny Island. Trust me, you’ll savor every single moment in this breathtaking paradise.
1. See the Cape Bruny Lighthouse:
I’ve always had a passion for visiting lighthouses—each one carries its own fascinating history and typically rewards you with jaw-dropping panoramic views. The Cape Bruny Lighthouse sits proudly at the island’s southern tip, first lit in 1838 and decommissioned in 1996 after over 150 years of service guiding ships through treacherous waters. Even though it’s no longer operational, the site remains beautifully maintained and offers an unforgettable experience. Pair its historic charm with the dramatic Tasmanian coastline and endless vistas across the Southern Ocean, and you’ve got an absolute must-visit that no Bruny trip should miss!
2. Discover the Bruny Island Neck:
The Neck—an incredibly narrow isthmus connecting the north and south parts of Bruny Island—stands as one of the top reasons to make the journey here. This natural sandbar delivers breathtaking 360-degree views sweeping across both sides of the island, surrounded by pristine nature that feels like stepping into a postcard. Time your visit for around dusk if you can; that’s when you might catch little penguins waddling home from the sea to their burrows, adding a magical wildlife touch to an already stunning location.
3. Climb to Truganini Lookout:
Located on the northern side of the Neck, Truganini Lookout and its memorial honor the Neunonne tribe. They are the original inhabitants of Lunnawannalonna (Bruny Island’s Indigenous name). The climb up 179 timber steps might leave your legs burning, but the payoff delivers magnificent sweeping views of the island’s rugged landscape in every direction. No wonder this iconic vista graces the front cover of the Tasmanian Lonely Planet—it’s simply one of those views that imprints itself forever in your memory.
4. Spot the Famous White Wallabies:
Bruny Island holds a special fame for its rare white wallabies. There’s around 200 of these genetic wonders roaming the island thanks to a unique mutation in the local Bennett’s wallaby population. The island’s remoteness has allowed this albino group to thrive undisturbed for generations. Your best bet for sightings lies in South Bruny National Park or around Adventure Bay. Keep your eyes peeled in the underbrush during early morning or late afternoon. Spotting these ghostly creatures was hands-down one of the absolute highlights of my entire Bruny adventure!
5. Hike the Fluted Cape Track:
Featured among Tasmania’s prestigious 60 Great Short Walks, the Fluted Cape Track near Adventure Bay quickly became my favorite hike on the island. While many visitors stick to the shorter path just to Grass Point, I strongly recommend pushing on for the full 4km return journey. The effort unlocks spectacular coastal views of Penguin Island and sheer cliffs that make every step worthwhile. The trail’s mix of forest, clifftops, and ocean panoramas creates a perfect taste of Bruny’s wild diversity.
6. Explore Libillardiere Peninsula and South Bruny National Park:
Another standout from my Bruny hikes, the Libillardiere Peninsula track. The hike winds through the untouched wilderness of South Bruny National Park along remote beaches and lush bushland. Clocking in at about 18km, this one’s definitely not for casual strollers. Walking it demands serious stamina and preparation. Yet, the rewards of secluded coves, dramatic headlands, and total isolation make it incredibly worthwhile. Earning its spot among Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks feels entirely deserved after experiencing its raw, untouched beauty firsthand.
7. Savor Tastings at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer:
Bruny Island Cheese and Beer makes the ultimate lunch pitstop, immersing you in the island’s incredible local flavors. Founded back in 2003 with beer brewing kicking off in 2016, they craft everything from hyper-local ingredients like island milk and barley, resulting in cheeses and craft beers that taste of pure Bruny terroir. Swing by any day from 9 AM to 5 PM (kitchen 10 AM to 4 PM) for tastings, platters, and maybe a wood-fired pizza—the perfect refuel after morning adventures=
8. Swim at Adventure Bay Beach:
Adventure Bay ranks as one of Bruny Island’s main townships, brimming with attractions from history museums to boat tours that reveal the island from the water. After a full day pounding trails and chasing wildlife, nothing beats diving into the refreshingly crisp waters of Adventure Bay Beach. The golden sand, gentle waves, and surrounding hills create that ideal post-exploration reward spot. Here you can float, reflect, and recharge for whatever comes next.
9. Venture to Cape Queen Elizabeth:
This walk around Cape Queen Elizabeth masterfully blends beach strolling with bush adventure. The walk links the Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon before climaxing at the stunning Rocky Archway formation at Mars Bluff. The trail’s mix of coastal heath, wetlands, and dramatic geology keeps things exciting throughout. Learn from my painful lesson and double-check your camera or phone battery before setting out. This spot demands epic photos to capture its unique magic!
10. Soak Up Views in Lunawanna:
You simply can’t drive around Bruny Island without passing through charming Lunawanna, named after the island’s original Indigenous title. Slow down and pull over at the little local coffee shop. There you cabn grab an excellent flat white or cold brew while drinking in some of the island’s most serene coastal scenery. That unbeatable combo of quality caffeine and postcard-perfect backdrops makes it a highlight stop no matter how packed your itinerary runs.
11. Experience the Iconic Ferry Crossing:
Sure, taking the ferry to Bruny Island from Kettering is unavoidable. Yet, it deserves its own spotlight as a highlight. Those sweeping water views between the Tasmanian mainland and the island set an adventurous tone right from the start. There’s seals, seabirds, and distant mountains framing the 20-minute SeaLink crossing. They run about 20 sailings daily, welcome cars and campervans aboard, and best of all—foot passengers ride free without needing advance bookings. It’s the perfect low-key launch to your island escape!
12. Camp Wild or Hit the Designated Sites:
Bruny Island overflows with fantastic camping opportunities whether you crave structured sites or total wilderness immersion. I opted for the full wild experience by hitchhiking everywhere with my tent, but spots like Jetty Beach, Dennes Point, or Adventure Bay offer amenities if you prefer creature comforts. Furthermore, have you watched my travel video yet? Every single item on this list appears in the footage! These truly represent Bruny Island’s best experiences—pack your gear, hit the road, and let the island work its magic. Thanks for reading, and happy exploring!
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