Bruny Island - the first Place I Fell in Love with Tasmania
Bruny Island
A short - 20 minute- ferry ride from the mainland of Tasmania. An island with Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments, stunning cliff top views and abundant wildlife.
I have only spent four days on this island, but this place definitely deserves more time.
Tasmania is well known of it’s drastic and sudden weather changes - Bruny Island is no different from that. You can experience heavy lightning, strong sunshine and pouring showers - all in one day.
Coastal view , Adventure bay
The “Neck”
The island is a roughly 100km long land made up of the North and South Island, which are separated by a narrow isthmus known as the “Neck”. The Island was discovered by Abel Tasman, in 1642 and is rich in both British and Aboriginal history.
The Neck is a fascinating example of geology, with a thin sliver of land connecting the north and south parts of Bruny Island. A lookout has been installed here at the very top of a long flight of wooden stairs.
Lookout towards the Northern end of the island from the Neck
Breathtaking views from both sides of this very narrow strip connecting the two halves of Bruny Island
The Neck on a sunny winter day
Walk in the nature in Bruny Island
A large portion of Bruny Island is comprised of the South Bruny National Park and State Forest Reserves. It's a perfect island for walking - stroll to Penguin Island from Adventure Bay and climb along the crest of the sea crags on Fluted Cape or just take a beach walk on one of the island's many stretches of untracked sand.
View towards the Southernmost part of Australia from the Light House Walk
Ray of Colors at Adventure Bay
And the southernmost part of Australia
Apollo Bay, Bruny Island
Climb the spiral staircase to the lighthouse balcony
A classic windswept cape with classic white lighthouse with 360º views from the top
Experience the spectacular vistas of the South West Wilderness
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
The most iconic and dominant landmark on Bruny Island is nestled on the southernmost edge of the island overlooking the craggy coastlines.
When first lit in March 1838 Cape Bruny was Tasmania’s third lighthouse, and Australia’s fourth. It is now the country’s second oldest and longest continually staffed extant lighthouse.
I took the tour up with Chris, who is a 100% local of Tasmania, and it was wonderful. His deep love and respect towards his homeland is admirable.
Once you climbed up to the top, you can see the southernmost land of the continent of Australia.
Wildlife on Bruny Island
Rare, Albino Wallaby that can only be found on Bruny Island
Shear-Water Penguins
Between September and February, you can see the short-tailed shearwater and little penguins and the “Neck”. They usually spend the day out in the ocean fishing but after pitch black dark they all start coming back in groups to their “homes” to feed the babies
Okay not the best quality photo but its pitch black and flash is not allowed as it disturbs the penguins.
Bruny Island Light House
Farming in the countryside
Coastal view
Adventure Bay
Baby Inside - Wallaby
How to get to Bruny Island
Getting to Bruny Island from Hobart you need to get to the town of Kettering. Take the A6 out of Hobart before turning onto the channel highway a total of 36 kilometres.
Once you reach Kettering Tasmania you will need to line up in your car to catch the Bruny Island Ferry. The Hobart to Bruny Island drive should take around 40 minutes. The Bruny Island Ferry takes 20 minutes to cross the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to reach Bruny Island. The ferry costs 28AUD (return)