The Neck, Bruny Island | Jess Bonde
Feast on Bruny Island, Tasmania
Where foodies and nature lovers converge. Bruny Island is wildly beautiful, remote and home to some of Tasmania’s most celebrated producers, from oyster farmers, to brewers and cheesemakers.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Enjoy great seafood on your doorstep
Tourism Australia
Wilderness Cruise
Tourism Australia
Where is it?
Bruny Island is off the south-east coast of Tasmania.
What is the experience?
Bruny Island surprised us. As adventurers and foodies, it’s one of those destinations that ticks so many boxes. Overflowing with natural beauty, an abundance of wildlife and some of Tasmania’s best food and drink experiences, this remote island is home to 600 locals – many of whom welcomed us with open arms.
There are so many must-dos on our list, from tasting your way around the Bruny Island Food Trail, to climbing the steps of Truganini Lookout, at The Neck, for 360-degree views of the island or jumping aboard a boat cruise and witnessing the incredible wildlife.
How do you get there?
Drive 30-min south of Hobart to the town of Kettering, where you’ll board a 20-min vehicular ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry departs every 20 min, year-round.
Alternatively, book a scenic flight or a private charter and land on the island’s private airstrip.
How long should you stay?
At least 2–3 days, or a week if time permits!
Top Ten
Bucket List
Experiences
Get Shucked – Bruny Island Oysters
Adam Gibson
01/
Shuck an oyster straight from the sea
There’s nothing better than a fresh oyster straight from the sea, and Get Shucked Oyster Farm’s
prized oysters are famous for their exceptional flavour and freshness.
While you can indulge at the farm’s cafe, we recommend jumping aboard a guided tour of the oyster beds located in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. This intimate experience gives you an insider's look at the farm's operations, while offering the chance to sample the freshest oysters you’ll ever taste!
We found the tour fascinating as you follow the life cycle of these delicious ocean gems, from cultivation to harvest. And there's no better way to appreciate the hard work that goes into producing such a delicacy than by tasting it for yourself. And why hold back at one? We indulged in several!
Bruny Island Cheese Co – Artisan cheese maker
Adam Gibson
02/
Eat cheese to your heart’s content
From the moment we stepped inside Bruny Island Cheese, we were greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of artisanal cheeses being crafted by skilled cheesemakers. The cheeses here are nothing short of amazing – creamy, tangy, bold, and earthy – each with its own unique character.
Not only are the cheeses amazing, but the location too. The place has the most incredible views back along the coast. We were totally blown away, it’s gorgeous.
Neck Beach, a thin strip of land connecting north and south Bruny Island
Tourism Tasmania & Andrew Wilson
03/
Visit The Neck
Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, The Neck is a must-visit on the island. This natural wonder is famed for its sweeping panoramic views, where rugged cliffs meet turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea on one side, and tranquil bays on the other.
We followed the steps to Truganini Lookout to take in the unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape, and to reflect on the life of Truganini, a Nuenonne woman whose story is fascinating and well worth reading about. At the bottom of the steps, and if you’re there at dusk, you can observe the incredible natural phenomenon of little penguins migrating.
If you have time, we recommend packing a picnic, going for a swim or even throwing out a line – the fishing at Neck Beach is great!
Bruny Island Beer Co
Tourism Australia
04/
Sip on a cold brew
The craft beer at Bruny Island Beer Company is an artisan product and the brewery is well worth any curious traveller’s visit. Keeping to their dairy roots (they also own Bruny Island Cheese), a collection of decommissioned milk vats were repurposed into a brewhouse, located behind the cheesery. All beers are made with traditional beer-making techniques and are free of preservatives.
Using seasonal, locally grown ingredients encompassing the unique tastes of Tasmania, the brewhouse produces a range of unique and delicious brews. Our picks are the crisp and refreshing Hefeweizen, and a rather delicious full-bodied Black Forest Stout.
We loved curling up in the cosy taproom, looking out over the surrounding wilderness. The atmosphere here is relaxed, warm and incredibly welcoming. And with a rotating selection of seasonal brews, there's always something new to try.
Cloudy Bay, South Bruny National Park
Jess Bonde
05/
Swim Adventure Bay and watch the sunset at Cloudy Bay
We recommend taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Adventure Bay, one of the most picturesque bays on the island. With its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it's the perfect place for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach.
We always love a sunset in a remote, wild destination like on Bruny Island. Cloudy Bay, with its long, sandy beach, is the perfect spot to witness it. As it sets over the western horizon, the rugged cliffs and rolling hills of Bruny Island's southern coast are bathed in a warm, golden light, and the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea turns a brilliant shade of orange and red.
Inala Nature Tours
Tourism Australia
06/
Wander South Bruny Island National Park
Bruny Island is home to some of the prettiest national parks in all of Tasmania; the southern edge of the island is a towering wall of sea cliffs capped by lush rainforest.
We explored the park's diverse landscape by foot, following one of the many hiking trails that wind through the lush forests, stunning coastal cliffs, and pristine beaches. Keep an eye out for the rare white wallabies, or spot a swift parrot – the island home to one-third of the world’s population of these endangered birds!
The national park is a nature lover's paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and tranquility amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Bruny Island from the air
Tourism Australia
07/
Take a scenic flight
With over 25,000 hectares of diverse terrain to explore, a scenic flight is the perfect way to kick off your trip, get your bearings, and admire this stunning part of the world.
You'll have the opportunity to take in the island's breathtaking natural beauty while being treated to sweeping views of rugged coastline, deserted beaches, and dense forests. You'll also have the chance to spot some of the island's native wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and even whales.
Flights take off from the Bruny Island airport, located right on the Bruny Island Main Road. You can book with Bruny Island Scenic Flights, the only carrier on the island.
View from Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Tourism Australia
08/
Visit Bruny Island Lighthouse
Built in 1838, the historic Bruny Island Lighthouse stands as a testament to Tasmania's rich maritime history. Australia's longest continually staffed lighthouse; it has guided countless ships through the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean for over a century.
Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, with miles of rugged cliffs, sweeping bays, and turquoise waters stretching out before you. The lighthouse museum also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once called this remote outpost home.
Bruny Island Cruises, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Sean Scott
09/
Jump aboard a boat cruise
The 3-hr wilderness cruise with Bruny Island Cruises is spectacular, so make sure you have your eyes peeled! It takes you past some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, into deep sea caves, and through the narrow gap where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean.
As for the wildlife, this special region is home many threatened species, including the New Zealand fur seal, southern elephant seal, leatherback turtle, spotted handfish, live-bearing seastar and the great white shark. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the migratory whales such as the southern right whale and humpback whale, depending on the season.
And for those of us worried about sea-sickness, you’ll be well looked after on board with ginger tablets, which work a treat!
Bruny Island Premium Wines
Adam Gibson
10/
Savour the local wine
Australia’s most southern vineyard, a visit to Bruny Island Premium Wines brings together the best of a remote food and wine experience – with handcrafted wines, a celebration of the island’s produce, a pristine and unspoilt environment, and a warm welcome from this family-run business.
Nestled on the outskirts of the small settlement of Lunawanna, the award-winning winery produces first-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and apple cider, and has a restaurant and accommodation in a 1900s’ farmhouse on its 120-acre estate.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy your surrounds, the Wine Bar and Grill serves all-day lunch in a relaxed alfresco dining area amongst the vines, featuring home-grown produce from the island.
