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Bruny Island’s Neck connects north and south Bruny Island. Image courtesy SeaLink Marine Tourism.
Tasmania’s Bruny Island
By Tiffany West
Briefly …
Bruny Island has long been framed as an easy day trip from Tasmania’s capital Hobart, but this unique Tasmanian island rewards travellers who stay the night, move at their own pace, and settle in as the island reveals the extent of its many natural wonders.
Named after the French explorer Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, Bruny Island (originally named Bruni Island until 1918 when the spelling was changed to Bruny) has long been known as an easy escape from Hobart – a short ferry ride, a day of beaches, and a return trip before sunset. But those who stay beyond a day trip experience the island’s true magic – from wild and rugged coastlines and unique wildlife to its artisan food scene.
Over the past year, visitor demand for Tasmania has continued to climb, welcoming a record 1.4 million visitors last year (ending June 2025). “Visitors are increasingly looking for experiences that help them slow down, connect with nature and explore at their own pace, and Bruny Island delivers all of that and much more,” Simon Tamlyn, the General Manager of SeaLink Tasmania told The Solo Traveller. “Bruny reveals its best moments when you stay longer, whether that's watching the first light from The Neck or tasting local produce straight from the source”.
Bruny Island, Tasmania. Photographer: Kshithij Chandrashekar.
While day trippers can catch a glimpse of the highlights, Bruny truly comes alive when you savour everything it has to offer, such as sunrise or sunset from The Neck Lookout without the single-day-trip rush; taste the island’s premium produce, including oysters, cheese, artisan bread, craft beer, whisky, and wine; encounter wildlife, including rare white wallabies, sea eagles, and dolphins that frequent Adventure Bay; hike and wander across South Bruny National Park trails, then relax at your lodge or sleep island-side and wake up to sea-mist, birdsong, and wild coastlines.
A rare white wallaby on Bruny Island. Image courtesy SeaLink Marine Tourism.
As the gateway to the island, SeaLink Bruny Island’s ferry service connects Kettering (a 40 minute drive from Hobart) to Bruny, providing 32 crossings from Monday to Friday, 31 on Saturdays, and 30 on Sundays, with Friday and Sunday typically the busiest days for travel. The trip takes around 15 minutes, transporting travellers, vehicles, and essential supplies across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.
SeaLink Bruny Island also offers a selection of ready-to-book accommodation and experiences developed with a range of local tour operators, accommodation providers, and producers. The Bruny Island Safaris Food, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Tour features white wallabies, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and gourmet lunch by the water. Bruny Island Traveller is an all-inclusive full day from Hobart that covers scenic drives, locally sourced food tastings, and local culture, while Bruny Island Cruises (full day), is where you combine a return ferry, guided bus tour and wilderness cruise to explore sea cliffs, caves, and wildlife.
The Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image courtesy SeaLink Marine Tourism.
There are plenty of accommodation options available on Bruny Island, ranging from cosy lodges and boutique holiday homes to eco-friendly retreats tucked into the landscape. Whether you're looking to stay inland among rolling hills or wake up to coastal views, there's something to suit every style of getaway. If you’re looking to stay amongst the nature, Bruny Island offers a great mix of caravan and camping options that let visitors really connect with the island’s wildlife and landscapes. SeaLink’s ferries can carry vehicles, caravans and campers, making it easy to bring everything needed for your stay.
Once across the channel, visitors will find everything from powered grassy sites at the family-friendly caravan park in Adventure Bay to more rustic spots like The Neck Reserve or Jetty Beach in South Bruny National Park. Whether you are settling in by the beach, waking to birdsong, or exploring coastal tracks, camping on Bruny offers a relaxed, memorable way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Bruny Island. Image courtesy SeaLink Marine Tourism.
Together, these experiences create a journey that’s as flexible or as immersive as you wish, from a tranquil weekend getaway to a week-long island adventure. “Bruny Island isn’t just a place for a quick visit, it’s a place to really slow down and savour Tasmania's natural and cultural richness,” Mr Tamlyn said. “Whether you’re sampling local flavours, hiking the rugged coastlines, or simply watching the sunset from your cabin deck, Bruny Island will reward those who linger a little longer”.
To learn more, visit SeaLink Bruny Island here.
Tiffany West is The Solo Traveller Group’s Editorial and Pictorial Assistant Lead. This feature includes information provided by international news agencies and public relations representatives, published here with editorial oversight. You can read The Solo Traveller’s editorial policy regarding external sources here.