Get Away From It All On One of the World’s Southernmost Islands
Bruny Island is a rugged, scenic island off Tasmania’s southeast coast, famous for its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, rich Indigenous history, and gourmet food scene.
Comprising North and South Bruny joined by a narrow isthmus called “The Neck,” it’s a popular destination for nature lovers and foodies (think oysters, cheese, whiskey, honey), accessible via a short ferry from Kettering, near Hobart.
Just a short ferry ride brings you to a day of beaches, munchies, and a return trip to Hobart all before sunset. But those who stay a little longer soon discover a much richer story to savor.
Visitors are invited to stay beyond a quick day trip and experience the island’s true magic. From wild and rugged coastlines and unique wildlife to its artisan food scene, Bruny offers an opportunity to fully appreciate its stunning beauty.
As the gateway to the island, SeaLink Bruny Island operates the ferry service connecting Kettering 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 travelers, vehicles, and essential supplies across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
“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,” said Simon Tamlyn, General Manager SeaLink Tasmania.
The island 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,” Mr Tamlyn said.
While day trippers can catch a glimpse of the island’s highlights, Bruny truly comes alive when you slow down, stay awhile and savor 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 — 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
- Sleep island-side and wake up to sea-mist, birdsong, and wild coastlines
In addition to operating the ferry service, SeaLink also partners with a range of local tour operators, accommodation providers, and producers to make booking a multi-day stay seamless and rewarding. To help visitors plan their stay, SeaLink Bruny Island offers a selection of ready-to-book experiences developed with some of the island’s leading accommodation and tour partners, including:
- Bruny Island Safaris Food, Sightseeing & Lighthouse Tour: Featuring white wallabies, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and gourmet lunch by the water. To book, visit: Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Tour Full Day Tour from Hobart
- Bruny Island Traveller: An all-inclusive full day from Hobart that covers scenic drives, locally sourced food tastings and culture. To book, visit: Bruny Island Traveller
- Bruny Island Cruises – Full Day: Combine a return ferry, guided bus tour and wilderness cruise to explore sea cliffs, caves and wildlife. To book, visit: Bruny Island Cruises Full Day Tour from Hobart
- Bruny Island Shore Excursion / Private Day Tour: Customized experiences including the far south Cape Bruny region, exclusive for groups. To book, visit: Bruny Island Shore Excursion / Private Day Tour
Accommodation on Bruny Island
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. From couples seeking a quiet escape to families wanting space to explore, the island offers a range of stays that make it easy to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
How LGBTQ-friendly is Bruny Island?
Bruny Island itself isn’t known for a large, concentrated LGBTQ+ scene like a city, but Tasmania is generally very LGBTQ+-friendly, with vibrant queer communities in Hobart (close by) and the North-West, featuring events like TasPride and inclusive venues, so you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and support networks for queer travelers and residents across the island and broader state.
While Bruny’s charm is its natural beauty, you’re in a queer-friendly state, with easy access to lively LGBTQIA+ life in nearby Hobart.
More information about where to stay can be found at Bruny Island accommodation. Explore vacation packages here. A selection of 20 recommended accommodations on Bruny Island can be found here. For highly-rated LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Hobart go here.
Head to sealink.com.au to book your journey to explore Bruny Island.
