Things to do on Bruny Island: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Bruny Island stands out as a dreamy island destination, known for its slow-paced charm and stunning natural landscapes. While it’s ideal for a multi-day stay, it’s also perfect for a memorable day trip.

Renowned for its exceptional local produce, Bruny Island invites you to indulge in freshly shucked oysters, artisanal cheeses, award-winning beers and wines, rich honey, and delectable sourdough. This gourmet experience is a true highlight of any visit.

Beyond its culinary delights, Bruny Island is home to the rare and enchanting white wallaby. This unique variation of the Bennett’s wallaby can be spotted in the wild at Adventure Bay, adding an extra layer of magic to your adventure.

Ready to explore? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Bruny Island for a perfect one-day (or all-weekend) adventure.

To make the most of your visit, be prepared with provisions. Bruny Island doesn’t have large supermarkets or many petrol stations—there’s only one, so bring enough snacks, water, and fuel for your trip. A cheese knife, cooler bag, and ice pack will be useful for enjoying the island’s gourmet offerings.

When planning your ferry journey, remember that while you can pre-book a ticket, you can’t reserve a specific spot. During busy periods, such as school holidays and weekends, queues can be long. Arrive early at Kettering to avoid delays and ensure a smooth crossing. Also, don’t depend on the last ferry back, as queues can be heavy—give yourself ample time to return to mainland Tasmania.

If you’re heading to South Bruny, a national park, make sure to purchase a daily parks pass online before your visit to avoid fines.

Take a dip at Sauna Boat Tasmania 

If there's one thing Tassie loves, it's a floating sauna. Welcome aboard Sauna Boat Tasmania, where relaxation meets the scenic waters at Kettering. 

Before you even hop a boat across to Bruny, spend time rejuvenating against the backdrop of Little Oyster Cove. Feel the stress melt away as you immerse yourself in the calming warmth of the sauna, followed by a refreshing plunge into Tasmania's invigorating waters - right from our plunge area.

Experience architectural beauty melded with coastal splendour for unforgettable moments of relaxation and natural beauty. It'll be a fantastic way to start your journey across to Bruny Island.

Find out more here

Oyster Cove Marina, Ferry Road, Kettering

Grab a photo at The Neck

It wouldn’t be a Bruny Island itinerary without a stop at the Neck, also located on the main road. This narrow strip of land joins North Bruny and South Bruny and offers a unique photo opp at the Truganini lookout, which plenty of visitors flock to. It’s worth waiting for a car spot to become free but at peak times you might need to be patient. 

Once you’ve nabbed a park, head up the 200+ stairs to enjoy the incredible sweeping outlook. On one side, there’s calm and beautiful bays, while on the other there’s nothing but wild ocean. 

At the top, there’s also a memorial to Truganini, the Nuenonne woman who was born on Bruny Island / lunawanna-alonnah in the 1800s and worked tirelessly to unite the Aboriginal people of Tasmania / lutruwita after colonisation. 

Bruny Island Main Road, North Bruny

Head south to the lighthouse

While North Bruny is largely farmland, South Bruny has lots to see. While there’s plenty of gorgeous vistas to take in, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is a must-visit thanks to its combination of stunning views and fascinating Tasmanian history. 

Walk up from the carpark to where the lighthouse stands to take in the sweeping outlook of the rugged South Bruny coastline and snap pics of the exterior of the 114-metre lighthouse, built in 1836. 

If you have the time, join the only guided lighthouse tour in southern Tassie – it’s the only way you can access the top of the lighthouse. You’ll also learn about the building’s convict history and the fascinating stories of its keepers over the years.

1750 Lighthouse Road, South Bruny

Explore Adventure Bay

After exploring the lighthouse, head back to Adventure Bay on the island’s east side. If you need more bread, cheese, or oysters, stop by Hotel Bruny on Main Road in Alonnah—a relaxed pub serving local fare.

Adventure Bay is the perfect spot to spend a few hours. If you haven’t had lunch, enjoy a picnic at Adventure Bay Beach before searching for the elusive white wallaby. With only about 200 of these rare creatures on the island, Adventure Bay is a prime location for sightings.

Look for them on local walks, especially on the Fluted Cape Track, which offers stunning cliff-top views and a chance to see seals or even whales. This stunning (if not slightly gruelling) 2.5 hour hike begins with an easy walk to Grass Point before curving past Penguin Island and climbing up Fluted Cape for some magnificent cliff top views.

If you're short on time or prefer a relaxed exploration, Bruny Island Cruises offers a three-hour boat tour from Adventure Bay, where you can spot wildlife and explore the picturesque sea caves and rocky outcrops.

Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

Furred Feature: The White Wallaby

Bruny Island’s unusual white wallabies are a rare and enchanting sight. With their snowy fur and pink noses, these wallabies stand out from the typical brown Bennett's wallabies found across Tasmania, thanks to a rare genetic mutation.

Spot them feeding on grassy patches at Adventure Bay, near the start of the Fluted Cape Track.

Two Tree Point 

A visit to Two Tree Point in Adventure Bay feels like stepping into another world. Time seems to stand still amid the breathtaking scenes of pristine white sand and the two iconic trees perched where Resolution Creek meets the ocean.

Discovered by Captain Furneaux in 1773, Captain James Cook in 1777, and Captain Bligh in 1788, who all stopped here for fresh water, Two Tree Point remains a timeless beauty. Whether you visit in the morning mist or during hazy, purple-hued evenings, the serenity of this spot is unmatched. Dive into the turquoise waters or explore the rock pools at low tide, home to mussels, shells, crabs, and small fish. It’s a serene escape that captivates at every turn.

Adventure Bay, Tasmania 

Find the Cloudy Bay Lagoon

This 90-minute return walk goes west from Whalebone Point along the firm sands of Cloudy Bay Beach to Conley’s Point, the entrance to the spectacular and serene Cloudy Bay Lagoon.

Upon reaching the serene Cloudy Bay at the island's southern tip, you'll wonder why it isn’t as popular as Adventure Bay. Though less accessible, the stunning bushland and pristine waters make it well worth the journey.

Cloudy Bay offers a tranquil escape, free from the crowds and signs of human activity. It’s a cherished retreat for nature lovers, perfect for camping under the stars or catching some waves while surfing. Experience the peaceful beauty of Cloudy Bay and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Looking to fish? There's a magnificent spot at the mouth of the lagoon, best enjoyed as the tide goes out and creates a sand bar. 

Find the Arch

If you have some extra time during your weekend on Bruny Island, consider a fun detour to the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track to discover the Bruny Island Arch. This trek, accessible from the ferry terminal, offers a scenic reward for your efforts.

The walk is straightforward, following a wide, flat trail that is best tackled at low tide, taking just over an hour return. If you visit at high tide, you’ll need to take a slightly longer route over Mars Bluff, which takes about two hours return.

The trail meanders past Little Lagoon and Big Lagoon before leading you to the Arch, an impressive rock formation sculpted by the relentless winds and waves of Miles Beach. While the full Cape Queen Elizabeth Track stretches 12km, the 6-7km round-trip to the Arch provides a satisfying and beautiful hike, making it a perfect addition to a weekend adventure.

Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay

Go the Extra Mile: Take a 3-Hour Adventure Cruise

Experience Bruny Island’s rugged wilderness, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife from a unique vantage point—the sea. Embark on a thrilling 3-hour cruise aboard a custom-built eco-cruiser and immerse yourself in the island's breathtaking natural beauty.

As you explore deep sea caves and towering cliffs, keep an eye out for a diverse array of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and even great white sharks. The open-air seating provides an intimate connection with the environment, making each moment of the adrenaline-pumping ride unforgettable.

With expert insights from your local guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bruny Island’s unique ecosystems while enjoying an exhilarating adventure. This half-day cruise offers a perfect blend of thrill and natural wonder, showcasing the island’s pristine wilderness like never before, making it one of the best things to do on Bruny Island. 

Meeting Point: Bruny Island Cruises, 1005 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay 

Indulge in Woodfired Dishes at This Moody New Spot

Discover the Izzy Bar, Bruny Island's latest gem. This cosy wine bar, nestled in a picturesque spot overlooking The Isthmus (also known as The Neck), offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. Enjoy expertly woodfired pizzas from their crackling garden pit, paired with a selection of Tasmanian and French wines.

As the wood-fired oven roars at 450°C, indulge in bar snacks and wood-fired desserts. Inside, the bar serves winter favourites like whisky hot chocolate and mulled wine.

With charming staff, delicious food, and a blissful ambiance, the Izzy Bar is a must-visit spot to sip, savour, and soak in Bruny Island's beauty.

Currently on winter break; reopens Friday August 23rd

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Indulge in Oysters...and Cheese!

Even though we did advise you to bring snacks, we couldn’t make a things to do on Bruny Island itinerary without telling you to make two very famous stops on your way in – oyster bar, Get Shucked and The Bruny Island Cheese Co. 

Get Shucked opens at 9.30am, and it’s best to get in early, especially if you’re spending the day exploring. If you wait to get oysters on your way back, they could be sold out or the shop could be closed. This is where your cooler bag and the drive-thru line will come in handy! If you’ve got longer on Bruny Island, you can chill with a local wine and enjoy the view with your oyster lunch.

A little further down the main road is the Bruny Island Cheese Co. Pull in here for a coffee and stock up on some local cheese (and baked goods and craft beer, if you like). This is where the cheese knife will come in handy later if you want to stop for a picnic.

735 Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay

1807 Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay

Quick Pitstop: Bruny Island Baker

A classic Tassie experience is pulling over to pick up local fare at a roadside stall, and one of the most famous on Bruny Island is the bread fridge located just past the Neck on the way to Alonnah. 

Stocked at around 9am each day, you can pick up loaves of sourdough and fruit bread for $8 and pop your cash in the honesty box at the bottom of the fridge. If you’re not carrying any money, there’s bank transfer info on the door. Don’t leave here without a bag of Anzac biscuits – this is what the locals come for.

Sheepwash Road, Alonnah

Hearty Sips: Warm Your Insides Over a Dram of Whisky

Make Bruny Island House of Whisky your final port of the trip, as you slowly mosey your way back to the ferry. It's a spectacular representation of the Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky Industry, and a true Whisky experience at that.

Immerse yourself in a true whisky aficionado's paradise, with an extensive range of Tasmanian single malts available for tasting, as well as limited-release gins. This exclusive cellar door is home to the renowned "SPELLBOUND" label.

You'll be well looked after by the knowledgeable staff, who are passionate about sharing the artistry and craftsmanship behind each sip. This a must-visit experience for discerning spirits enthusiasts venturing out to Bruny Island.

360 Lennon Road, North Bruny 

Head Back to the Ferry

Allow plenty of time before the last ferry, as the queue peaks towards the end of the day. You’ll likely be stuck in the car for a while, so make sure you have some cash handy to run across to the cherry stand on the main road. Nothing like a locally-grown sugar hit to send you off on your way.

Planning on staying overnight? See our pick of the best Bruny Island stays. If you've enjoyed our guide of things to do on Bruny Island and are eager to set sail for more adventures, check out these island destinations around Australia.