Things to do in Bruny Island
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South Bruny National Park
You really need a few days to appreciate Bruny’s isolated coastal communities, swimming and surf beaches, and the forests and walking tracks within the South Bruny National Park – don’t try and cram it into a day trip. Each hour or so another convoy of vehicles alights from the ferry and drives in formation along the main road. Tourism is the mainstay of the island’s economy, yet there are no large resorts – just self-contained cottages and guest houses. A car or bicycle is essential for getting around. Supplies are available at the well-stocked Adventure Bay general store and the tiny shops at Alonnah and Lunawanna. Many island roads are unsealed – and not all car rent…
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White Wallaby Café
The old Penguin Café next to the Adventure Bay store has new owners who’ve changed the name, extended the trading hours and menu, ramped up the daytime cafe and evening à la carte offerings, and incorporated a new rental-property-management business.
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Hothouse Café
This cafe at Morella Island Retreat has ocean views and a menu of interesting snacks and mains including gourmet burgers and seafood chowder. Bookings essential for dinner.
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Bruny Island Hotel
Australia’s southernmost hotel is this unassuming pub in Alonnah, with outdoor water-view seating and a fair menu of mainly local seafood fare. There are also two simple (overpriced) motel-style rooms at single/double $90/100.
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Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration
The curiosity-arousing Bligh museum details the local exploits of explorers Bligh, Cook, Furneaux and, of course, Bruny D'Entrecasteaux.
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Bruny Island Smoke House
Managed with pizzazz, 'BISH' is a winner – gourmet pizzas, smoked fish and meats, beer, wine, decent coffee and astounding views from the deck. The shared platters ($65 to $68) are great value for groups. Phone ahead to confirm opening hours.
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Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Also worth visiting is this 1836 lighthouse on South Bruny. Take a tour (one day's advance booking required) or wander the surrounding reserve, with expansive views from the rugged cape headland over mainland Tasmania's southernmost reaches.
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Jetty Café at the Point
Part cafe-restaurant, part providore and part art gallery specialising in local artists, the stylish Jetty Café is a great addition to Bruny's dining scene. Seasonal menus showcase local produce, but phone ahead as opening hours can be flexible.
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Inala Nature Tours
Runs highly regarded personalised walking and 4WD tours of the island (from half a day to three days), focused on flora and fauna. The tour leader is a botanist, zoologist and conservationist, and her 250-hectare property is home to almost 140 bird species.
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Hotel Bruny
An unassuming pub in Alonnah, with outdoor water-view seating to help you unravel, plus a reasonable menu heavy on local seafood; a good place to meet the locals.
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Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve
Climb the 273 steps up to the lookout at the Hummock at the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve. All around are the rookeries of mutton birds and little penguins that nest in the dunes – the penguins can be seen emerging from the sea at dusk. This is also the site of the Truganini Memorial, providing another moment of reflection on Tasmania's grim history.
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Bruny Island Charters
Operates sensational three-hour tours of Bruny's towering southeast coastline, taking in rookeries, seal colonies, bays, caves and high sea cliffs. Trips depart Adventure Bay jetty at 11am daily (year-round) and cost $100/55 per adult/child. Alternatively, take the tour as a full-day trip from Hobart ($165/110), including lunch and transfers.
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