The most beautiful Bruny Island camping spots

Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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This rugged and remote island off the coast of Tasmania offers the perfect getaway for campers seeking a more wild side of life.

There’s no ifs or buts about it. One of the best ways to experience the wilderness of Lunawanna-Allonah, also known as Bruny Island, is by sleeping under the many southern stars. From free camping to glamping, here are some of the top camping spots to pick from there.

a camping spot under the stars on Bruny Island
Sleep under the night sky full of stars. (Image: Tourism Australia/Graham Freeman)

Rather appreciate the great outdoors by daylight only? We’ve also lined up our other best Bruny Island accommodation picks here.

Camping at Cloudy Bay

Home to the Bruny Island Surf Classic, Cloudy Bay is your one-stop shop for surfing while on Bruny Island. Catch a wave off the northern end, or, if you prefer a more sedate swim, head to its southern end. There are two cheap camping spots to choose from here (although pets aren’t allowed at either).

pink-coloured sky above the calm sandy beach in Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay is a secluded coastal hideaway spot. (Image: Jess Bonde)

The Pines on Cloudy Bay Road

The Pines on Cloudy Bay Road is the smaller option, closer to the surf. It’s also a free site, unlike The Cloudy Corner. Facilities include a pit toilet, firepits and non-treated tank water. Don’t forget to bring firewood for the firepit!

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The Cloudy Corner

Alternatively, Cloudy Corner is a larger site you can stay at. But take note, that you will need a 4WD to get to this beach view camp; driving along the beach at low tide to set up.  You can’t book – or even pay – ahead, so come early and drop$10 for one or two campers in the deposit box on site.

a person sitting on a 4WD vehicle on Cloudy Bay
Drive to Cloudy Bay for a weekend camping trip. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Jetty Beach

Camp in the shade of the trees near the beach of Great Taylor’s Bay, down in South Bruny, not far from the Bruny Island Lighthouse. Sheltered and peaceful, families can snorkel and swim to their heart’s content here.

Pit toilets, wood barbeques, and campfire areas are all available at the Jetty Beach campground. Like The Cloudy Corner, you’ll need to pay a small fee of $10 per one or two adult campers (although you can use a card, here).

The Neck

Set up camp behind the sheltered sand dunes of The Neck Reserve. This low-cost camping site is situated on perhaps one of Bruny Island’s most photogenic sites; the narrow ‘neck’ isthmus that stretches between the north and south island.

The site is unpowered, and you’ll have to cart in your own firewood and fresh water. But it’s well worth it for the views, beachside location, and the chance to see the little (also known as ‘fairy’) penguins, toddling back home to shore at the end of the day.

crashing waves at the Neck beach, Bruny Island
Wake up to the crashing sound of waves. (Image: Jess Bonde)

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Captain Cook Caravan Park

Got your puppy with you? The Captain Cook Caravan Park at Adventure Bay costs a little more than the above sites, but unlike them, it is dog-friendly and has a few more facilities.

This Bruny Island caravan park has unpowered and powered sites, accessible cabins, villas and more available to book. There is also a laundry (a must for after those muddy Bruny Island hikes), camp kitchen, playgrounds and cart hire for the kids.

a number of cars parked at Captain Cook Caravan Park
Take your kids along to Captain Cook Caravan Park. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett)

Camping at Bruny Island

Another privately owned option where dogs are welcomed is the ‘Camping at Bruny Island’ site . Also located at Cloudy Bay near the beach, the campsites here are a mix of open spaces for caravans and tents, as well as ready-to-go glamping sites with welcome amenities like a Weber BBQ, hot pizza stone and fridge.

Other amenities for the campsite more widely, includes camp showers and flush toilets, but campers still need to bring their own firewood and drinking water. Booking is essential and prices are from approximately $65.

camping under the night sky
Camp under the stars. (Image: Tourism Australia/Graham Freeman)

Heading to Bruny Island soon? Check out these top Bruny Island tours.

Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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Why you should visit these iconic Tassie destinations

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.

    Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.

    Cosy up at Cradle Mountain

    two women walking aorund Cradle Mountain Hotel NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

    For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.

    As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.

    Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.

    Finding the flavours of Freycinet

    aerial of Freycinet Lodge NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.

    As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.

    By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.

    Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.

    Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point

    interior of pumphouse point NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.

    Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.

    Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.

    Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.

    Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.

    Slow down in Strahan Village

    aerial of boat going through strahan tasmania
    Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.

    As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.

    Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway . Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.

    Strahan’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Gordon River cruise for two and mulled wine at Hamer’s Bistro .

    Delve into history in Port Arthur

    interior of glamping tent at Port Arthur Holiday Park NRMA Parks and Resorts
    Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.

    Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.

    Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.

    The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.

    Start planning an unforgetable trip to Tasmania with NRMA Resorts at nrmaparksandresorts.com.au.