Beautiful Bruny Island Camping Spots

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!

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)

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.

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

The most beautiful Bruny Island camping spots