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!

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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.

Overlooking the winding Tamar River, the Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is where two of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wine labels come together. Sip award-winning cool-climate wines and world-class sparkling while soaking up the vineyard views in one spectacular setting.

The fire crackles softly as you settle into a comfortable armchair, a glass of Tamar Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir warming your hands. Outside, rows of vines stretch across the Tamar Valley, their gentle contours framed by rolling hills and ever-changing skies. Or perhaps it’s a sunlit afternoon, and you’re on the terrace with a flute of PIRIE Vintage sparkling in hand, watching the valley shimmer beneath you as each crisp sip captures the freshness of Tasmania. At the Tamar Ridge and PIRIE Cellar Door, the setting in one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions is every bit as special as the wines.

The two brands now share a beautifully refurbished cellar door, giving visitors the opportunity to sample both still and sparkling wines from the Brown Family Wine Group’s luxury portfolio in a single stop. Alongside the shared tasting space, they’ve also introduced a range of premium experiences tailored to each brand.

Tamar Ridge’s story began in 1994, when vines were planted at Kayena in Tasmania’s Upper Tamar Valley. Guided by renowned viticulturist Dr Richard Smart – the “Flying Vine Doctor” – the vineyard quickly gained a reputation for quality, with a new winery established in 1998 and the Tamar Ridge label born.

sitting on the lawn of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door — Sit outside to soak in the sun as you enjoy Tamar Valley views. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Today, New Zealand-born head winemaker Tom Wallace leads the cellar, brings his passion for cool-climate winemaking to help shape Tamar Ridge’s reputation for elegant, expressive wines.

Founded by Dr Andrew Pirie in 1995, PIRIE helped prove the island’s potential for world-class cool-climate sparkling.

Crafted in the traditional method from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Valley, PIRIE Tasmania sparkling wines are celebrated for their fine beads, depth and elegance. With a collection of trophies, gold medals and top honours behind them, these rare vintages showcase the very best of the state’s sparkling wine.

Brown Brothers – now known as the Brown Family Wine Group – acquired Tamar Ridge, PIRIE and Devil’s Corner on the island’s east coast in 2010, extending the legacy of a family wine company founded in 1889 at Milawa in Victoria’s King Valley. The company has continued its pursuit of exceptional cool-climate vineyards, recognising Tasmania’s unique potential in a changing climate.

Location

roaring fireplace inside Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Get cosy by the roaring fireplace. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door is set on the west bank of the Tamar River, just 20 minutes north of Launceston and around two and a half hours’ drive from Hobart near the riverside village of Rosevears in northern Tasmania. Stretching more than 60 kilometres along the river, from the mouth near Launceston north towards Bass Strait, the Valley is a vast patchwork of vineyards, orchards, farmland and historic townships.

Style & decor

interior of Tamar Ridge & Pirie Cellar Door tamar valley — Come for a regular tasting, or book an experience. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase panoramic views, while outdoor decks make the most of the surrounding scenery. Inside, the refined contemporary interiors strike a balance between modern luxury and the natural surrounds, with a double-sided fireplace to linger by. A Tamar River view creates a warm focal point. Natural wood accents add a sense of place, including a handcrafted 12-seat Tasmanian oak table that anchors the space with understated elegance.

Wine experiences

The cellar door’s curated wine experiences pair award-winning wines with local produce and the stories behind them. For those who prefer a leisurely visit without a set itinerary, the cellar door also offers cheese platters and small plates, best enjoyed with a glass in hand while taking in those Tamar River views.

Come for a taste, stay for an experience.

PIRIE & Oyster Experience

A true taste of Tasmania comes to life in the PIRIE & Oyster Experience, created in partnership with Tasmanian Oyster Co. Exploring the connection between merroir and terroir – the influence of the sea and soil on flavour – this guided tasting pairs three premium oysters from different Tasmanian growing regions with three expressions of PIRIE sparkling wine: the NV, 2021 Vintage and Blanc de Blanc.

As each oyster and wine pairing is revealed, guests discover how Tasmania’s unique landscapes shape flavour, from the mineral freshness of the ocean to the elegance and precision of cool-climate sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir Blending Experience

For those who want to step behind the winemaker’s bench, the Pinot Noir Blending Experience offers a hands-on journey into the art of creating great wine.

Guests taste through three to four individual Pinot Noir clones from the previous vintage, each revealing its own personality through aroma, structure and character. Guided by the cellar door team, visitors explore how these individual components come together to create balance and complexity – before attempting their own blend.

Will you recreate the house style, or create something entirely original? This immersive experience offers a fascinating insight into the craft, creativity and precision that goes into every bottle.

Supreme Indulgence

Tamar Ridge & PIRIE Cellar Door — Settle in for true indulgene. (Credit: Natasha Mulhall)

The most elevated experience at the cellar door, the Supreme Indulgence (PIRIE Sparkling with Caviar tasting) is a celebration of luxury, refinement and Tasmania’s exceptional produce.

Priced at $99 per person, the tasting pairs PIRIE Tasmania’s most distinguished sparkling wines with carefully selected sturgeon caviar, chosen to enhance the elegance, texture and finesse of each cuvée. Hosted by an expert member of the team, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of fine bubbles, delicate flavours and the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Start planning at tamarridge.com.au and pirietasmania.com.au.

The most beautiful Bruny Island camping spots