A 12-hour Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary

Want to have an outstanding 12 hours in Tasmania? Spend them exploring the rocky coastlines and magnificent cuisine of Bruny Island, of course.

If you’re after an unforgettable day trip from Hobart, look no further than Bruny Island, also known as Lunawanna-Alonnah. It might only take an hour to get there, but you couldn’t feel further from the city by the time you’ve caught the 20-minute ferry over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and begun exploring its rugged landscapes and white sand beaches.

an aerial view of the Lighthouse Bay on Bruny Island — Soak up scenic views on top of Lighthouse Bay. (Image: Adam Gibson)

A day trip to Bruny Island is very doable, due in part to its driveability and short distance from the mainland. But if you want to get the full-blown Bruny experience (relaxation, and time away from the hustle and bustle, included), we’d recommend staying overnight.

But if you’ve only got one day — and would rather DIY than set out on a guided tour (although we’ve rounded up the best tours if you change your mind) — here is the perfect 12-hour itinerary for you.

Morning

6:00 am, Hobart

Rise and shine, sleepy heads! You’ll want to get up early to make the most of a day on Bruny Island. You should have fuelled up the day before as there is only one station where you can get petrol on the island, and you don’t want to waste any time filling up. Hit the road by 6:40 am to make sure you’re at the southern town of Kettering where the ferry leaves from well ahead of time.

7:20 am, Kettering

You’ve arrived at the ferry terminal, with plenty of time to buy a ticket from the kiosk if you didn’t already purchase one online. Once there, an attendant will usher you up to park onboard, for that 7:50 departure across the water. (Check the timetable here .)

If you’re still a bit nervous when it comes to catching the ferry, we’ve got a handy how-to guide here.

Kettering Ferry Terminal — Catch the early morning ferry at Kettering Terminal. (Image: Adam Gibson)

8:10 am, Roberts Point on Bruny Island

Arrival at the island. Now your adventure truly starts! If you haven’t had that sweet, sweet caffeine hit yet, grab one now at the cafe here. You’ll be setting off in your car down south next, before heading up again to see the sights.

8:35 am, The Neck Game Reserve and Truganini Lookout

Arrive at the Neck Game Reserve, on the thin strip of land that connects the north and south islands. In spring and summer, this is home to the little or fairy penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. Come evening, you might see them walking back to their nests — it’s the loveliest sight.

The Neck Bruny Island — The Neck connects the north and south islands of Bruny Island. (Image: Jess Bonde)

But you’re here in the day, so make quick sticks and scale the Truganini steps to the lookout, for amazing views of this part of Bruny Island. Named in remembrance of an Aboriginal woman, Truganini; you can read her tragic story at the site (I’d also recommend Cassandra Pybus’ award-winning novel ). This part of the island has a memorial to the Nuenonne people, the original inhabitants of the island.

The Neck Lookout hike — Hike to the lookout at The Neck. (Image: Jess Bonde)

10:00 am, Bruny Island Baker, Sheepwash Road

Is that your tummy rumbling that we hear? If you couldn’t face breakfast so early back in Hobart, and you’ve now got a craving for your first taste of fresh Bruny Island produce, head south from the Neck. Next, stop by at the corner of Sheepwash Road and Bruny Island Main Road. Here you’ll be surprised to spot a rather out-of-place retro fridge.

a baker preparing sourdough bread — The Bruny Baker offers freshly baked sourdough. (Image: James Vodicka)

But the real shock is when you open it … only to find a stack of fresh loaves. Take what you like, just remember to drop some money in the honesty box, and thank John, the Bruny Island Baker who stocks up here every day, under your breath.

Alternatively, the homey Lunawanna Store serves up a delectable selection of vegetarian pies and coffees. It’ll be a little while till lunch, so no need to hold back when here.

a stack of neatly arranged muffins — Grab a bite of these delectable muffins. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett)

11:00 am, Cape Bruny Lighthouse

You’ve arrived at the far south of the island to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse , Australia’s second oldest lighthouse that is still in existence. For $25, book a 30-minute tour of this convict-built wonder, and hear all about the history of the area. And yes — that does include scaling the tower to the top. Head off by 11:45 for your next destination.

a tall lighthouse with a mountain backdrop — The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is a beguiling sight to see. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett)

Midday

12:30 pm, Adventure Bay

While a stop by Adventure Bay does add a bit of time to the trip, it’s well worth it if you have your heart set on seeing one of the island’s famous white wallabies. They are incredibly sweet but surprisingly hard to spot as there are only around 200 of these rare creatures on the island. Still — here is considered the best place to see them.

Albino Wallaby Bruny Island — If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the white wallaby around Adventure Bay.

If you want to get a hike in while searching for the elusive marsupial, we’d recommend Grass Point . At four kilometres return, it is flat and family-friendly and will take you around an hour and a half to complete if you do the whole thing. (Got time for more walks? We’ve lined up some great hikes to do on Bruny Island.)

a gropu of hikers standing on top of Bruny Island — Pack your bags and prepare for a hike. (Image: Tourism Australia/Graham Freeman)

Afternoon

2:20 pm, Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co.

If by now the bread is a distant memory, it’s time to undertake the island’s other great activity — eating! Drive back to the North Island for a well-deserved long lunch at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co .

a glass of beer and artisan cheese on the table — Cheese and beer are always a good pair. (Image: Tourism Australia)

They do tasting experiences for $40 that feature four of their artisan cheese, including aromatic raw milk saffron cheese, oozing, aged ‘Saint’ cheeses and the semi-hard, herb-y ‘Nanna’s Undies’ cheese (maybe ask about the name when you’re there). As well as freshly baked sourdough and beer made on-site.

They are also collaborating with the island’s beer company, meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds while sitting out under the trees at their cellar door. And make sure you pay attention to how much beer you try if you’re the deso driver.

a wide array of artisan cheese display on Bruny Island — Check out their locally produced artisan cheese. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3:55 pm, Get Shucked

You’re now well and truly into the feasting portion of the day (here are our other top food experiences). Want to take a bit of that Bruny Island taste back to Tassie? Then it’s time for a cheeky drive-through — but something a thousand miles from your average Maccas run, at Get Shucked .

a bucket filled of raw oysters — Dive in a bucket full of oysters. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett)

An oyster restaurant and drive-through where the oysters are so fresh because the bar is, in fact, connected to the farm. Inside the licensed venue, you can order a dozen raw-dressed oysters for $29, as well as cooked options. If you’d rather opt for the ‘to-go’ option, buy shucked or closed and live oysters from the drive-through. They even have shucking knives for a DIY picnic.

Note, Get Shucked closes by 4:30 pm. So if you’re keen, watch the clock in order not to miss out.

a bottle of Jansz Tasmania wine with two plates of fresh oysters — Wine is best paired with freshly plated oysters. (Image: Adam Gibson)

4:15 pm, Bruny Island Honey

Still got that sugar craving this long after lunch? If you haven’t been defeated by the cheese, any oysters you might have snaffled, or you’re simply a sucker for dessert, Bruny Island Honey is just a couple of minutes up the road. Home to some veritable busy bees who travel all over the island throughout the year, they produce a range of flavours, like bush honey.

You can see the bees hard at work in their hives, before giving in to the free tastings available at their cafe. Try a bowl of homemade Leatherwood honey ice cream, and take away something from their range of beeswax products for a souvenir.

a person's hand stirring honey — Bruny Island Honey is a must-try. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5:10 pm, Roberts Point Bruny Island

Sorry folks: it’s time to head home. Clutching your bags of goodies, and making sure those oysters are still well-iced, head back to the ferry and wave goodbye to the island as it departs at 5:30 pm. If you’d like to stay a little longer, grab those shucking knives and have a beachside picnic before the last ferry leaves.

Phew! That’s a lot to fit into just one day. Moving too fast? Want to make the moment last? We’ve lined up the top accommodation options here for you to check out if you want to slow it down somewhat.

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)

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How to make the most of a Bruny Island day trip