11 Unforgettable Bruny Island Experiences

It’s an island off an island off an island, and it’s one of Tasmania’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what to experience when you’re there.

Welcome to Bruny Island – a rugged and pristine spot for great food, fascinating history and stunning wilderness. Looking for things to do while here? Don’t miss these top Bruny Island experiences.

1. Start with drinks at Tasmania House of Whisky

Just a few minutes from the Bruny Island ferry terminal is the Tasmanian House of Whisky , a compact timber and stone building brimming with 150 single malts and over 70 gins – all Tassie-made. The spirits are mostly bespoke and small-scale, and while some of the prices on the bottles will make your eyes water, a nip or two of the island’s finest certainly won’t.

a guy sampling a glass of whisky at Tasmanian House of Whisky — A unique whisky-tasting experience awaits you. (Image: Adam Gibson)

The ‘house’ whisky is Trapper’s Hut, a single malt aged in American oak and made with Franklin barley. With a warm, sweet flavour and a hint of vanilla, you may need to check your baggage allowance to see if you can squeeze a bottle in.

a couple having drinks at Tasmanian House of Whisky — Savour the warm and sweet flavours of whisky. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Address: 360 Lennon Road, North Bruny

2. Stay in style at Free Spirit Pods

One of the newest kids on the Bruny Island accommodation block is Free Spirit Pods , a pair of two charming eco-pods set amongst stringybark and black sheoaks overlooking the pristine waters of Quarantine Bay. The studio pods feature natural timbers throughout and offer stunning views down to the water. The owners are a delightful couple who are only too happy to point you in the direction of kayaks, lend you an oyster knife so you can harvest your own molluscs, or restock the lolly jars in your pod’s pantry.

Rather save your pennies by camping on Bruny Island for free? We have some options here too.

Address: Davis Road, North Bruny

a forest lodge perched on wood — Free Spirit Pods feature natural timbers throughout and offer stunning views down to the water.

3. See the light at Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Built by convict labour over 18 months beginning in 1836, Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in Australia and one of the must-do’s while visiting here. It sits amidst moody, rugged dolerite cliffs that are relentlessly battered by foaming seas and tumultuous winds.

Take a tour to the top for breathtaking views over the Southern Ocean and the wild Tasman Sea, and spare a thought for the 12 felons who were at least given their freedom once they completed the mammoth task. Take a walk afterwards down to the shore, on your way you might spot the remains of an old settler vegetable garden and graves.

Address: Lighthouse Road, South Bruny

Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in Australia. (Image: Adam Gibson)

4. Where north meets south at The Neck

For a relatively small island (it’s just 50 kilometres long), Bruny is divided. The spot where the two meet is ‘The Neck’; an isthmus connecting the north and south of the island. From the top of the lookout at The Neck, you can see rolling green hills sweeping down to the unruly Tasman Sea and the sheltered waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

The Neck is home to a game reserve, which forms an important habitat for the island’s native wildlife, like short-tailed shearwaters and fairy penguins. Camp here or visit at dusk for the chance to spot the little penguins making their way up the beach for the night.

The Neck Bruny Island — ‘The Neck’ is where the north and south of the island meet. (Image: Jess Bonde)

5. Fill up at Bruny Island Cheese Company

Artisan cheese. Need we say more? Stop into the Bruny Island Cheese Company and be prepared to sample (and let’s face it, buy) a number of delicious cheeses. From hard, crumbly cow’s-milk cheeses to one of Australia’s scarce hard raw-milk cheeses and rounds of luscious, soft, white-mould cheese, the fromagerie is a cheese-lovers dream and one of the top Bruny Island dining experiences.

Beer lovers should also try a sample of Bruny Island Beer Co.’s finest drafts while here. Ales stouts, honey ales, IPAs, as well as gins, whiskies and Bruny Island wines are all available at Bruny Island Cheese Company’s dog-friendly cellar door and pub.

a glass of beer and artisan cheese on the table — Be prepared to sample the goods at Bruny Island Cheese Co. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 1807 Main Road, Great Bay

6. Walk the history of the island

At the northern tip of Bruny Island is Dennes Point Heritage Trail . It’s a short, 45-minute walk that reflects the significance of the area, as it was here that some of the first encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Australians occurred. The trail takes in spectacular views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Derwent Estuary and Storm Bay.

Along the path are 14 panels that represent the island’s history – from farming and whaling to natural history and geology. At the end of your wander, walk along Jetty Beach and keep an eye out for quolls. If you’re after a shorter (or longer) hiking trail to tackle, we’ve previously written a guide to Bruny Island’s best walks.

a group of hikers standing on top of Adventure Bay, Bruny Island — Follow the trail to capture scenic views of the island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Sweet treats at Bruny Island Chocolate Company

Don’t let looks deceive you; from the outside, the Bruny Island Chocolate Company only looks like a tiny roadside shop, but inside it’s full of chocolate, fudge and honeycomb. Everything is made fresh on the premises, so you’re never quite sure what flavours and varieties will be in stock. Traditional fudge lovers will adore the caramel chocolate fudge, but adventurous eaters may want to try the Persian fudge, with its sweet, rich dates and figs. If you’re not fussy about packaging, you can pick up a packet of fudge ‘off cuts’ for a bargain.

a hand skewing a bite-sized chocolate in a bowl using a toothpick — Everything is made fresh on the Bruny Island Chocolate Co. premises. (Image: Tourism Australia/Daniel Tran)

Address: 55 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay

8. Get sticky at Bruny Island Honey

Prefer the sweets that Bruny Island nature has to offer? Bruny Island Honey is an establishment on this little island, famous for its travelling bees that move around the island at different times of the year, even pollinating the nearby Black Devil Cherry Orchard. Visit to pick up a slab of local honeycomb, jars of creamed honey and big bowls of drool-worthy honey ice cream, which is available at their cafe, all flavoured by the delicate florals and flavours of Bruny Island.

a display of Bruny Island honey samples — Bring home jars of Bruny Island Honey. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 2184 Main Road Bruny Island, Great Bay

9. Look the rare Bennett’s wallaby

Bruny Island is home to the rare Bennett’s wallaby, commonly called the white wallaby due to its snow-hued fur, pink nose and eyes. A genetic mutation causes the wallabies’ albinism and, because they don’t have any predators on the isolated island, there are thought to be over 200 on Bruny. The best place to spot them is Adventure Bay, where during the day you might see them resting underneath large trees. You could be waiting a while – despite their distinctive looks, there are not too many of them – so bring a picnic of delectable Bruny Island produce to enjoy while you wait.

an albino wallaby on Bruny Island — Keep your eyes peeled for a Bruny Island white wallaby.

10. Nature (and history) calls

You wouldn’t think there are too many hidden gems on Bruny, but its Quarantine Station goes under the radar of most travellers. Situated at Barnes Bay, the Quarantine Station incorporates different aspects of the island’s history – from its First Nation people to the later European settlement.

The site itself contains quarantine buildings that housed passengers and soldiers on their return from the First World War. It’s even been used at times as a plant quarantine! When visiting the Quarantine Station, it is well worth taking the two-hour-long heritage interpretive walk, which gives fascinating insights into this significant site.

Address: 816 Killora Road, North Bruny

11. Love oysters? Get Shucked

Peer closely into the shallows and you’ll see gleaming oyster shells everywhere you look. Bruny Island produces some of the best oysters in the country, so pull up a seat at the oyster bar at Get Shucked and tuck in. It’s truly bay-to-bar eating as you sit on the deck overlooking the bobbing buoys of the oyster farm in the bay, with pacific oyster offerings that range from natural and fresh with a squeeze of lemon, to cooked and ‘Kilpatrick ’-style. They’ve even got a drive-through if you’d rather do a takeaway portion of oysters, best enjoyed on a deserted beach.

a bucket filled with freshly produced oysters in Bruny Island — Get only the best oysters from Get Shucked, Bruny Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 1735 Bruny Island Main Road, Great Bay

Want to explore more of Bruny Island? Check out our pick of top Bruny Island tours here.

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 .

11 must-have experiences on Bruny Island