Top tips for catching the Bruny Island Ferry

Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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Lost your keys to your private plane? Chauffeured speed boat broken down? Don’t panic. There’s a far easier way to get to Bruny Island.

Planning a weekend getaway to Lunawanna-Alonnah AKA Bruny Island? While it’s exciting to plan where you’re going to eat, explore and rest your weary head, you’ll first need to work out how you are getting to this veritable Tasmanian wilderness of soaring sea cliffs and coastal heathlands.

Luckily, the handy SeaLink ferry takes no time at all to get to Bruny Island from the Tassie mainland. From where to buy the ticket to how much it will cost you, we’ve lined up exactly what you need to know.

two SeaLink ferries heading to Bruny Island
SeaLink ferries en route to Bruny Island.

How to get to Bruny Island?

The easiest way to get to Bruny Island is via the SeaLink ferry. This departs from Kettering, a town thirty minutes south of Hobart. If you are not driving, you can get here by local bus, but you must arrive at least 20 minutes before departure for Roberts Point. In addition, you will pretty much need a car to explore the island, so this isn’t really recommended unless you are meeting a tour group at the ferry. In any case, check in with the company as they will most likely be organising this part of the journey for you.

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

How often do ferries to Bruny Island run?

It departs over 20 times a day in summer and runs 365 days a year. Christmas Day timetables apply.

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

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How long does the Bruny Island ferry take?

Once you and your vehicle have been directed onto the ferry by an attendant, the trip to Bruny Island takes approximately 20 minutes, so it is easy to plan a day trip to Bruny Island if you’re short on time.

a ferry crossing the waters of Bruny Island
Embark on a new adventure across the calm waters of Bruny Island. (Image: Jess Bonde)

How much is a ferry ticket to Bruny Island?

While passengers themselves travel free to the island, you will have to pay per vehicle. For example, a vehicle that is less than six metres will cost $53.20 on a regular open return ticket, while the passengers go free. You’ll also need to pay if you’re travelling by bicycle or motorbike, but that’s much cheaper. There are also Pension and Concession Fares available. Check out the whole price list here .

a SeaLink ferry navigating the calm waters of Bruny Island
Hop on the SeaLink ferry.

Where can I buy a ticket?

Pre-purchase your ticket online or pay at the ticket booth when you arrive.

Can I bring a hire car on the ferry?

Not all rental car companies will allow you to take the vehicle onto the ferry. However, there are some exceptions. Check the terms and conditions of your insurance contract before you finalise if you are coming to Bruny, and speak to the car company if unsure.

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Do I need a vehicle to travel on the ferry?

No, you do not need a vehicle to travel by ferry. But as the island itself is difficult to fully enjoy and navigate without one, you won’t want to be on foot.

How many cars are allowed on the Bruny Island ferry? Could I miss out?

The ferry runs on a first-come-first-served basis. So if you miss out on that particular one, you will simply have to wait for the next one. But as they come reasonably often (check out their timetable here ), this is not too much of a hardship if you’re willing to go with the flow.

Is there food on the Bruny Island ferry?

It’s a short trip so there is no food on the ferry. There are however public restrooms, both onboard and at both ferry terminals. Once you arrive at Roberts Point, there is a small cafe where you can grab your morning coffee and nibbles. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and foodie experiences to try, so best to arrive hungry.

aerial shot of a ferry across the waters of Bruny Island
Bruny Island ferry operates daily. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Book here: sealinkbrunyisland.com.au

Want to stretch your legs upon arrival? These 8 top walking trails are just waiting for you to get there.

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

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    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.