Bruny Island Tours








Discover the best Bruny Island tours : From cruises to scenic walks

Just off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, this Bruny island is known for its scenic sea cliffs, beautiful beaches, wildlife, and delicious local cuisine. Read on to discover the perfect Bruny Island tours—from scenic wilderness cruises and food tastings to guided trips and ferry options from Hobart.

What to expect from your Bruny Island tour

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise boat navigating rugged coastline with cliffs and sea caves.

Ferry from Hobart to Bruny Island

Begin your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Hobart and enjoy the fresh sea air and beautiful blue waters.

Bruny Island nature trail with tourists exploring lush forest, part of Hobart full-day adventure tour.
Bruny Island cruise boat navigating cliffs and sea caves along rugged coastline.
Bruny Island coastline with cliffs and ocean, Hobart full-day adventure tour.
Bruny Island tour group with guide exploring scenic coastline, Hobart day trip.

Choose the right Bruny Island trip

  • Bus tours vs. boat tours:  Bus tours are best for relaxed explorers who want to enjoy curated stops at top attractions like the lighthouse, chocolate company, and lookout points. These are suitable for families or anyone who prefers a slower pace. And wilderness tours are ideal for adventure seekers to get up close to sea stacks, spot wildlife, and enjoy the fresh sea air. 
  • Self-drive vs. return transfers: Self-dive tours are great for independent travelers who want flexibility. You can drive from Hobart to Bruny Island via the Hobart Bruny Island ferry, and explore at your own pace. Skip the planning stress with the return transfers and let expert guides handle everything—from hotel pick-ups to beach visits.
  • Full-day tours vs. food tasting tours: Full-day tours will give you the best value, often including all major beach stops, and wildlife spotting. Priced at AU$159, they are perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a complete experience. An inclusive tour focuses on specific activities like tastings or nature walks, along with ferry and return transfers. Prices start at AU$165.
  • Why choose a wilderness Cruise?: A Bruny Island wilderness cruise is operated by experienced local crews, these 3-hour cruises take you to remote corners of the island's coastline where few can reach by foot. Priced at AU$180, Inclusions typically cover wildlife sightings (seals, dolphins, seabirds), entry into deep sea caves and blowholes, and onboard commentary.

Things to do on Bruny Island

Bruny Island lighthouse with ocean view, part of Hobart full-day tour including lunch and tastings.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse with visitors exploring the Historic Lighthouse Museum on a guided tour.
Bruny Island coastline view with cliffs and ocean from Hobart full-day guided tour.
Bruny Island coastline with cliffs and ocean, part of Hobart full-day adventure tour.
Tour group enjoying gourmet food with Bruny Island coastline view in Hobart, Australia.
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Bruny Island cruises

Set off on a Bruny Island wilderness cruise and explore Tasmania’s coast. This adventure takes you past towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and blowholes, along with sightings of dolphins, seals, and migrating whales.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Step back in time with a guided tour of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic beacons. Enjoy the views of the Southern Ocean and learn about the island's maritime history.

Wildlife watching

Keep an eye out for white wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles, and little penguins.The tours give you the chance to see these animals in their natural habitats—particularly during sunset hours when the Bruny Island penguin colonies come ashore.

Scenic walks

Discover the natural beauty of Bruny Island walks Tasmania is famous for. From the rainforest canopy of the Mavista Walk to the clifftop views at The Neck Lookout, these walking trails are a great way to connect with the island's diverse landscapes.

Local tastings

Enjoy Bruny’s famous cheeses, oysters, and artisan ciders. The food tours include chocolate and honey tastings, along with other gourmet dishes and Tasmanian staples.

Which Bruny Island ticket is best for you

Bruny Island Tours

Guided Bruny Island tours

  • Price: From AU$159
  • Best for: First-time visitors
  • Includes: Transfers from Hobart/Kettering, guided stops at The Neck, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and food tastings.
From Hobart: Bruny Island full-day guided tour
Bruny Island lighthouse with ocean view, part of Hobart full-day tour including lunch and tastings.

Wilderness Cruises

  • Price: From AU$180
  • Best for: Adventure travelers and wildlife lovers
  • Includes: 3-hour high-speed cruise, wet weather gear, experienced nature guides.
Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

Food tastings and nature walks

  • Price: Starting from AU$165
  • Best for: Food lovers, couples, and small groups
  • Includes: Gourmet tastings at cheese factories, oyster farms, lighthouse visit, nature walks and local distilleries.
Bruny Island full-day guided tour with Lighthouse tour and food tasting Bruny Island full-day guided tour with nature trail and food tasting

Plan your visit to Bruny Island

Bruny Island Tours
  • Operating hours: Tours start early in the morning, with departures around 7:45am from Hobart. Day trips can last between 4–6 hours, with some extending up to 10 hours.
  • Weekdays vs. weekends: Weekdays generally experience fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed experience compared to weekends.
  • Ideal time of day: Early morning departures can help you beat the heat and enjoy a quieter experience on the water and at the scenic stops.
  • Note: Tour schedules may vary based on seasonal events or weather conditions. Make sure to check the tickets for the most accurate seasonal timings.

Best time to visit 

  • Peak Season (Summer: December–February): Ideal for clear skies and vibrant natural colors. Book tickets in advance to beat the increased tourist traffic.
  • Shoulder Season (Autumn: March–May & Spring: September–November): Enjoy milder weather, reduced crowds, and lower prices.
  • By public transport: From Hobart, you can drive approximately 45 minutes south to the Kettering ferry terminal for the 15–20 minute ferry to Bruny Island. It is a 40-minute drive south to the visitor center at 1005 Adventure Bay Road.
  • By car: Drive via Huon Highway from Hobart to Kettering; ample parking is available at the ferry terminal. The drive from Hobart to Kettering takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
  • By foot: If already in Kettering, a brisk 5–10 minute walk will get you to the ferry terminal.
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Bruny Island Tours
  • Wheelchair ramps, designated seating, and accessible restrooms are usually provided. Nature walks and other physical activities might not be as accessible.
  • Restrooms & changing facilities: Available at the Kettering Ferry Terminal and certain on-board areas.
  • Cloakrooms/Lockers: Secure storage options may be provided by some tour operators—check in advance if you’re carrying extra gear.
  • Seating & shelter: Cruise boats offer sheltered areas, however, dress in layers as weather can be unpredictable.
  • Photography: Be mindful of flash restrictions on wildlife and during boat movements for safety. 
  • Prohibited items: Avoid bringing large bags or food and drinks (unless provided) to keep the environment clean and safe onboard.
  • Dress code: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, non-slip footwear—layers are advised due to weather unpredictability.
  • Baggage restrictions: Limited storage space is available on boats, so carry only essential items to ensure a hassle-free trip.
  • Download an offline map before arrival, as mobile coverage is limited in South Bruny and essential for navigation to remote areas.
  • Catch early morning or late afternoon ferries to avoid long queues, or join a walk-on guided tour from Hobart or Kettering to skip the car ferry altogether.
  • Head to Adventure Bay near sunset for the best chance of spotting the island’s rare white wallabies, especially around Captain Cook Creek.
  • Choose one signature hike such as Fluted Cape or The Neck for a deeper experience, and wear proper footwear for muddy or uneven trail conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Bruny Island day tours

How long does the ferry from Hobart to Bruny Island take?

 The ferry ride from Kettering (about 45 mins from Hobart) takes around 20 minutes.

Are Bruny Island cruises suitable for children?

Yes, but children must be supervised, especially on boat tours.

What’s the difference between Bruny Island boat tours and wilderness cruises?

Wilderness cruises are longer, faster, and focus on wildlife and remote landscapes. Other boat tours may be shorter and less intensive.

Is there a self-drive option for tasting tours?

Yes, many food stops are open to the public, but guided tasting tours offer more structure and priority access.

Is Bruny Island accessible for travellers with limited mobility?

Some attractions like The Neck lookout and Fluted Cape are steep and not wheelchair accessible, but spots like the Bruny Island Cheese Co., Get Shucked, and many food venues are flat and accessible; boat tours may offer limited access.

Q. How long is the Bruny Island Cruise?

The Bruny Island Cruise lasts for 3 - 10 hours, depending on your tour options.

What wildlife can I realistically expect to see on a Bruny Island tour?

Depending on the season, you may spot white wallabies, fur seals, albatrosses, dolphins, and even migrating whales on wilderness cruises—early mornings or dusk offer the best chances for land-based sightings.

Are there toilets and fuel stops on Bruny Island?

Public toilets are available in key areas like Adventure Bay and The Neck, but fuel stations are limited—fill up in Kettering before you board the ferry.

Can I bring my own food or picnic on the island?

Yes, but be aware that local wildlife may approach, so secure your food and always take your rubbish with you to protect the environment.

Bruny Island Tours
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