How long is the Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise?

The Wilderness Cruise itself lasts **3 hours**. You can also choose a full-day Bruny Island tour from Hobart that combines the cruise with island sightseeing, transfers and meals.

Where does the Bruny Island cruise depart from?

The Wilderness Cruise departs from **Adventure Bay** on Bruny Island. Kettering is the mainland ferry departure point, while Hobart is the departure point for the full-day combined tour.

Can I take a Bruny Island cruise from Hobart?

Yes. The full-day Wilderness Cruise option includes return Hobart transfers, the Kettering ferry, island transport and the 3-hour cruise.

How long is the ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island?

The ferry crossing takes around **20 minutes**. Allow additional time for boarding and the drive from Roberts Point to Adventure Bay.

What wildlife can I see on a Bruny Island cruise?

You may see fur seals, dolphins and seabirds along the coast. Whales can also be spotted seasonally, although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I see whales on the Bruny Island cruise?

Whales may be visible during the appropriate season, but sightings depend on wildlife activity and sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Do Bruny Island cruises operate in all weather conditions?

Cruises run in most weather conditions, but departures may be cancelled or delayed if the sea is too rough or visibility is poor. In such cases, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a refund.

Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?

While light refreshments are provided on full-day tours, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and water on board the cruise. Alcohol is not permitted.

Is there a secure place to leave belongings during the cruise?

Storage is limited on the boat, so it’s best to only bring what you need. For larger bags or non-essentials, it's recommended to leave them in your car or accommodation.

How far in advance should I book my tickets?

Spots on the wilderness cruise fill up quickly, especially in summer. Booking at least a few days in advance is strongly advised, and even earlier during peak holiday periods.

Can I take Bruny Island cruises if I’m prone to motion sickness?

The cruise travels along an open coastline, so the ride can get bumpy at times. If you're sensitive to motion, consider taking sea sickness tablets beforehand and sitting toward the rear of the boat for a smoother ride.

How frequent are the Bruny Island ferries?

Bruny Island ferries operate daily, with departures from Kettering approximately every 20–30 minutes between 6:10am and 7pm on weekdays. On weekends, the first ferry departs at 6:50am. The crossing takes about 15–20 minutes. No booking is required, but arriving at least 20 minutes before departure is recommended.

Bruny Island Cruises

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Day Trips

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

3-hour yellow boat adventure along rugged Tasmanian shores.

Starting point: Bruny Island, as per option selected
Everything you get: A 3-hour wilderness cruise with live commentary, coastal sightseeing and views of Bruny Island’s rugged southern shores.
Sights covered: Dramatic sea cliffs, sea caves, rock formations, the Breathing Rock blowhole, and the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean.
Options: Upgrade to include round-trip Kettering ferry transfers, or opt for a full-day Bruny Island tour with a scenic bus tour, local guide, morning tea and Tasmanian lunch.
Why choose this: Experience Bruny Island from the water while looking out for dolphins, seals and sea eagles, with flexible options to add island transfers or make a full day of your visit.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

3 hrs - 10 hrs

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Day Trips

From Hobart: Bruny Island Full-Day Bus Tour with Eco Wilderness Cruise

Full-day Bruny tour with transfers bus sightseeing, a coastal cruise, and Tasmanian lunch.

Day out to: Bruny Island on a fully planned full-day tour from Hobart, with round-trip transfers, Kettering ferry crossings, guided bus sightseeing and a wilderness cruise.
You'll get: Round-trip Hobart and ferry transfers, an English-speaking guide, Bruny Island bus tour, 3-hour wilderness cruise, live cruise commentary, morning tea and Tasmanian lunch.
Bruny Island wilderness cruise: Cruise the island’s rugged coastline for 3 hours, looking out for seals, dolphins and seabirds while passing cliffs, sea caves and rocky outcrops.
Island sightseeing: Explore Bruny Island by bus with scenic stops around Adventure Bay, The Neck and other wildlife-rich landscapes, with a chance to spot white wallabies.
Tasmanian lunch: Take a break in Adventure Bay for a gourmet lunch before continuing your Bruny Island sightseeing and returning to Hobart.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

10 hrs

Guided tour

Transfers

Meals

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Guided Tours

Bruny Island Essential Explorer with Exclusive Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour

Tour Cape Bruny Lighthouse, explore South Bruny National Park, and taste local island produce on a guided day trip from Hobart.

Everything you get: Spend a full day exploring Bruny Island with a guide, including South Bruny National Park entry, a guided Cape Bruny Lighthouse tour, honey tasting at Bruny Island Honey, return ferry fares, and visits to local food stops.
Why choose this: See Bruny Island’s standout sights in one guided tour, from Truganini Lookout and Cape Bruny Lighthouse to local producers like Bruny Island Chocolate Co and Get Shucked Oysters.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

10 hrs 30 mins

Pickup

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Guided Tours

From Hobart: Bruny Island & Port Arthur Historic Site 2-Day Guided Combo Tour

Two days combining Bruny Island and Port Arthur, with guides and key entries arranged for you.

Day out to: Bruny Island and Port Arthur from Hobart, with round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.
You'll get: A local guide, National Park and Port Arthur entry, round-trip hotel transfers, and air-conditioned transport across two days.
Bruny Island: Take in Bruny Island's beaches and coastline, with stops to taste oysters, honey, fudge, and seafood.
Port Arthur Historic Site: Walk the grounds of Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hear stories of its convict past.
Port Arthur harbour cruise: Join a harbour cruise at Port Arthur for views of the site and the coastline from the water.
Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay: See Remarkable Cave rock formations and Maingon Bay views over the Tasman Peninsula cliffs.

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Explore at your pace

Transfers

Pickup

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Overview

See Bruny Island from the water on a wilderness cruise along its rugged southern coastline. Cruise past towering sea cliffs, sea caves and blowholes while looking out for fur seals, dolphins and seabirds.

Choose a 3-hour Wilderness Cruise from Adventure Bay if you want the cruise itself to be the focus, or combine it with ferry transfers and a full-day guided tour from Hobart for a more structured day on Bruny Island.

Your Bruny Island cruises

Cruise option	Duration	Departure	Tranfers	Meals	Seating & experience	Price from
Wilderness Cruise	3 hours	Adventure Bay	Self-drive	Not included	Tiered seating on a custom-built yellow boat	AU$190
Wilderness Cruise + Kettering transfer	3-hour cruise + transfers	Kettering / Adventure Bay	Ferry and transfer option	Not included	Tiered boat seating with open-air coastal views	AU$215
Wilderness Cruise + full-day tour from Hobart	10 hours	Hobart	Hotel pickup, ferry and island transport	Morning tea + lunch	Guided bus tour plus tiered boat seating	AU$290

What you'll see on the cruise

Sea caves

Enter towering caves carved into the coastline by the ocean.

Tourists at Bruny Island exploring coastal rock arch on nature trail.

Rocky shoreline with ocean waves and distant cliffs on Bruny Island, Australia.

Rock formations at The Monument, Bruny Island, overlooking the ocean.

Bruny Island cruise boat near sea lions on rocky coastline, Tasmania.

Getting to your Bruny Island cruise

From Hobart

The full-day cruise experience starts in Hobart and includes return transfers, the Kettering ferry, transport across Bruny Island and the 3-hour Wilderness Cruise.

The full-day tour generally departs Hobart around 7:45am and returns around 5:30pm. Check your booking voucher for the exact pickup time and location.

From Kettering

Kettering is the mainland departure point for the Bruny Island ferry. The ferry crossing to Roberts Point takes around 20 minutes.

If your cruise option includes Kettering transfers, transport is arranged to connect with the cruise at Adventure Bay.

To Adventure Bay

The Wilderness Cruise departs from 1005 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay.

If you are travelling independently, take the ferry from Kettering and continue by road to Adventure Bay. Allow enough time for the ferry crossing and island drive, especially during busy periods.

Best time to cruise Bruny Island

Bruny Island cruises operate across the year, but conditions on the water can affect the experience. The open-sea route can be bumpy, and cruises may be cancelled or rescheduled when weather conditions are unsafe.

For wildlife, keep your expectations flexible. Fur seals, dolphins and seabirds may be spotted throughout the year, while whale sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

If you're self-driving, plan your ferry journey around your cruise departure and allow extra time during weekends, holidays and peak travel periods.

What to bring

Warm layers: Conditions can feel cooler on the water, even on a mild day.
Comfortable clothing: Wear clothes that allow you to move comfortably and handle changing weather.
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for time outdoors.
Water: Carry a reusable bottle, particularly if you're spending the rest of the day exploring Bruny Island.
Camera: Keep your camera or phone ready for coastal views and wildlife sightings.
Motion-sickness medication: If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking appropriate medication before the cruise.
Good to know: The boat has tiered seating and a roof for protection from sun and spray. The open-sea journey can be bumpy, and guests must remain seated while the boat is moving.

Frequently asked questions about Bruny Island cruises

Yes, children of all ages are welcome on the cruise. Life jackets are provided, and the boat is designed for comfort and safety. It’s a fun and educational experience for curious young explorers!

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

From Hobart: Bruny Island Full-Day Bus Tour with Eco Wilderness Cruise

Bruny Island Essential Explorer with Exclusive Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour

From Hobart: Bruny Island & Port Arthur Historic Site 2-Day Guided Combo Tour

Overview

Your Bruny Island cruises

What you'll see on the cruise

Sea caves