Bruny Island
The attraction of walking on Bruny Island
Bruny Island lies off the south-east coast of Tasmania, just 80 kilometres south of Hobart. It is an excellent option for walkers seeking secluded scenic coastal tracks. The island covers an area of 362 square kilometres and is divided into two sections which are joined by an isthmus known as “The Neck”.
The south section of the island is home to South Bruny Island National Park and State Forest reserves. Walking tracks feature rugged dolerite cliffs, fascinating rock formations, sandy beaches, heathlands and rainforests. Bruny Island is home to a diversity of wildlife including fairy penguins (the smallest penguins in the world), white wallabies, fur seals and a multitude of bird species.
There are a number of popular walking destinations on the island. The Neck Game Reserve features Cape Queen Elizabeth lookout as well as lagoons, sand dunes, white beaches, dolerite rock formations, coastal heath and headlands. Another favourite walking area is the spectacular Fluted Cape where the dramatic folds of the dolerite sea cliffs resemble organ pipes and rise 272 metres above the sea. En route to the Fluted Cape, there is wonderful beach walking at Adventure Bay as well as tall forests of Blue Gum eucalypts and the ruins of a whaling station at Grass Point.
The Labillardiere Peninsula track can be combined with a visit to the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse. A more secluded option is the trail to East Cloudy Head which traverses the deserted beach at Cloudy Bay and provides stunning views of the island’s chiselled south coast and the mighty Southern Ocean. For those in search of a summit walk, Mt Mangana is the highest peak on Bruny Island at 571 metres. This trail is a gentle uphill path through beautiful and ancient rainforest.
Aside from walking, there are opportunities to visit local producers of premium food and wine. Food lovers are spoilt for choice between oysters, smoked meats, smoked fish, fresh honey, local berries, artisan cheeses, Tasmanian whiskies, Bruny Island ciders and premium wines.
Interested in walking on Bruny Island?
There are a number of tour operators offering a variety of guided walking trips on Bruny Island. Some offer retreat accommodation whilst others offer luxury camping options.
There is also variety in how tour operators transport walkers to Bruny Island. Some organise a private cruise along the Derwent River from Hobart while other operators offer bus transfer to the island and utilise the Bruny Island daily ferry service from Kettering.
Another optional extra offered by some operators is a Bruny Island sea cruise showcasing the island’s spectacular sea cliffs, sea caves and rock formations as well as the resident seals and dolphins. We can help you choose an operator that best suits your interests and requirements. Click below to contact us.