Explore Australia: Discover Outdoor Adventures on Bruny Island, Tasmania

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Stairs of Bruny Island

Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures

By Lexi Kassler/Oct. 1, 2023 8:00 am EST



If you’re looking for a unique location to enjoy the outdoors on your next Australian adventure, look no further than Bruny Island. Located just off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, the island is covered in stunning forests of Eucalyptus trees, surrounded by a rugged coastline, and home to unique wildlife,drawing in thousands of nature lovers every year. You can explore the forests with some amazing bushwalking — the Australian term for hiking — or take a boat cruise to discover the island’s isolated cliffs, caves, and marine wildlife. You also can’t miss the aurora australis (the “southern lights”), which you can view year-round!

Besides the great outdoor activities available, this island is also extremely easy to get to by ferry and can be added to your itinerary as a day or overnight trip from Hobart. Just travel about 30 minutes south to Kettering and pick up the Bruny Island Ferry. While it’s true that passengers can ride for free if they’re not bringing a vehicle, it is recommended that you rent a car as the island is difficult to explore on foot.

The best outdoor activities on Bruny Island

Sea cliffs of Bruny Island

Kevin Lebre/Getty Images



There are two things you have to do while on Bruny Island: a boat tour and bushwalking.

The boating experiences are nothing short of breathtaking. Bruny Island Cruises, run by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, won Australia’s Best Tourist Attraction in 2012, 2014, and 2015 — and for good reason. This excursion will give you a small taste of all that Bruny Island has to offer. On this tour, you can catch sight of the local wildlife, like seals and dolphins, and stare up at stony spires and towering sea cliffs. You can even listen to the “breathing rock,” a rocky blowhole that sprays jets of water. If you travel between May and July or September and December, you may even see the annual humpback whale migration.

If you’re not fond of boats, don’t worry. The bushwalking here is just as satisfying, especially for avid hikers. In fact, the Labillardiere Peninsula circuit has been named one of the Great Short Walks in Tasmania! This hike takes about five to seven hours and offers both coastal and mountain views. Just be aware this is a Grade 4 hike, and some hiking experience is recommended. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, try the Cape Queen Elizabeth track. This trail is considerably shorter, just three hours roundtrip, and has incredible views of the island and its beautiful beaches. There’s also the Neck Lookout, a must-see lookout point that only takes about 15 minutes to walk up.

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Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.