Bruny Island is a deceptively large island approximately 100km long, comprising almost two distinct islands joined by a narrow isthmus made up of sand dunes called 'The Neck'. North Bruny with the settlements of Barnes Bay and Dennes Point is open pasture, lightly wooded, whilst South Bruny is hilly and heavily timbered, dominated by Mount Mangana. At The Neck is a lookout that gives sweeping views across both the River Derwent and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, and reveals the narrow isthmus. During the nesting seasons the lookout is an excellent spot to view the Fairy Penguins and Muttonbirds returning to their burrows at dusk.
Bruny Island has a proud maritime heritage that is also recognised in the naming of the island itself and many of its geological features. At Adventure Bay, a popular centre with a beautiful beach, there is the Bligh Museum and a tree reputedly planted by Captain Cook. Many other names on Bruny reflect its aboriginal ancestry, including the townships of Alonnah and Lunawanna on South Bruny.
At the far south of Bruny Island is Cape Bruny with its historic lighthouse overlooking high, sheer cliffs and the sometimes huge stormy seas coming from the Southern Ocean.
Access to Bruny Island is a 15-minute ride by the car ferry from Kettering 37km south of Hobart. There are up to nine sailings each day of the year.
Bruny Island Ferry Timetable
