Bruny Island 5-Day Road Trip + FREE Map

Most people visit Bruny Island as a day trip from Hobart, but we reckon it’s not nearly enough time to explore this. We honestly wished we had at least a week!

It’s got spots like The Neck, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Cloudy Bay, and Get Shucked for oysters. Plus epic hikes like Fluted Cape and Cape Queen Elizabeth, so a full day leaves way too much on the table.

So this is the itinerary we’d do if we had 5 days to take Bruny slowly, the way it deserves. It includes a few hikes, so skip some of them if you want to make it shorter!

Screenshot of a map with coloured pins and a route showing all the different things to do on a Bruny Island 5-Day itinerary — Click to open the full interactive map in Google Maps

Road trip snapshot

Drive time: ~6 hrs in total, plus 2 ferry crossings (~20 mins each)
Areas covered: Dennes Point, The Neck, Adventure Bay, Cloudy Bay, Cape Bruny, and Alonnah
Best time: December to April for the warmest weather for swimming and hiking. Winter for aurora australis. Avoid holidays if possible.
Vehicle: 2WD is fine for most of the island (most roads are sealed). 4WD needed for Cloudy Corner Campground and Jetty Beach in South Bruny.
Pet-friendly: Not really. Dogs aren’t allowed at The Neck, Cloudy Bay, or anywhere in South Bruny National Park.
Good for: Hikers, campers, surfers, and anyone keen to eat their way through oysters and cheese!

Truganini Lookout, Bruny Island
Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Day 1: Hobart > Bruny Island

Distance: ~85km
Drive time: ~2hrs (including ferry ride)

Jump on the early ferry from Kettering, it’s a quick 20-minute crossing and super easy with a car. Last time we checked, it costs $61 return for a standard vehicle (check the timetable and prices here).

We recommend exploring the island from top to bottom. The ferry drops you in North Bruny, so you might as well start there! Here are some things to do there:

Dennes Point Heritage Trail. It’s an easy 1.5km loop, mostly flat, and takes about 40 minutes. It’s a great way to stretch the legs after the ferry, plus you’ll get a bit of local history along the way.

The Neck and climb the Truganini Lookout. It’s one of the BEST sunset spots in Bruny! It’s a short but steep staircase, worth every step. You’ll see the ocean on both sides and the whole island laid out in front of you.

See the penguins making their way back to their nests after dark. They’re adorable and you can spot them around The Neck, but torches are forbidden (red light only).

Get Shucked for the BEST oysters! It’s hands down the best we’ve ever had. Plus, it’s one of the only oyster drive-throughs in the world, such a unique experience.

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Where to stay in North Bruny Island?

The Neck Campground is the best spot to stay for the next 2 nights. It’s cheap, with an unbeatable location (a short stroll from the beach), plus it makes it easy to head south tomorrow.

You have to be self-contained though, as facilities are basic (toilets and picnic tables). It’s first-come, first-served and it can fill up fast in summer. So get in early if you can.

No Park Pass required as it’s outside the National Park, but camping fees apply.

Day 2: Cape Queen Elizabeth Track

Distance: ~16km
Drive time: ~10 min (to trailhead and back)

We recommend using this day to tackle the iconic Cape Queen Elizabeth Track.

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It’s a 13km return (4-5 hours) hike that takes you through the coast, combining beaches and bush walking.

The views are honestly SO impressive, you’ll be able to see the beauty of Bruny! It’ll also take you to the Mars Bluff Arch.

The arch is only accessible at low tide though, so if you want that classic photo, check the tide times before you set off.

Keep an eye out for honesty boxes on your way to the trailhead, too! Fresh bread, local honey, and sweet treats pop up in the most random spots, and bring cash.

Then you can either go back to the campsite and relax, or check out the tessellated pavement in Bligh Rocks, 2.5km south of the campground (if you still have energy left).

Are you road tripping Tassie from the Devonport terminal? This is the itinerary we recommend.

Day 3: Fluted Cape Walk and head to South Bruny

Distance: ~45km
Drive time: ~1 hour

Start your morning with the Fluted Cape Walk, one of the must-do hikes not only in Bruny, but in Tassie!

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It’s about 6km and takes ~3 hours. It’s very steep in sections but has some of the most spectacular coastal views.

If you’re not up for the full loop, Grass Point is an easier option. It’s 4km, ~1.5 hours return and mostly flat, with plenty of scenery and wildlife around.

After your walk, here are some things we’d do the rest of the day:

Quick beach swim to cool off after the hike

Check out Adventure Bay, great for snorkelling and a handy spot to grab supplies or a snack

Visit Bruny Island Premium Wines, worth a stop for a tasting, and the setting is lovely

See the aurora australis if you’re visiting in winter! Download this app for real-time alerts.

Where to stay in South Bruny?

We recommend staying in Cloudy Bay for the next 2 nights! It was one of our favourite camping areas in Tasmania.

There are two campsites there, both basic but incredible:

The Pines, a small but 2WD-friendly campsite. The road in is unsealed but well-kept. It’s close to a great surfing beach and has walking trails nearby. It was free last time we checked.

Cloudy Corner, bigger site but 4WD only, as you have to drive through the beach to get there. 100% worth it if you have the right vehicle! You have to pay a small fee to stay there.

You’ll need a valid Tassie park pass for today, both hikes and campgrounds are in South Bruny National Park.

S&C Travel Tip

Day 4: South Bruny

Distance: ~60km
Drive time: ~1.5 hrs if you include Labillardiere Peninsula

Today’s all about the wild southern end of Bruny. The coastline down here is raw and dramatic, and you’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Here’s what we reckon you should do while you’re there:

Visit Cape Bruny Lighthouse. The road is sealed nowadays so it’s easy to visit. The lighthouse tour is interesting if you’re into history, but you can just wander around outside for free and soak up the views.

Surfing in Cloudy Bay. It’s not for beginners, but it’s an epic surfing spot if you know what you’re doing! And even just watching from the sand is a vibe. The beach is long and usually pretty empty.

There are a couple of epic hikes worth doing today, too:

Luggaboine Circuit (4km, 1.5hrs, easy), near the lighthouse

East Cloudy Head Track (12km return, 4hrs, moderate), near Cloudy Bay

Labillardiere Peninsula Circuit (18km, 6hrs, moderate), near Jetty Campground. Road in is 4WD-only.

Take it slow today, there’s no rush! This part of Bruny is all about soaking up the scenery and letting the day unfold.

Day 5: Finish exploring and back to Hobart

Distance: ~125km
Drive time: 2.5 hrs (including ferry ride)

This last morning is relaxed and focused on squeezing in any last swims or coastal stops before heading back north.

Here are some things to do:

Jetty Beach (4WD-only). The water’s usually very calm here, so it’s perfect for a swim or an easy snorkel. If you’ve got kids, they’ll love it too.

Allonah Foreshore. Worth a quick stop, or stretch your legs on the short bay track nearby. Good spot for a last look at the water.

Adventure Bay for one last swim or snorkelling session.

Then keep driving north through the island, for the afternoon ferry back to Hobart is pretty straightforward.

Keen on another epic road trip in Tassie? Don’t miss the East Coast!

Planning your Bruny Island road trip

Moving around Bruny Island

You need a car to move around the island, so most people rent a car in Hobart and drive down.

Bruny has some unsealed roads especially in the south, but they’re well-kept so a 2WD should be able to handle them just fine.

If you’re hiring a car, double-check the fine print, though. Some companies don’t let you take rentals on ferries or unsealed roads.

Also, there was only one petrol station last time we visited, in Adventure Bay. You’ll also be able to get groceries there, but everything is overpriced so bring whatever you can from the mainland.

Seems like there’s a charging station in Allonah, but double-check this.

As for park passes, you’ll need one to visit South Bruny National Park. You can grab it here, the holiday pass includes entry to all parks in Tasmania.

What to pack?

Bruny’s weather is especially variable, more than the rest of Tasmania. It’s a small island and the winds can make it go from sunny to rainy in a couple of minutes!

So if you’re hiking, you’ll want to be ready for anything, especially on the east coast where the wind and rain come in hard. Bring:

A proper rain jacket (not just a flimsy poncho)
Warm layers (think thermals and a beanie)
Waterproof boots (the tracks get muddy fast)
Gaiters if you’ve got them (leeches are intense here)
A dry bag or zip-locks for your phone and snacks

Don’t stress if you forget something, though. Hobart’s got all the outdoor shops you’ll need before you jump on the ferry.

Camping on Bruny Island

Bruny’s one of our favourite spots in Tassie for camping right on the beach! They’re very cheap and accessible.

You’ll need to be self-sufficient, though. Most sites are basic, and Bruny’s pretty remote once you leave the main towns. Bring your own water, food, and rubbish bags because facilities are limited.

Some are free, others have a very small fee. You can get all the info here.

Best time to visit Bruny Island

Honestly, you can head to Bruny any time of year and have a good trip, but each season has its own vibe.

Summer (December to February) is the busiest. It’s the best beach weather and not too hot for hiking, but prices are definitely higher.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are our favourites for hiking.

The weather is cool but not freezing, and the trails aren’t packed. You’ll get those crisp mornings and clear days that make you want to stay outside.

Winter (June to August) is underrated. It’s peak oyster season, and the best time of the year to see the aurora australis lighting up the sky (best chance is March to September). Just be ready for snow.

Top Tips

Bruny feels remote once you’re on the island. Options are limited, so bring what you need from the mainland.

Evenings get cold year-round. Pack warm bedding and clothing even in summer. The island sits lower in temperature than most mainland travellers expect.

FAQs

Can I do a day trip to Bruny Island?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Bruny Island but we’re not fans of this, as you won’t be able to do much. We recommend spending at least 2 nights in the island.

What time do the penguins come in at Bruny Island?

The penguins start waddling in from the ocean after dark, around 9-10pm. Don’t use flashlights or camera flashes, it messes with the penguins and the rangers will call you out!