Start
Bruny Island. For me, Borsha, a visitor from Bangladesh, was more than just a place on the map of Tasmania. My husband works in Tasmania, so I stayed there for 30 days. The first two days, I explored Bruny Island. Rather than merely a brief excursion, I engaged in a comprehensive journey, meticulously observing everything from the terrain and inhabitants to the most minute natural nuances and concealed locations. This is the first part of my story, told honestly and from the point of view of someone who came from halfway around the world.
What size is Bruny Island, and where is it?
Bruny Island is an island off the south-east coast of Tasmania, which is in Australia. The Neck is a narrow strip of land that connects North Bruny and South Bruny. The island is about 362 square kilometres big. Even though it is not very big, it has a lot of different plants and animals and a lot of different experiences.
Is it worth going to
Yes, for sure. Bruny Island is a must-visit for nature lovers, people looking for peace, and even travellers who want to see something different.
What You’ll Find and What You Won’t
Things You Will Find, Things You Won’t Find
Views of the coast that take your breath away
City noise and crowds
Forest reserves and trails for walking
Everywhere has high-speed internet.
Cheese and wine are made in the area.
Big malls or supermarkets
Lots of wildlife and excellent public transportation
The People of Bruny Island
The people who live there are friendly, caring, and very connected to their land. Most of them work in tourism, protecting wildlife, or making artisanal food. They are truly friendly to visitors.
The Weather While I Was There
I visited during the transition from winter to spring. The weather was cool and crisp, with light rain now and then. The soft fog and mist made the area feel both mysterious and calming, especially along the coast and in the forest trails.
To get to and around Bruny Island, we drove from Hobart to Kettering and then took the car ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Driving is necessary once you get to the island because there isn’t much public transportation.
Mode of Transport Cost (AUD)
| Mode of Transport | Cost (AUD) | Time | Notes |
| Car Ferry (return) | $38 | 20 minutes | From Kettering to Bruny Island |
| Car Rental | $70+/day | Flexible | Best for exploring the island |
| Guided Day Tour | $120–$150 | Full Day | Good option for first-timers |
All Day
This option is highly recommended for those who are unfamiliar with it.
Bruny Island is named after the French explorer Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux. It has a long and interesting history. The area was home to the Nuenonne people, who are indigenous to Tasmania, long before Europeans came. The island is still important to the culture and has many historic sites, such as the Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Who Comes to visit?
People from all over the world, such as Europe, the US, New Zealand, Japan, and China, come here a lot. A lot of people from Tasmania go to the island for short trips on the weekends.
Do people from Bangladesh go to Bruny Island?
Bruny Island is not frequently visited by individuals from Bangladesh. I was one of the few. But as a Bangladeshi, I was proud to be there. I was able to see a part of the world that few of my fellow countrymen have been to.
The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is an incredibly beautiful and underappreciated sight. It has amazing views and sunsets that you’ll never forget.
The Neck Lookout is a place where you can see both sides of the island from above.
Adventure Bay is famous for its oyster farms and boat tours.
Cloudy Bay is excellent for surfers and people who like to walk on the beach.
Mavista Nature Walk is a beautiful rainforest trail that few tourists go on.
Get Shucked Oyster Farm offers fresh oysters and a unique dining experience.
My Personal Experience
My husband and I hiked up to The Neck Lookout on the first day. Even though it was drizzling, the view was amazing. You could see both North and South Bruny at the same time, with waves crashing on both sides. On our way down, we saw wallabies quietly hopping around in the woods.
We walked along the beaches near Adventure Bay later. I tried Bruny Island cheese and fresh oysters, and the flavours were deep and earthy— unlike anything else I’d ever had.
We went to see the Cape Bruny Lighthouse on the second day. The climb was a bit tiring, but the view from the top was worth it: an endless ocean and wild cliffs. We finished the day with a slow walk through Cloudy Bay and a quiet sunset.
What I liked
I enjoyed the quiet place, which offered a respite from the stress of the city.
The area offers fresh air, forest paths, and uncrowded beaches.
The area is known for its locally made cheese and oysters.
People who are warm and friendly
One aspect I didn’t like was that in many places, the mobile signal was very weak.
There is no public transportation, so you have to drive yourself.
Travellers on a budget may find it somewhat costly.
5 Questions People Ask Often:
- What is Bruny Island famous for?
Bruny Island is renowned for its beautiful nature, great food, animals, and breathtaking views.
- How do you get there?
It takes about 35 minutes by car and ferry from Kettering to Hobart.
- Is it safe for kids and old people?
Yes, but you need to drive, and some trails might be challenging.
- Is it okay if I stay the night?
Of course! There are small resorts, campsites, lodges, and Airbnb rentals.
- Is it safe to go to Bruny Island?
Very safe. Just be careful when you hike near cliffs and in the bush.
The Deeper Side of Bruny Island
Continuing the Journey
I talked about how I, a Bangladeshi woman, travelled from Bangladesh to Tasmania to visit my husband. I spent the first two days of my 30-day trip on Bruny Island, where I was deeply moved by the island’s raw and rugged beauty. In Part 2, I’ll go even deeper. This part will talk about the food, cultural sites, biodiversity, nature walks, travel costs, and everything else that made my trip so memorable. This chapter will end with my honest thoughts and advice for other travellers, as well as thoughts that came to me only after I left.
Eating and drinking in the area
Bruny Island is a great place for food lovers, especially those who love fresh, local, and artisanal food. Here are some of the best things that happened on my culinary journey:
- The oyster bar gets shucked.
This might have been the most famous stop. They picked the oysters that morning and served them fresh with lemon wedges and light sauces. It was like tasting the ocean itself; I had never tasted anything so fresh. They even had a drive-through oyster bar, which was a cool idea!
- Cheese Company on Bruny Island
People know this place for its sourdough bread and cheeses made by hand. We had the “1792” washed-rind cheese and the “O.D.O.” (One Day Old) cheese. Both had tastes that were much stronger than anything I’d ever had before. You can also get cheese boards with wines from the area.
- The best wines from Bruny Island
Tasmania is known for its cool-climate wines, and the vineyards on Bruny Island are small but excellent. We tasted different kinds of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while looking out over grapevines at sunset.
- Bistro at Hotel Bruny
This is the place to go if you want a big meal from Tasmania with a view. I had Tasmanian salmon with mashed potatoes, and my husband had wallaby schnitzel, which is a local dish. The service was friendly, and the view of the channel made it even better.
Bruny Island offers opportunities to meet different kinds of plants and animals.
Bruny Island is a wonderful place for people who love nature. The beaches, rainforests, and cliffs make up a wide range of habitats for plants and animals.
- Birds: We saw white-bellied sea eagles, green rosellas, and even the very rare forty-spotted pardalote. There are bird hides and forest paths made just for watching birds.
- Animals: Wallabies are common all over the island, but the white wallabies near Adventure Bay are especially fascinating. We also saw echidnas and possums while driving at night.
- Marine Life: We took a cruise from Adventure Bay to Bruny Island. The boat ride along the southern coast was thrilling and lasted three hours. We saw dolphins, seals, and even a group of whales swimming nearby. The tall sea cliffs and rock formations made the whole thing more exciting.
The best walking paths and beautiful places on Bruny Island are numerous.
There are several walking paths on Bruny Island, each with its charm:
The Fluted Cape Walk is a moderately difficult 2.5-hour hike with beautiful views of the sea cliffs.
The Labillardiere Peninsula Circuit is a full-day hike (5–6 hours) that takes you through quiet areas and along various coastal scenery.
The Mavista Nature Walk is a short and easy trail through the rainforest near Adventure Bay. It’s excellent for families.
The Neck Lookout Steps are steep but worth it. From here, you can get the most famous panoramic view of the island.
There are clear signs for each trail, and many of them have signs that explain the island’s plants, animals, and native culture.
The identity of the local community and its culture is diverse.
Bruny Island is small, but it has many different cultures. The Nuenonne people, who lived there before, still tell their stories through plaques, museums, and guided tours.
There are just over 600 permanent residents, and they are a close-knit group of artists, farmers, winemakers, and conservationists. They care a lot about the environment and are very independent.
I was able to talk to a local artist who makes wooden sculptures out of driftwood. She believed that “Bruny doesn’t give you what you expect.” It gives you what you want. That stuck with me.
Cost Breakdown—Full Table
Category
Cost Breakdown – Full Table
| Category | Approximate Cost (AUD) | Notes |
| Ferry (Return with Car) | $38 | From Kettering to Bruny Island |
| Car Rental (per day) | $70–$120 | Book in Hobart for better rates |
| Accommodation (per night) | $90–$200 | Airbnb, lodges, or boutique cabins |
| Food & Dining (per day) | $50–$100 | Depends on preferences and dining spots |
| Guided Boat Tour | $135–$160 | Bruny Island Cruises or eco-tours |
| Cheese & Wine Tasting | $25–$50 | Optional but highly recommended |
| Souvenirs & Local Crafts | $20–$60 | Artisan products, handmade soap, local art |
Total for 2 Days (2 People): Around $600–$800 AUD depending on choices and travel style.
A 2-Day Itinerary You Might Like
Day 1: In the morning, drive to Kettering and take the ferry.
Noon: The Neck Lookout and the local beaches
In the afternoon, visit Bruny Island Cheese Co. and enjoy wine tasting.
Dinner at Hotel Bruny in the evening
Day 2: In the morning, a tour of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse
At noon, a cruise from Adventure Bay to Bruny Island
In the afternoon, go to Mavista Nature Walk or Cloudy Bay.
Evening: Take the ferry back to Tasmania’s mainland.
Things to Know and Travel Tips for the Internet and Mobile: In many places, the signal is weak. Get maps that work offline.
Weather: It rains suddenly a lot, so bring a jacket that won’t get wet.
Wildlife: Be careful when you drive; wallabies often cross roads without warning.
Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need before you get there. There aren’t many stores to choose from.
Respect nature by staying on trails, not littering, and not bothering animals.
Final Thoughts (End of Both Parts)
I was surprised by Bruny Island.
It wasn’t just about food or beaches; it was about how you look at things. It taught me to stop. To breathe in peace. It taught me to connect with nature and experience a profound sense of humanity. I went as a tourist from a busy city in Bangladesh and came back feeling better emotionally and spiritually.
It wasn’t any one place that stood out the most, but the way they all worked together. The sound of birds singing at dawn was particularly memorable. The pleasant woman selling lavender oil at a roadside stand was particularly memorable. The cold air emanated from the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. There’s nothing quite like the salty taste of a fresh oyster.
Take the chance to go to Bruny Island if you ever get the chance. And if you do, don’t just check off landmarks. Get involved. Talk to people who live there. Go hiking by yourself. Take your time tasting. Take a deep breath. Let Bruny Island heal something in you, just like it did for me.
