Bruny Island lies south of Hobart and is two islands joined by a narrow isthmus: in the evening little penguins come ashore there, in the south stands a historic lighthouse, and in the north there's cheese and fresh oysters. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
The car ferry leaves from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of Hobart, and takes about 20 minutes to the island. The ferry fills up — go early. There's no public transport on the island; many roads are unsealed, so check your rental car conditions.
Summer from December to March is the warmest. From September to April, penguins and shearwaters come ashore at The Neck in the evening. Allow at least a full day, better with an overnight stay.
A campground on the narrow isthmus; in the evening the little penguins are nearby.
A quiet campground in South Bruny National Park on a bay.
A sheltered bay on the east side, where the boat tours along the cliffs start. Rare white wallabies live in the area.
Stairs lead up a dune above the narrow isthmus between North and South Bruny, with views to both sides. From September to April little penguins and shearwaters come ashore in the evening — only watch from the platform.
A historic lighthouse at the southern tip of the island, with views over the wild coast. The roads are unsealed — check your rental car conditions.
A loop walk up onto the cliffs above Adventure Bay, with views along the coast. Sections run along the unfenced cliff edge — keep your distance. Best in the morning.
Farm shops for cheese and fresh oysters on the northern island — the perfect lunch stop. Go to the ferry early; it fills up.
The car ferry from Kettering takes about 20 minutes. Be there early at weekends and in the holidays.
On the car ferry from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of Hobart. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
In the evening from September to April at The Neck, only from the viewing platform.
For the highlights yes, but with an overnight stay you'll see the penguins in the evening more easily.
All spots on the Bruny Island map. Nearby: Hobart.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.