Bruny Island
Island Tasmanian island known for wildlife, coastal scenery.
An island off Tasmania’s south coast reached by a short ferry from Kettering. Visitors sample oysters and cheeses, walk coastal trails and watch seals and seabirds from headlands.
Bruny Island is an island off the southeast coast of Tasmania, Australia, made up of North and South Bruny joined by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck.
The island has a long Aboriginal and European history and developed as a farming and fishing community; in recent decades tourism and nature-based activities have grown in importance. The lighthouse dates from the 19th century and served as a navigational aid for coastal shipping.
Bruny Island lies off Tasmania’s southeastern coast and is reached by a short vehicle ferry from Kettering, south of Hobart; the island is a common daytrip or overnight stay for visitors based in Hobart.
- Two-part island: Two distinct landmasses called North Bruny and South Bruny are joined by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck; this feature is the island's main viewpoint and seabird-watching spot.
- Ferry access: Regular vehicle ferries run from Kettering on the Tasmanian mainland; the crossing takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
What to See #
- The Neck: The Neck, a narrow sand and shell isthmus linking North and South Bruny, with a widely used viewpoint and a short boardwalk to nearby dunes and beaches.
- Cape Bruny Lighthouse: Cape Bruny Lighthouse at the island's southern tip, a 19th-century lightstation that marked shipping routes and is a focal landmark on coastal drives and boat trips.
- South Bruny National Park: South Bruny National Park protects coastal heath, cliffs and forested areas on the southern half of the island and contains walking trails and picnic sites.
How to Get to Bruny Island #
Bruny Island is reached from mainland Tasmania via the vehicle ferry at Kettering. From Hobart drive south on the Channel Highway (B68) to Kettering (about a 30-40 minute drive, roughly 30-35 km), then take the car ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel (Sealink operates the short crossing, around 15-20 minutes). Once on Bruny Island the island’s main road links the north and south; most visitor sites are a short drive from the ferry terminal and many require a car or taxi to reach.
Tips for Visiting Bruny Island #
- Use the vehicle ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island and time your crossing outside peak holiday hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid long queues for boarding and the single-carriage ramp.
- Head to The Neck viewpoint early or late in the day for the best light and far fewer coach groups; the isthmus is popular with photographers and birdwatchers and can become crowded midday.
- If you want to visit Cape Bruny Lighthouse interiors, check and book seasonal guided tours in advance-access to the lighthouse itself is limited and operated separately from general island access.
Best Time to Visit Bruny Island #
Best in late spring through summer (roughly November-February) for the warmest weather and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Bruny Island #
Bruny Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1234 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (133 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.
