South Bruny National ParkAbout South Bruny National Park
South Bruny National Park protects the southern headland and coastal environments of Bruny Island in Tasmania. The park conserves sea cliffs, beaches, dunes and native vegetation along the island’s southern peninsula.
Visitors come for dramatic coastal scenery, cliff-top walking tracks and wildlife viewing, including seabirds and coastal mammals. Key attractions include sea-facing viewpoints, beaches and the historic lighthouse on the island’s southern tip.
Hiking, birdwatching and coastal photography are primary activities, and short walks give access to sheltered bays and lookout points. The park is managed for conservation with marked trails and visitor information at main access points.
The area is naturally formed coastal landscape with a maritime and colonial history reflected in structures such as the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. The lighthouse and surrounding coastal features have long guided navigation around the southern approaches to Tasmania.
South Bruny National Park occupies the southern part of Bruny Island, off Tasmania’s southeast coast. The island is reached by vehicle ferry from Kettering, south of Hobart.
- Ferry access from Hobart: Accessible from Hobart via the Kettering-Bruny ferry; the mainland ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes to Bruny Island’s ferry terminal.
- Coastal conservation: The park protects coastal cliffs, beaches, native forest and seabird habitats and includes walking tracks and lookouts along the southern peninsula of Bruny Island.
What to See#
- Cape Bruny Lighthouse: Cape Bruny Lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Bruny Island and is an early 19th-century stone lighthouse significant for navigation and as a heritage site.
- Fluted Cape and coastal clifftops: Fluted Cape and the coastal clifftops provide prominent sea-facing viewpoints and walking access to dramatic coastal geology and seabird nesting areas.
Best Time to Visit South Bruny National Park
Best visited in summer for boat and lighthouse experiences; shoulder seasons offer fewer visitors and strong coastal light.
Weather & Climate near South Bruny National Park
Temperate climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (939 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 64 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 18° | 15° | 62 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 17° | 13° | 67 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 74 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 13° | 7° | 77 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 5° - 11° | 4° | 77 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 10° | 4° | 94 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 11° | 5° | 98 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 12° | 6° | 80 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 14° | 10° | 84 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 79 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 83 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to South Bruny National Park
The usual gateway to South Bruny is Hobart. Drive south from Hobart to Kettering (about 35-40 minutes), then take the vehicular ferry across to Bruny Island (roughly a 20-minute crossing). From the Bruny ferry terminal, follow signs south along the island’s road to the park and Cape Bruny Lighthouse; allow 45-75 minutes driving on narrow coastal roads. Public transport on Bruny is limited - private car or organized tours are the most practical options.
Tips for Visiting South Bruny National Park
- Catch the Bruny Island ferry from Kettering (near Hobart) - the crossing is short but ferry timetables vary seasonally.
- Book the Cape Bruny Lighthouse guided tour in advance; tours are limited and often run only a few times per week outside summer.
- Pack windproof layers even in summer - the southern tip can be brutally exposed and the weather shifts fast.