Bruny Island Day Trip from Hobart: The Complete Family Guide

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🗺️ Bruny Island Day Trip: At a Glance
Drive from Hobart	35–40 minutes to Kettering Ferry Terminal
Ferry crossing	10–15 minutes (Kettering → Roberts Point)
Ideal day length	8–10 hours on the island
Best for	Families, couples, food lovers, wildlife spotters
Need a car?	Yes – no public transport on the island
Top 3 stops	Get Shucked, The Neck, House of Whisky
Kid friendly?	Absolutely – one of Tasmania’s best family day trips

Is a Bruny Island day trip worth it? Short answer: absolutely yes. We spent a full week on Bruny Island with our young daughter, and we can tell you with complete confidence — even a single day on this incredible island will leave you wondering why you didn’t come sooner.

Can you see Bruny Island in a day? Yes, you can. It won’t cover everything (trust us, there’s plenty to fill a week), but a well-planned day trip from Hobart gives you a very real taste of what makes Bruny Island so special — world-class oysters, rugged coastal walks, quirky local producers, and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to plan the perfect Bruny Island day trip — including our personal picks from a week of exploration, honest tips about what’s actually worth your time, and one very important insider tip that most visitors miss entirely.

Where Is Bruny Island, Tasmania?

Bruny Island sits just off the south-east coast of Tasmania, separated from the mainland by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. It’s made up of two islands connected by a narrow isthmus called The Neck — a stunning natural feature that’s also one of the best spots on the island for wildlife and views.

The island is about 85km south of Hobart and is accessed by a short vehicle ferry from Kettering. It’s part of the same wild, rugged southern Tasmania landscape that includes the Huon Valley, Hartz Mountains and the famous south-west wilderness.

Bruny Island Day Trip or Overnight Stay?

Having done both — a day trip reconnaissance and then a full week — we can give you an honest answer here.

A day trip is absolutely viable and genuinely rewarding. You’ll have time to do the ferry crossing, visit Get Shucked, explore a couple of local producers, walk part of the island, and catch the ferry back. That’s a full, memorable day.

An overnight stay (or longer) opens up the island completely. Sunset and sunrise wildlife spotting, the Pennicott Wilderness Cruise, the Fluted Cape walk, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the kind of slow morning where you’re eating fresh sourdough from an honesty fridge — these experiences reward more time. And in summer, Tasmania’s days are extraordinary — sunset isn’t until around 8:45pm, which means you have light well into the evening for wildlife spotting, beach walks, and that Aurora chase we’ll never forget.

If you’re doing a day trip, the key is a solid plan — which is exactly what the rest of this guide gives you.

If you’re planning more time in Tasmania, we’d highly recommend combining Bruny Island with a visit to Maria Island – another stunning island day trip from Hobart and one of our favourite experiences in the whole state.

Getting to Bruny Island from Hobart

The Drive

From Hobart, head south along the Channel Highway through the Huon Valley. The drive to Kettering takes roughly 35–40 minutes and is genuinely lovely — rolling hills, orchards, and glimpses of the channel along the way.

Pro tip: stop at a roadside stall on the way — we grabbed a fresh kilogram of cherries for $18 and ate them in the car. Peak Tasmania.

The Sealink Ferry

The vehicle ferry from Kettering to Roberts Point on Bruny Island is operated by Sealink and runs regularly throughout the day. The crossing takes about 10–15 minutes.

• Cost: $55.80 for a vehicle including passengers (prices subject to change — check current rates before you go)
• Tip: arrive early during peak season — there can be queues, and you don’t want to miss a crossing
• There is a toilet on board the ferry, though it’s a small vessel toilet — manageable in a pinch but not ideal with young kids. We’d recommend using the facilities at the Kettering terminal before you board.
• Once on board, get out of the car and head up on deck — the views across the channel are worth it

Check current Sealink Bruny Island ferry timetables and fares.

Flying into Hobart before heading to Bruny Island? You’ll need a car — public transport doesn’t reach the island. Book your Hobart car hire here and pick up straight from the airport.

The #1 Insider Tip: Visit the House of Whisky First

Here’s the tip that most Bruny Island visitors miss — and we’re guilty of it too. The Bruny Island House of Whisky is located relatively close to the ferry terminal, and almost everyone thinks, “I’ll stop there on the way back.” Then the return trip happens: you’re tired, you’re racing the ferry, you’re ready for the next leg of the journey — and the whisky distillery gets skipped. Every. Single. Time. It happened to us, and based on what we’ve heard from those who did make the stop, we don’t want you to miss out!

We spoke to multiple travellers who’d been to Bruny Island several times and never visited. A friend who lives in Hobart and does regular Bruny day trips has never been — for exactly this reason.

The fix is simple: make it your first stop after the ferry, not your last. Grab a tasting, pick up a bottle if something catches your eye, and then carry on with your day knowing you’ve ticked off one of the island’s best-kept secrets.

Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary: Two Ways to Do It

Every family travels differently — some kids are up at the crack of dawn and ready to go, others need a slow start. We’ve put together two options so you can pick the one that suits your crew. Both make sure you actually visit the House of Whisky — just at different points in the day.

Option A: The Relaxed Family Start (Recommended for Families with Young Kids)

A civilised departure, a couple of lovely stops on the way, and you arrive on Bruny Island at 10:30am — right when the House of Whisky is open and ready. First stop on the island, as it should be. No rushing, no dead time waiting for things to open.

8:00am	Depart Hobart. Beautiful drive south along the Channel Highway — take your time and enjoy it.
Along the way	Stop at a roadside stall for fresh cherries 🍒 A bag of Tasmanian cherries eaten in the car is peak road trip. Bring cash.
9:00–9:30am	Channel Museum, Margate — a lovely stop for morning tea and freshly baked scones with jam and cream. Great toilet stop for kids before boarding the ferry.
10:00am	Kettering Ferry Terminal — boarding after the 8am–10am morning peak means no queue stress. Get out of the car and up on deck for the 10–15 minute crossing.
10:20–10:30am	Arrive Roberts Point, Bruny Island.
10:30–11:30am	The Neck Lookout — a short boardwalk walk to one of the best views on the island.
11:30am–1:00pm	Get Shucked Oyster Farm — the best oysters in Australia. We ordered the Signature Mixed Dozen (4 natural, 4 Kilpatrick, 4 Panko — $39). Jomana declared them the best she’d tasted in the country.
1:00–2:00pm	Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co. — cheese tasting platter and a beer paddle. The Raspberry Stout is a standout. Fair warning on the 1792 cheese — it’s… memorable.
2:00–2:30pm	Bruny Baker Bread Fridge, Alonnah — fresh sourdough from the honesty fridge. Cash only. Check the delivery time board if the fridge is empty.
2:30–3:00pm	The Neck Lookout — short boardwalk walk to one of the best views on the island.
3:00–4:30pm	Choose Your Adventure — see options below.
4:30–5:00pm	Return Sealink ferry from Roberts Point to Kettering. Aim to avoid the 4–5pm peak if possible.
5:30–6:15pm	Back in Hobart.

Option B: The Early Bird (For Families Who Are Up at Dawn Anyway)

If your kids are early risers — and many are! — this option gets you on the island before the crowds and maximises your time. The House of Whisky becomes your final stop before the return ferry. Since you’ve planned it in deliberately, you’ll actually make it — unlike most visitors who think “we’ll go on the way back” and never do.

6:00–6:15am	Depart Hobart. Early and quiet on the roads — enjoy it.
Along the way	Arrive at Roberts Point, Bruny Island.
7:00–7:30am	Kettering Ferry Terminal — beat the 8am–10am peak. Arrive a little early to secure your spot. Get up on deck for the crossing.
7:20–7:30am	Arrive Roberts Point, Bruny Island.
7:30–9:00am	The Neck Reserve — your perfect first stop. Walk up the boardwalk to the lookout for panoramic views across both sides of the island, then head down to the beach at the camping area for the kids to run around. You’ll have it almost entirely to yourselves at this hour. Genuinely magical.
9:00–10:00am	Get Shucked Oyster Farm — arriving early means you beat the lunch rush. Best time to visit.
10:00–11:00am	Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.
11:00–11:30am	Bruny Baker Bread Fridge, Alonnah — fresh sourdough from the honesty fridge. Cash only.
11:30am–12:00pm	Hannsons Hut Honesty Store — a charming little roadside honesty store stocked with handmade crafts, jams, preserves and plants. A lovely browse.
12:00–3:30pm	Choose Your Adventure — with an early start you have a generous afternoon. Great opportunity for a longer walk like Fluted Cape or a visit to Inala Jurassic Garden.
3:30–4:00pm	Start heading back north towards the ferry terminal.
4:00–4:30pm	🥃 Bruny Island House of Whisky — your final planned stop before the ferry. You’ve built it into the day, you’re not rushing, and you’re not skipping it as many others do. Open until 5pm. Treat yourself.
4:45–5:15pm	Return Sealink ferry — aim to avoid the 4–5pm peak if possible; the slightly later departure helps here.
5:30–6:00pm	Back in Hobart with a good story and probably a bottle of Tasmanian whisky.

Choose Your Adventure: How to Fill Your Afternoon

Whichever start option you choose, you’ll have a solid 2–3 hours in the afternoon. Here’s what we’d recommend based on your family:

With young kids (easy options):

• Mavista Nature Walk — an easy 2.1km return walk through beautiful bushland. Very manageable for toddlers. Our 3-year-old had no trouble at all.
• Alonnah Playground — a well-maintained playground near the township. Great for burning energy mid-trip.
• Bruny Island Raspberry Farm — raspberry crepes, fresh strawberries, and a relaxed rural setting. Toilets are available and a small kids’ play area.
• Sheepwash Bay Walking Track, Alonnah — a lovely, easy coastal walk with wallaby sightings, sea urchins, and plenty of chairs along the way.

For more active families:

• Fluted Cape Walk — a challenging but spectacular 7km return trail to sheer cliff-top views. Allow 3+ hours. Steep — our 3-year-old did it, but it was a genuine mission. Absolutely worth it.
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse — beautiful scenery and fascinating history. Note: Children under 5 cannot do the lighthouse tour. A Tasmania National Parks pass is required for the car park.
• Inala Jurassic Garden — a stunning private garden full of rare and endangered plant species. Well worth the entry ($10 adult, $5 child). Jomana could have spent all day here.

Bruny Island with Kids: What You Need to Know

We brought our 3-year-old daughter Kailani to Bruny Island, and she absolutely loved it. Here’s what families need to know:

The Pennicott Wilderness Cruise — Our Honest Experience

The Pennicott Wilderness Cruise is one of Bruny Island’s most highly recommended experiences — a 3-hour boat journey down to the southern tip of the island to see seals, sea caves, and dramatic coastal scenery. We booked it for all three of us ($470 for the family) and were genuinely excited.

Where to Eat on a Bruny Island Day Trip

Food is genuinely one of the highlights of Bruny Island. Here’s our honest rundown:

• Get Shucked Oyster Farm — The must-do. Oysters, fresh seafood, relaxed outdoor setting. Budget around $40–60 for a dozen and a drink.
• Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co. — Great for a tasting paddle and cheese plate. Not a full meal spot but a brilliant stop.
• The Bruny Baker – The Bread Fridge – a Bruny Island institution, fresh sourdough and cookies delivered daily to antique fridges at Alonnah, running entirely on honesty. Cash only, don’t forget, as we did!
• Bruny Island Raspberry Farm — Great raspberry crepes and tea. Nice family stop with fresh produce.
• Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Restaurant — We had lunch here after our boat tour, and it was genuinely excellent. Large servings, great fish and chips.
• Island Social Coffee — Solid coffee and a relaxed vibe. Kailani loved playing with the dogs.
• Lunawanna Cafe – For great coffee and a solid breakfast, Lunawanna Cafe is a hidden gem at the southern end of the island — we almost missed it entirely and would have seriously regretted it. Great if you’re headed to the lighthouse.
• FLOAT Pizza Co – Float Pizza & Co. serves up authentic Italian stone-baked pizza the traditional way from a converted horse float — watch the dough being shaped right in front of you. Delicious. Note: only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm, so plan accordingly.

What to Bring on Your Bruny Island Day Trip

Southern Tasmania’s weather can be unpredictable year-round. Even on a sunny summer day, it can turn cold and windy quickly — especially at The Neck and on any coastal walks.

• Layers — a good windproof/rain jacket is essential
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Cash — several honesty stores and small producers are cash-only
• Tasmania National Parks pass if you’re visiting Cape Bruny Lighthouse
• Water and snacks — while there are food stops, they can get busy
• Sunscreen — the UV is strong in Tasmania even when it’s not hot
• A camera — obvious, but Bruny delivers constantly

Bruny Island Day Trip: Practical Information

Getting There

• Drive from Hobart to Kettering: ~35–40 minutes
• Sealink Ferry: Kettering to Roberts Point, ~10–15 minutes crossing
• Ferry runs regularly throughout the day — check current timetables at sealink.com.au and try to avoid peak times.
• Vehicle and passengers: approximately $55–60 return (verify current pricing). You don’t need to pay/buy a new ticket when leaving the Island.

Facilities

• Petrol: available on the island (Adventure Bay Store) but limited — fill up in Hobart or Kettering
• ATM: very limited — bring cash for honesty stores and small producers
• Phone signal: patchy in places, especially in southern Bruny
• Toilets: available at the ferry terminal, Get Shucked, Adventure Bay General Store, and various stops

National Parks Pass

You’ll need a Tasmania National Parks pass to park at Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Day passes are available — buy in advance online or at Service Tasmania outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Plan Your Bruny Island Day Trip?

Bruny Island is one of those places that genuinely delivers on its reputation. The food, the wildlife, the scenery, the pace — it’s a special island and a very doable day trip from Hobart.

Our biggest advice? Don’t skip the House of Whisky, thinking you’ll get it on the way back. Go first. You’ll thank us.

Have questions about planning your Bruny Island day trip? Drop them in the comments — we’re happy to help.