A little planning goes a long way
Bruny Island feels wonderfully removed from the everyday, but getting here is easier than you might think. From catching the ferry to stocking up and getting around, here’s what you need to know before your island escape.
01 — GETTING HERE
A short ferry crossing from Kettering is the beginning of your Bruny Island adventure.
02 — GETTING AROUND
Bring your car and take your time. Bruny is bigger than it looks, and exploring is part of the experience.
03 — PLAN AHEAD
A little preparation for fuel, groceries and travel times makes island life wonderfully easy.
GETTING TO BRUNY ISLAND
The Bruny Island Ferry
Getting to Bruny is part of the experience. The SeaLink vehicle ferry departs from Kettering, south of Hobart, and crosses the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to Roberts Point on North Bruny. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
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The ferry departs from Kettering, south of Hobart, and arrives at Roberts Point on North Bruny Island. Allow additional time to reach the terminal, particularly during busy travel periods
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You can pre-purchase your ferry ticket online or purchase it when you arrive at Kettering. The service operates on a queueing system, so a pre-purchased ticket does not reserve a particular departure — you board the next available ferry.
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The crossing between Kettering and Bruny Island takes approximately 20 minutes.
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Yes — and having a vehicle is the easiest way to explore the island. The ferry carries cars and other vehicles as well as passengers.
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Ferry schedules and fare periods can change, so always check the current timetable before travelling.
GETTING AROUND
Take the road slowly
Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to explore Bruny Island. The island stretches much further than it first appears, and many of its best beaches, walks, food stops and viewpoints are spread between North and South Bruny.
Allow more time than the map suggests. Roads can be narrow or unsealed in places, wildlife is often active around dawn and dusk, and chances are you'll want to stop more than once along the way. On Bruny, getting there is part of the experience.
Food, fuel & supplies
A little preparation makes a Bruny stay much easier. There are places to pick up essentials on the island, but choice and opening hours are more limited than on mainland Tasmania — particularly later in the day.
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Adventure Bay General Store is Bruny Island’s main supermarket and is well stocked with groceries, fresh food and everyday essentials. It is also the island’s only fuel stop. For a longer stay, particular meal plan or specific dietary requirements, we recommend doing your main shop before boarding the ferry and topping up locally during your stay.
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You don't need to arrive with everything, but some planning helps. Bring any specific ingredients or specialty items that are important to you, then leave room to discover Bruny's local produce, fresh bread, cheese, oysters and other island favourites along the way.
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Yes. Adventure Bay General Store is the only place to buy fuel on Bruny Island, as well as being the island’s main supermarket. We recommend keeping an eye on your fuel level and filling up when you're in Adventure Bay, particularly before heading out to explore the more remote parts of South Bruny.
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Absolutely. Bruny has some wonderful cafés, casual food stops, wineries and local producers. Trading days and hours can vary with the seasons, though, so it's always worth checking before setting out.
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Yes. If you'd rather arrive and settle straight into island life, there are local options that can bring a little taste of Bruny to your stay. Hamperlicious on Bruny offers beautifully prepared hampers featuring local produce, with options that are perfect for arrival treats, special occasions or simply making your stay a little easier.
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Absolutely. For a special dinner, celebration or simply a night where you'd rather stay in and enjoy your accommodation, Marefold Private Catering & Events can bring the dining experience to you.
Led by chef Simon, Marefold creates personalised private dining experiences using beautiful produce from Bruny Island and Southern Tasmania. From intimate dinners and multi-course menus to larger gatherings and events, it's a wonderful way to enjoy a memorable meal without leaving your Bruny Island stay
GOOD TO KNOW
A little more offline, in the best possible way
Mobile reception can be patchy across Bruny Island, particularly in more remote areas. Many accommodation properties have Wi-Fi, but signal while travelling around the island isn't always guaranteed.
Download maps, save your accommodation arrival instructions and screenshot any gate codes before setting out. It’s also worth keeping important phone numbers handy before heading into areas with limited reception.
And perhaps embrace it a little — being less connected is part of what makes Bruny feel like an escape.
HOW LONG TO STAY
Don’t rush Bruny
You can see a glimpse of Bruny Island in a day. But to really experience it, give yourself time.
2 nights
A great introduction. Explore the highlights, enjoy a good meal and still have time for a beach walk or slow morning.
3 nights
Our sweet spot. Enough time to explore North and South Bruny, discover local food, take a longer walk and enjoy your accommodation rather than simply sleeping in it.
4+ nights
Bruny at its best. Follow the weather, revisit a favourite beach, book a sauna or private dining experience and leave space for absolutely nothing at all.
Before you go
A few simple things to know before setting off can make your Bruny Island stay even easier.
Do I need to bring a car?
We strongly recommend having a vehicle on Bruny Island. Attractions, beaches, walks and food experiences are spread across the island, and having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
What should I pack?
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket whatever the season, comfortable walking shoes and everything you need for the adventures you have planned. Bruny weather can change quickly, so being prepared means you can keep exploring.
How far is everything on Bruny?
Bruny is bigger than it looks. Driving between North and South Bruny takes time, and some roads are winding or unsealed. Avoid packing too much into one day — choose a part of the island to explore and enjoy the journey.