Bruny Island Activities
Bruny Island offers an incredible range of outdoor experiences, making it one of Tasmania’s most rewarding destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From scenic coastal walks and pristine beaches to swimming, fishing, and unforgettable stargazing, there are countless things to do on Bruny Island throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking relaxed exploration or active adventure, these experiences help make every stay on Bruny Island truly memorable.
With little light pollution and wide open skies, Bruny Island is one of the best places in Tasmania to see the Milky Way and, with luck, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
Why It’s Special
• Dark Skies – Stars are clearly visible with the naked eye.
• Scenic Settings – Beaches, lookouts, and rugged coastlines make it unforgettable.
• Aurora Potential – A prime spot to witness the Southern Lights (though never guaranteed).
Best Times
• Winter (Jun–Aug) – Crisp, clear skies; peak Aurora season.
• Autumn & Spring – Great visibility for the Milky Way.
• High Solar Activity – Watch for Aurora alerts near the equinoxes.
Tips
• Pick a clear night with little moonlight.
• Head to a dark, open spot away from lights.
• Dress warmly and bring a red torch to protect night vision.
• Use stargazing apps to find constellations and planets.
Bruny Island has beaches for every swimmer — from safe, family-friendly spots to wild surf breaks.
Adventure Bay & Quiet Corner – Sheltered and calm, ideal for families.
The Neck Beach – Scenic and popular for a quick dip.
Alonnah Beach (Sunset Beach) – Relaxed swimming with beautiful sunsets.
Cloudy Bay – Powerful surf and strong rips, best for experienced swimmers and surfers.
Lunawanna, Mabel Bay & Dennes Point – Gentle beaches for paddling or beachcombing.
Tip: Always check local signage for safety, conditions, and dog rules before swimming.
Fishing is excellent here, with jetties, beaches, and surf spots to choose from. Expect flathead, squid, salmon, and sometimes shark or rays.
Land-Based
Dennes Point Jetty – Flathead, squid
Bruny Ferry Jetty – Northern hotspot
Alonnah Jetty – Flathead, squid
Adventure Bay Jetty – Squid, salmon
Surf Fishing
Neck Beach – Salmon, shark, rays
Cloudy Bay – A favourite for surf fishing
Tip: Trout season runs Aug–Apr. Check the Fishing Tas website or app for maps, rules, and restricted zones.
Scenic coastal trail with views of The Neck, secluded Miles Beach, and clifftop vistas from Cape Queen Elizabeth. Highlights include Mars Bluff rock formations, muttonbird rookeries, the endangered forty-spotted pardalote, and a hidden fisherman’s shack.
Start at Adventure Bay and enjoy gentle dunes and boulder sections to Grass Point. Continue to Fluted Cape for dramatic cliff-top views. Spot wildlife along the way, including muttonbird rookeries and native birds.
Coastal heathland, eucalypt forests, and pristine beaches with views of the southern ranges and D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Seasonal wildflowers and birds abound. After your walk, visit the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Stroll through enchanting wet forest with towering stringybarks, blackwoods, and majestic tree ferns. A cosy picnic shelter at the start is perfect for a break. Note: Mavista Falls is inaccessible beyond the maintained track. Be prepared for leeches.
Follow the historic foreshore track from Alonnah to Sheepwash Bay, passing early settlers’ remains, a sawyers’ camp, and coastal bushland once dominated by dry eucalypt forest. Enjoy an easy walk with scenic coastal views and a glimpse into Bruny Island’s past.
Start along the pristine white sands of Cloudy Beach, then climb through vibrant, bird-filled heathland to East Cloudy Head. Enjoy panoramic views of Bruny Island’s south coast, The Friars, and the southern ranges including Mt Wellington.
A short, accessible walk leads to Truganini Lookout, offering sweeping views over Adventure Bay, the southern coastline, and surrounding Bruny Island scenery. This spot is perfect for photography, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking in the coastal vistas.
Enjoy a gentle walk from the carpark along Lighthouse Road to the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Australia’s southernmost lighthouse. Take in stunning coastal views, spot seabirds, and explore the heritage site while learning about the lighthouse’s rich history and its role in guiding ships along Bruny Island’s rugged coastline.
A gentle coastal walk through the Labillardière Peninsula, the Luggaboine Circuit takes you along scenic heathland and eucalypt forests. Follow the coastline past Hopwood, Butlers, and Jetty Beaches, with views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the southern ranges. The track is suitable for most walkers and offers a mix of natural beauty, wildflowers, and birdwatching opportunities.
