South Bruny National Park

Adventurers will be in their element at the South Bruny National Park. Climb to the top of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse (one of the oldest in Australia) for a view across the Tasman Sea; head to Cloudy Bay to watch the surfers (bear in mind that the notoriously rough surf is best left to experienced surfers); or cool off with a swim at Adventure Bay or Jetty Beach.

Hikers can choose from a network of scenic trails, such as the Grass Point Walk, which passes an old whaling station; the Fluted Cape walk, which climbs along the dolerite sea cliffs; or the Labillardiere Peninsula Circuit, which loops around the southwestern tip of the island.

*South Bruny National Park is a fun spot for families, with hiking trails and outdoor activities to suit all ages and abilities. *A Parks Pass is required to visit Tasmania’s national parks, including the South Bruny National Park. *Most accommodation options and restaurants in South Bruny are located around Adventure Bay and Lunawanna. Cell phone coverage and Wi-Fi is limited on the island, and there is no ATM, so bring whatever cash you will need. *The weather on Bruny Island is notoriously changeable, so dress in layers, bring a raincoat even in summer, and wear sturdy hiking shoes, as trails can get slippery if it rains. *The natural landscapes of the national park can make access tricky for wheelchairs and strollers; a local guide can help direct you to accessible trails and viewpoints.

Bruny Island lies about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Hobart. Regular car ferries run from the mainland town of Kettering to the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in North Bruny, about a 20-minute cruise across the Tasman Sea. There’s no public transport on the island, so you’ll need a car or bike to get around.

Bruny Island is most popular in summer, when the weather is ideal for hiking, swimming, and surfing. For the most memorable views, stick around to watch the sunset from the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Whale watching is possible during the winter migration, with sightings most common between June and October.

The national park is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including many endangered species. Sightings include pademelons, echidnas, Bennetts wallabies, and rare white Bennetts wallabies; humpback and southern right whales can be spotted along the coast during their annual migration. Bird watchers can look out for rare hooded plover, swift parrot, ground parrot, and forty-spotted pardalote. A number of penguin rookeries and fur seal colonies are also dotted along the coast.