Hobart to Bruny Island Tours
It would be rude for any Tasmanian to not suggest Bruny Island on their top 5 list of places to visit while in Tasmania. Bruny Island is an iconic location that you can't miss on your holiday. How long do you need on the island? A day at least. I wouldn't recommend going for a half day. First ferry on. Last ferry off. That's what I suggest, but that isn't always possible.
If you didn't end up hiring a vehicle (which we have a full guide on), you might want to instead book a guided tour that operates from Hobart, all transport inclusive.
Please note that all but one tour from the list below starts in Hobart. It's evident which one this is from the tour title.
Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania & Joe Shemesh
Pennicott Wilderness Journeys from Bruny
Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Glen Gibson
The only tour that isn't from Hobart.
You're going to need a hire car to get to depart Hobart and use the Bruny Island Ferry. Our recommendation is Bargain Car Rentals, the cheapest option most of the year. You can get an additional 7.5% off when using our discount code TASUNEARTH.
If you drive from Hobart either for a day trip or longer stay on the island, you'll need to know the ferry times. These are available below on the ferry terminal website. The ferry doesn’t require booking in advance, but there is often a queue of vehicles before each departure. If there is no space for you, you’ll be moved to the next departure time.
In addition, you'll need to know when the 3 hour wilderness cruise departs daily. This is found on the booking page below:
Don't forget to take the following into account against your driving time:
Traffic in Hobart CBD;
Ferry crossing time;
Driving time to South Bruny once on the island;
Full-Day Cruise from Hobart
Photo Credit: Jess Bonde
This cruise, however, is a full day tour from Hobart. You'll want to plan accordingly, possibly bringing a spare change of clothes, a camera, and anything else to take in the scenery. The cruise showcases the coastline of Bruny Island, skipping North Bruny and only visiting South Bruny Island throughout the day.
The tour includes morning tea and lunch in Adventure Bay. It starts early in the morning, leaving Hobart at 7:45am, and is set to arrive back in Hobart in the evening.
Book this tour below:
Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart
Photo Credit: Tourism Australia
You're getting the best of Bruny on this guided bus tour:
Get Shucked Oyster Bar on North Bruny
The Neck Lookout
Adventure Bay
Mavista Falls
Bruny Island Chocolate Company
Aloonah
Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours
Bruny Island Honey
Bruny Island Cheese Company
Something to note is that you'll only have moments at each location. Maybe 15-20 minutes. If you're not one for this style of travel, a self-guided experience might be better, incorporating the 3-hour cruise from the top of this blog into your visit.
Some of us love this style of travel. We want to see it all. Buy gifts, and souvenirs and take photos. If this is you, you'll love this one.
Expect to see both North and South Bruny, even including South Bruny National Park where Bruny Island Lighthouse is located, the second oldest original tower in Australia. I've toured this lighthouse myself and thought it was incredible. The landscape in this area of Tasmania is truly wild.
This could be the best day trip you experience during your Tasmanian holiday.
Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch
Photo Credit: Jess Bonde
This tour is more expensive than the previous tour and essentially covers the same places. It costs slightly more due to the inclusion of food tasting costs, National Park fees, and a few other extras. Might pay to read some reviews to choose your favourite full-day tour!
Photo Credit: Adam Gibson
If you're after a foodie experience that covers Bruny Island Cheese, Bruny Island Chocolate, and Bruny Island Honey, the gourmet food tour will have you covered. It doesn't stop there either. The tour boasts seven courses across the day, indulging in all the delicacies Bruny Island has to offer.
Try the tour for yourself by booking below.
Photo Credit: Adam Gibson
This list has the best Bruny Island Tours from Hobart, rated by tourists from across the past few years. We agree with all of them and have hence recommended them to you.
Whether you travel on a tour or by yourself, a day trip to Bruny Island is worth your time. The island is full of gourmet food, hikes, wild landscapes, and adventures to experience. You won’t regret spending a day here.
We hope that you enjoy Bruny Island as much as we do.
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Bruny Island is great for a day trip from Hobart. There is too much to explore on the island to see it all in a day. Instead, multiple day trips or a weekend trip will allow you to experience all Bruny has to offer.
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If you’re referring to the Bruny Island Cruise, it’s 3 hours long. Other tours are available that extend to a full-day tour.
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You don’t need to visit Bruny Island with a tour group, but as there is no public transport on the island, you’ll need to rely on your own vehicle to get around. A hire car is a great option.
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I was caught off guard on my first visit. The drive from the ferry terminal to Cape Bruny Lighthouse takes a surprising 1 hour to travel the 61km. You’ll want to consider ferry delays and stops at Adventure Bay and The Neck Lookout during this travel time.
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A day trip to Bruny Island is worth your time. The island is full of gourmet food, hikes, wild landscapes and adventures to experience. You won’t regret spending a day here.
Discover more for your Tasmanian adventure below!
The best distilleries in Greater Hobart include Lark, Callington Mill, Spring Bay, Sullivans Cove & Old Kempton. We also mention a few bottles you might like.