The historic Bruny Island just off the southwestern coast of Tasmania is a place where wilderness takes center stage. The sense of isolation here is second to none, and you’ll definitely feel that during this 4-day, 35-kilometer (22-mile) hike. Landscapes of Bruny are a masterclass in contrast—one moment you’re standing on its narrow isthmus with sweeping ocean views on either side, and the next you’re deep in the cool shade of native forests. Or you’re overlooking sea cliffs that drop dramatically into the wild Southern Ocean. Whatever it is, the untouched and remote quality to Bruny will invite all of us to slow down and enjoy our journey. We’ll spend every night at a cozy timber lodge, so all you’ll have to carry during the day is your daypack!
Escape to the natural heaven of Bruny Island, a gorgeous island off the southwestern coast of Tasmania, and discover its breathtaking landscapes over four days. We will cover approximately 35 km (22 miles) and hike along towering sea cliffs, expansive native forests, and endless beaches. This is a fully guided, all inclusive tour, meaning that all you’ve got to do is lace up your hiking boots and show up—lodgings, food, transfers, it’s all arranged. Bruny Island is one of Tasmania’s highlights, and this unique adventure is not to be missed!
We depart the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart at 7:45am, to catch the morning ferry from Kettering across to North Bruny. We have the opportunity to stop at some local producers on our way to pick up some local honey, cheese, and beer if you desire. We then drive south along the isthmus that connects the north and south of the island, and take part in a short walk to the Neck Lookout via a wooden set of stairs. This vantage point provides us with a brilliant outlook to many parts of the island that we will be exploring over the coming days. Your guides will point out Mt Mangana, Cape Queen Elizabeth and the long stretch of beach below.
Further south on the island, we explore the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the tops of the surrounding escarpment which falls away to the ocean. Courts Island can be seen nearby to the south-west, tailed shearwaters and a causeway at low tide. We finish our day with a relaxing 1.5-hour circuit on the Labillardiere Peninsula—passing through open heath country with coastal views, and a couple of picturesque secluded beaches. This walk is particularly notable for its usual prevalence of native birdlife. After our day’s exploring, we make our way to our accommodation at The Bruny Island Lodge where you can settle in and unwind in this unique rustic lodge while enjoying a delicious nibbles platter made by your guides.
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 5 km / 3.1 miles, 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Bruny Island Lodge
Today we head out into the rugged southern portion of the island—exploring the white sands of Cloudy Bay and the elevated viewpoint of East Cloudy Head. We start our walk along a windswept beach for a few kilometers before taking an inland track upwards through native heathland, teeming with birdlife and colorful seasonal flora. Our ascent brings us to the very top of the hill, providing expansive views to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, the Southern Ranges (on mainland Tasmania), and across the wild and often temperamental reaches of the Southern Ocean. There is nothing standing in the way between us and Antarctica—and on some days you can definitely feel it!
We return to the bus via the same route before heading back to our accommodation. In the afternoon there is an optional stopover in Lunawanna and the Bruny Island Winery, or you can choose to kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 miles, 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Bruny Island Lodge
After breakfast and lunch making, we depart for the small township of Adventure Bay from where we will start today’s main walk—the Fluted Cape Circuit. Tackling this walk in an anti-clockwise direction allows us to ease into the rhythm of walking with a nice gradual climb to the highest point on the cape. Open views continue as we descend through eucalyptus and she-oak forest to Grass Point and Penguin Island, where we can potter about the rocky shoreline. This was once the site of an early whaling station—and thankfully, recovering populations of whales are starting to make their way back to the area during migration periods. On the final flat trek back to the bay, keep your eyes peeled for a family of White Bennett’s Wallabies that reside in the area!
In the afternoon, we walk through a pocket of enchanting wet rainforest following the flow of a small creek. Towering eucalyptus, blackwoods, and tree ferns dominate and seem almost out of place—but there are vast stands of such forest along the eastern half of the island. Optionally, you can take a 3-hour award-winning Bruny Island Cruise as an alternative to some of today’s walking. This is an action-packed wilderness boat trip along the dramatic Bruny Island coastline, featuring towering sea cliffs, seals, and occasional sightings of dolphins and migratory whales. It departs daily from Adventure Bay. Please note this activity is at guests own expense. If interested, feel free to discuss with your guides on Day 1 of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 miles, 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Bruny Island Lodge
We pack up this morning and depart the lodge one final time. Today we journey north, back across The Neck to take in the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track. Featuring pristine beaches and rocky bluffs, this is a very tranquil and relaxing way to wind down from our adventure. The first section of the trail is flat and heads straight to the coast. We walk past the aptly named Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon where it is common to spot resident water birds. Soon we burst out onto a long stretch of white sandy beach which stretches all the way south across the isthmus. Depending on the tides, we may walk north along the beach or divert inland to climb up and over Mars Bluff. From the ridgetop, there are fantastic views back to the Neck and Fluted Cape.
The trail then heads through coastal dunes to Miles Beach. There are some magnificent rock formations in this area, such as a perfectly sculptured dolerite arch right on the beach. Continuing towards the cape, we ascend through coastal heath, always keeping a watchful eye out for local birdlife, including the rare forty-spotted pardalote and mutton-bird rookeries. From the end of the track, we take in views out across Adventure Bay before returning the same way, and again depending on the tides, may be able to create a circuit back to the bus. From here it’s only a short drive back to the ferry terminal, and an hour to Hobart. We arrive back in Hobart at approximately 5pm—if you’re planning on flying out the same day, don’t book a flight earlier than 7pm. If you’d like to stay longer and explore the area, just ask us for recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 12 km / 4.3 miles, 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accommodation: Bruny Island Lodge
Park Trek are an amazing company that offer excellent tours. We have had two top experiences a few years apart (3 Capes and Bruny Island) – knowledgable and friendly guides, environmentally aware, well-organised trips with some flexibility to suit group, nice size groups (up to 10 or so), fabulous office staff in helping to plan your trip. Everything is well described in pre-trip notes to help you pack, and choose your preferred walks. At times Park Trek offer nice discounts for booking ahead -so join the mailing list! The walks are stunningly beautiful locations and absolutely enhanced by the input of the guides. Food (prepared for you and healthy/delicious), transport and accomodation all ‘top notch’ for hikers (all types) – cannot recommend enough.
Thoroughly enjoyed this experience. My first ever walk and it met my expectations. Our guide, Matt, was friendly, knowledgeable and prepared. Food was great and there was no issue with dietary requirements. Accommodation was comfortable and cosy. The walks were wonderful, not too challenging and Matt was always on the lookout for wildlife and flora to show us. Definitely hope to do another walk with Park Trek. Thanks!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
This Bruny Island walking tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, and some tracks may have short steep hill sections, rough surfaces, and many steps. The most you’ll walk within a day is 12 km (7.5 miles). Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances.
For more walking and hiking holidays in Australia, click here!
Essential items
Optional extras (recommended)
Main bag (please bring your gear in a soft (rather than hard) bag)
Group sizes and pricing
Bruny Island walking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Bruny Island walking tour is Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. To get there, most people fly into Hobart Airport (HBA). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Hobart—it will take you around 20 to 30 minutes.
Make sure to reach Hobart at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour, as you’ll have to meet your guide early in the morning for a transfer to your first stop of the tour. The exact starting point is Hotel Grand Chancellor in Launceston at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
We did the Bruny Island tour March 2022. Such a great experience. Guides were amazing. Everyone on the tour was friendly. Would go again.