The only regular vehicle access to Bruny Island is the ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from Kettering to Roberts Point on North Bruny, operated by SeaLink. The crossing itself takes around 20 minutes. Timetables change by season and day of the week, so always check the operator’s current timetable before you leave Hobart — we deliberately do not reproduce times here because they go out of date.
How the service works
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Route | Kettering (mainland) ↔ Roberts Point (North Bruny) |
| Crossing time | About 20 minutes |
| Frequency | Regular sailings through the day; more in peak periods |
| Vehicles | Cars, campervans, caravans, motorbikes and bikes carried |
| Foot passengers | Carried, but there is no public transport on the island |
| Booking | Vehicle bookings can be made online; check current rules |
| Fares | Charged per vehicle; check SeaLink for current fares |
Peak-day tips
- Summer holidays, Easter and long weekends bring queues at Kettering, especially mid-morning outbound and mid-afternoon returning. Book a vehicle space if booking is offered and arrive early.
- First ferry of the day is the best choice for a day trip — you reach The Neck and the lighthouse before the tour coaches.
- Last ferry back: know its time before you set off south, and allow at least 1.5 hours from Cape Bruny Lighthouse to Roberts Point.
Without a car
Foot passengers can cross, but there are no buses on Bruny and distances are long. A guided day tour from Hobart with ferry transfers is far easier — see Bruny without a car and our tour comparison.
Getting to Kettering
Kettering is about 35–45 minutes’ drive south of Hobart via the Southern Outlet and Channel Highway. See Hobart to Bruny Island and our guide to Kettering.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bruny Island ferry?
The crossing from Kettering to Roberts Point takes about 20 minutes.
Do you need to book the Bruny Island ferry?
Vehicle bookings are available and recommended on busy days; check SeaLink for current booking rules.
Can you walk onto the Bruny Island ferry?
Yes, but there is no public transport on the island, so most foot passengers join a tour or bring a bike.
Where does the Bruny Island ferry leave from?
Kettering, about 35–45 minutes south of Hobart.
