A Bruny Island day trip from Hobart is one of the most rewarding days out in southern Tasmania. The key decision is whether to drive yourself or join a tour.
Staying in Hobart without a car? Take a guided day
If you do not have a car, or would rather not drive gravel roads and queue for the ferry, a guided day tour is the simplest way to go. This one departs Hobart at around 7am and covers the lighthouse, Adventure Bay, The Neck and producer stops.
Self-drive: a realistic timeline
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Leave Hobart via the Southern Outlet and Channel Highway |
| 7:45 | Arrive Kettering; queue for an early ferry |
| 8:30 | Arrive Roberts Point, North Bruny; drive south |
| 9:00 | Coffee, cheese and oysters around Great Bay (check opening hours) |
| 9:45 | Truganini Lookout at The Neck |
| 10:30 | Adventure Bay — beach walk or the 3-hour cruise |
| 13:00 | Lunch in Adventure Bay or Lunawanna |
| 14:00 | Cape Bruny Lighthouse (gravel road) |
| 16:00 | Head north; honey, chocolate or whisky stops |
| 17:30 | Ferry back to Kettering; Hobart by about 19:00 |
Ferry timetables change seasonally, so confirm current times with the operator before you go. See our Bruny Island ferry guide.
The route from Hobart to Kettering
From central Hobart, take the Southern Outlet towards Kingston, then follow the Channel Highway south through Margate and Snug to Kettering. The drive takes around 35–45 minutes without traffic. Kettering has a café and a marina; arrive early on weekends and in summer.
What to prioritise
You cannot do everything in a day. Pick one of these as your anchor:
- The lighthouse — dramatic, historic and at the far southern end of the island. Allow at least two hours including the drive. Lighthouse guide.
- The wilderness cruise — three hours on the water from Adventure Bay. Cruise guide.
- A walk — Fluted Cape (about 2.5 hours return) gives huge cliff-top views. Walks guide.
Then add The Neck, a beach and a few food stops.
Tips for a smooth day
- Book your vehicle on the ferry in peak periods.
- Fill your tank before you reach the island; fuel on Bruny is limited.
- Pack lunch or plan to eat in Adventure Bay or Alonnah — options shrink outside peak season.
- Do not cut it fine for the last ferry: missing it means an unplanned night on the island.
- Drive slowly at dusk; wildlife is abundant on Bruny roads.
Other tour options from Hobart
If food is your focus, the gourmet day tour includes lunch and tastings. If the coastline is the draw, the wilderness cruise has a full-day option with transfers from Hobart. Compare everything on our tours page.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bruny Island from Hobart?
The Kettering ferry terminal is about 35–45 minutes’ drive south of Hobart. Add around 20 minutes for the crossing and 30–40 minutes’ drive from the ferry to Adventure Bay.
What time should I leave Hobart?
Aim for one of the first ferries of the morning. An early start avoids queues and gives you a full day on the island.
Is a Bruny Island day trip rushed?
It can be if you try to do everything. Choose either the lighthouse or the cruise, plus The Neck and a few producers.
