Bruny Island GuideIndependent travel guide · Tasmania
Overlooking Cloudy Bay on South Bruny

Plan

Getting around Bruny Island

Bruny looks small on a map, but distances, gravel roads and wildlife make driving here slower than you expect.

Most visitors explore Bruny Island by car. The main road runs from the ferry at Roberts Point south across The Neck to Adventure Bay, with branches to Alonnah, Lunawanna, Cloudy Bay and Cape Bruny.

Road conditions

  • Sealed: much of the main road between the ferry, The Neck and Adventure Bay.
  • Gravel: large sections elsewhere, including the road to Cape Bruny Lighthouse and parts of the route to Cloudy Bay. Gravel roads can be corrugated, dusty in summer and slippery after rain.
  • Beach driving: some visitors drive Cloudy Bay beach to reach Cloudy Corner campground, but conditions vary with tides and sand. Only attempt it with a suitable 4WD and experience.

Approximate driving times

From To Approx. time
Roberts Point ferry The Neck 25–30 min
The Neck Adventure Bay 15 min
Adventure Bay Alonnah 20 min
Alonnah Cape Bruny Lighthouse 40–45 min
Lunawanna Cloudy Bay 20–25 min
Roberts Point Dennes Point 15 min

Times are indicative for careful driving; allow more in wet weather.

The long surf beach at Cloudy Bay in South Bruny National Park
The surf beach at Cloudy Bay, reached by gravel road. Photo: Chuq / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hire cars

Many rental companies restrict driving on unsealed roads or taking cars on ferries. Read your agreement before you visit Bruny. Some travellers choose a guided tour to avoid the issue.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel is available on the island but limited. Fill up before the ferry. Stores in Adventure Bay and Alonnah carry basics.

Wildlife on the road

Wallabies, pademelons, possums and echidnas are common, especially around dawn and dusk. Slow down, avoid driving at night where possible, and never feed animals.

Mobile coverage

Coverage is reasonable in settlements and along the main road but patchy in parts of the national park. Download offline maps before you go.

Driving tips for gravel roads

  • Reduce speed, especially on corners and crests.
  • Keep left — gravel roads are often narrow.
  • Turn on headlights in dust so oncoming drivers can see you.
  • Avoid sudden braking or steering.