Guide
Driving on Bruny Island: roads, ferry, fuel, hire cars and safety
A practical guide to getting around Bruny Island by car. It covers the Kettering ferry, sealed and gravel roads, fuel and supplies, hire car conditions, wildlife at dusk, and cycling and tour alternatives.
Published
A car is the key to Bruny Island. The island is long, the highlights are spread out, and there is no public transport. Driving here is not difficult, but it is different from city or highway driving. You will cross on a ferry, drive gravel roads, share them with wildlife, and find few places to buy fuel.
This guide covers everything you need to drive Bruny safely and without stress.
Getting to the ferry
The Bruny Island ferry leaves from Kettering, a small town south of Hobart, and crosses the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to Roberts Point on North Bruny. From central Hobart, allow roughly 35–45 minutes to drive to Kettering, depending on traffic and your starting point.
The ferry is operated by SeaLink. Our ferry guide has the detail, but in short:
- The crossing is short. It usually takes about 20 minutes, but queues in busy periods can add a lot of time.
- Book or check ahead. Booking options and fare types change, so check SeaLink before you travel, especially in summer, school holidays and on long weekends.
- Plan your return. Know when the last sailings run and leave yourself a buffer. Missing the last ferry is an expensive mistake.
- All kinds of traffic. The ferry carries cars, campervans, caravans, motorbikes, bicycles and foot passengers.
Bruny’s roads: what to expect
Sealed and unsealed
Bruny’s main spine runs from the ferry down through North Bruny, across The Neck and into South Bruny. Some sections are sealed. Many others, including roads to Cloudy Bay, parts of the route to Cape Bruny Lighthouse and various side roads, are gravel. Conditions vary with weather and maintenance.
Tips for gravel roads
- Slow down. Gravel reduces grip, especially on corners and downhill sections. Lower speeds give you time to react.
- Keep left on crests and bends. Many roads are narrow, and oncoming cars may be near the centre.
- Brake gently and early. Hard braking on gravel can cause skids.
- Increase following distance. Dust from the car ahead cuts visibility and stones can chip windscreens.
- Watch for corrugations and potholes, especially after rain.
- Pull over safely for photos. Use proper pull-outs, not blind corners or the road verge on a bend.
Do you need a 4WD?
Generally no. A conventional two-wheel-drive car handles Bruny’s main routes if you drive to the conditions. Some beach access tracks and private roads may be unsuitable for regular cars. Do not drive on beaches unless an area is clearly signposted as permitted, and check with Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania for park rules.
Hire cars and campervans
Many visitors arrive in a rental car from Hobart. Before you book:
- Check ferry travel is allowed. Some agreements exclude ferry crossings or need prior approval.
- Check unsealed road conditions. Some agreements exclude or limit insurance cover on gravel roads. Read the fine print.
- Ask about windscreen and tyre cover, since stone chips are a risk on gravel.
- Large campervans: narrow, winding gravel roads demand extra care. Check that your planned route and campsite suit your vehicle.
If your rental terms do not allow Bruny, consider a guided tour from Hobart instead.
Fuel, food and supplies
- Fill up before you cross. Fuel on Bruny is limited to a small number of outlets, and hours may be restricted.
- Carry water and snacks. Shops and cafés are few, and some close early or seasonally.
- Mobile coverage is patchy in places, especially in parts of South Bruny National Park. Download offline maps before you go.
- Cash and cards: most businesses take cards, but carrying some cash is sensible in case of outages.
Wildlife on the road
Bruny’s wildlife is a highlight, but it also makes driving riskier at certain times. Wallabies, pademelons, possums, echidnas and birds often feed on roadsides, especially at dawn, dusk and at night.
- Slow down in the evening. Lower speed is the single most effective way to avoid wildlife collisions.
- Use high beams when safe to spot eyeshine early.
- Don’t swerve violently. Brake firmly in a straight line where safe. Swerving can cause a worse crash.
- Plan to arrive before dark where possible, especially after a penguin-watching evening at The Neck.
- If you hit an animal, stop only where it is safe. Check whether it can be helped, and contact a wildlife rescue service. Tasmania’s wildlife management agency has guidance on wildlife and roads.
Read more about the animals themselves in our Bruny Island wildlife guide.
Parking at popular spots
- The Neck: there is a car park near the Truganini Lookout stairs. Do not park on the road shoulder across the isthmus, and follow signs around penguin and shearwater nesting areas.
- Adventure Bay: it can be busy around cruise departure times in summer.
- Cape Bruny Lighthouse: reached by gravel road. Park in the designated area and walk up to the headland.
- National park areas: display your parks pass as required.
Cycling, tours and other options
Guided tours
Several operators run day tours from Hobart that include the ferry, transport and key stops. This is a good choice if you do not want to drive gravel roads or your hire car excludes Bruny.
Cycling
Bruny can be cycled, but it is hilly, distances are long and many roads are gravel with passing traffic. It suits experienced cyclists with a plan for accommodation and supplies. Wear high-visibility clothing.
Walking only
Foot passengers can cross on the ferry. Without a vehicle or transfer, though, you will see very little of the island.
Sample drive times, in relative terms
Exact times depend on conditions, so treat these as planning guides, not promises:
| Route | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ferry (Roberts Point) to The Neck | Mostly sealed, an easy first leg |
| The Neck to Adventure Bay | Short, scenic drive into South Bruny |
| Adventure Bay to Cape Bruny Lighthouse | One of the longer legs, with gravel sections |
| Alonnah/Lunawanna to Cloudy Bay | Gravel, slower going |
| Return to ferry from the far south | Allow generous time, especially in the evening |
A pre-drive checklist
- [ ] Ferry timetable and booking checked
- [ ] Hire car terms allow ferry travel and gravel roads
- [ ] Tank filled before Kettering
- [ ] Parks pass bought online
- [ ] Offline maps downloaded
- [ ] Water, snacks and warm layers in the car
- [ ] Return ferry time noted, with a buffer
- [ ] Plan to minimise driving after dark
Where to go next
Frequently asked questions
Are the roads on Bruny Island sealed?
Some main roads are sealed, but many roads on Bruny are gravel, including routes to popular spots on South Bruny. A conventional two-wheel-drive car is generally fine if you drive slowly and to the conditions.
Can I take a hire car to Bruny Island?
Many hire companies allow it, but some restrict ferry travel or driving on unsealed roads, or limit insurance cover there. Read your rental agreement or ask the company before you book.
Is there fuel on Bruny Island?
Fuel is limited to a small number of outlets on the island, and their hours may be limited. Fill up before you leave the mainland, for example around Kettering or nearby towns.
How long is the ferry to Bruny Island?
The vehicle ferry crossing from Kettering to Roberts Point is short, usually around 20 minutes, but allow extra time for queues in busy periods. Check SeaLink for current timetables.
Can you get around Bruny Island without a car?
It is difficult. There is no public transport on the island. Options include a guided day tour from Hobart, cycling (the island is hilly and distances are long), or arranging transfers with your accommodation.
Is it safe to drive on Bruny Island at night?
Night and dusk driving needs extra care because wallabies, pademelons, possums and other wildlife are very active then. Slow down, use high beams when safe and avoid unnecessary night driving.