Bruny Island’s mix of habitats — sea cliffs, dunes, heath, forest and farmland — supports an extraordinary range of wildlife.
White wallabies
Bruny is famous for its white wallabies, a pale form of the Bennett’s wallaby. They are most often seen around Adventure Bay at dawn and dusk. Please do not feed them.
Little penguins and shearwaters
At The Neck, little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters nest in burrows in the dunes. In the warmer months they come ashore at dusk. Watch from the viewing platform, use red light only and stay on the boardwalk. The Neck.
Fur seals
Australian fur seals haul out in large numbers on The Friars, off the island’s southern tip. The wilderness cruise is the best way to see them.
Birds
Bruny is one of Tasmania’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations, with all of Tasmania’s endemic bird species recorded on the island. The endangered forty-spotted pardalote, one of Australia’s rarest birds, lives in white gum woodland here. Look also for sea eagles, albatross offshore and shorebirds on the beaches.
Whales and dolphins
Dolphins are often seen in local waters. During migration seasons, humpback and southern right whales pass along the coast.
Watching responsibly
- Never feed wildlife.
- Keep your distance and keep noise down.
- Drive slowly at dawn and dusk.
- Dogs are not permitted in the national park.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see white wallabies on Bruny Island?
White wallabies, a pale form of the Bennett’s wallaby, are most often seen around Adventure Bay at dawn and dusk. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Can you see whales from Bruny Island?
During migration seasons, whales are sometimes seen from the coast and on the wilderness cruise.
