Bruny Island

Description:

Wild seascapes, towering dolerite sea cliffs, wonderful coastal walks, abundant birdlife and an historic lighthouse are all features of Bruny Island. The Island has a population of around 500 people and is home to artisanal producers specialising in oysters, cheese and chocolate. Access to the island is a 20-minute crossing by vehicular ferry from Kettering, a 35-minute drive south of Hobart. Bruny Island appears to be two separate islands but they're joined at the Neck - the isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island. Walks on 'Bruny' include the coastal track to Penguin Island and Fluted Cape from Adventure Bay, beach walks on Cloudy Bay, or the full-day circuit of the Labillardiere Peninsula. A highlight is South Bruny National Park, with towering cliffs, coastal heathland, underwater gardens of kelp seaweed and amazing bushwalks. Look out for Bennetts wallabies, pademelons, echidna and wombats. And from November to April each year, short-tailed shearwaters arrive to mate and breed along the shore before heading out on their long journey to the northern hemisphere. For those interested in Australia's colonial heritage, the lighthouse at Cape Bruny was built between 1836 and 1838 with convict labour. The Bruny Island Ferry Service runs seven days a week and you can check the timetable at (03) 6273 6725.