An easy day trip from Hobart, Bruny Island wraps up the best of Tasmania in one compact package. It’s essentially two islands, connected by the Bruny Neck isthmus. Bucolic North Bruny is home to Bruny Island House of Whisky and its single-malt Tasmanian whiskies, Get Shucked and its silky local oysters and Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.

South Bruny is the wilder sibling, its national park traced with hiking trails. Among them is the easy Grass Point Track (4km return) - look out for rare white wallabies - to the more challenging Labillardiere Peninsula Track (18km return). The latter traces the entire perimeter of the remote Labillardiere Peninsula, traversing flawless beaches and quiet bays and offering inspiring views of the Southern Ranges. See the park website for more information on hiking, camping and other park activities.

For a glimpse of the island’s fur seals, book a highly recommended, three-hour Wilderness Cruise.

Practical Info

Bruny Island lies directly south of Hobart.

Ferry From Hobart, take the Southern Outlet (A6) and Channel Hwy (B68) to Kettering, from where SeaLink car ferries make the short trip across to Bruny Island.