The flavours of Bruny are served up in some of Australia’s finest restaurants but taste best on the island. Freshly shucked oysters straight from the farmer’s hand, famed Bruny Island cheese and hand-crafted ales are served up alongside sweet honey and fresh roadside produce. On the island, it’s all about handmade, hand caught and hand-crafted. Those hands work hard and you can often meet the makers, producers and proud growers. There’s even an old-school fridge packed with wood-fired bread from the Bruny Baker, complete with a cash slot, so bring your old meter money. Dine in Australia’s southern-most vineyard or pick up a dozen oysters and head straight for a sandy beach. Follow a deliciously curated itinerary of foodie stops or hop on a tour and be delivered right to the door of Bruny’s best. It doesn’t matter how you tackle Bruny’s bounty, as long as you arrive hungry.
Bruny Island is a place to explore slowly. To discover with curiosity. Breathe in its wild air and prepare to be blown away! Some of its greatest gems only reveal to those willing to pause. Bruny is like a microcosm of Tasmania – that means there’s plenty to see and do all packed into an even smaller island. The beauty of Bruny is its ability to shift with your desires. Want to explore as a foodie? Plump oysters, handcrafted cheese and the country’s southern-most vineyard await. Want to hit the trails? Bruny has some of the most spectacular walking destinations from rugged Fluted Capes to windswept Cloudy Bay Beach. Got half a day? Spend it on an unforgettable Pennicott boat cruise. Coming for the wildlife? Bird watchers come from as far as the migrating birds to see Bruny’s 12 endemic species. There are rare albino wallabies on Bruny and Little penguins that dive 30 metres deep with tiny wings. It’s these locals that require us all to slow our pace – a gift. Discover the work of internationally-renowned artists, find your own sheltered bay to picnic and head south where historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse stands tall. Sure, you can tick off all the tourist hot spots but we recommend shifting back a gear, staying a while and getting to know Bruny the local’s way.
Many say that Bruny is best met on foot. There is good reason why. It’s dramatic. This drama can be felt on rugged Fluted Cape, towering 272m above the sea. It can be seen atop the steps of Truganini Lookout, between north and south Bruny. And it can be heard on the East Cloudy Head four-hour walk that tracks by the waves of Cloudy Bay Beach for the first three kilometres. Walking is a great way to delve into Bruny’s past, too. The one-hour return Alonnah Sheepwash Track follows an old rock-walled carriage way that passes remnants of occupation dating back to the 1850s. It’s not about being an avid bush walker. There are plenty of sandy wanderings to be had, where easy chatter drifts with the tides. For those who want to lace up and hit the deeper wilderness, do note that mobile reception is limited and preparation is key. This remote island can be wild and unforgiving an hour into a sunny walk. Respect her, tread lightly and enjoy the trails.