Bruny Island Neck in Tasmania 2024-2025

Bruny Island Neck is a narrow isthmus in Tasmania that connects the southern and northern parts of Bruny Island. This tranquil and picturesque nature reserve is a haven for wildlife and a favorite destination for breathtaking views. Easily accessible via ferry from Kettering, just a 40-minute drive from Hobart, it offers a serene escape for nature lovers and visitors.

Visiting Season

The best time to visit Bruny Island Neck is between September and February, when the warmer weather increases the likelihood of spotting penguins returning from the sea. Dusk provides an ideal opportunity for wildlife observation, and specialized tours are available during this peak season.

Viewing Locations

The Truganini Lookout, accessible via 279 timber steps, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Bruny Island. From this vantage point, located about 30 meters above sea level, you can see Mount Wellington to the north, Cape Raoul and the Tasman Peninsula to the east, Cape Queen Elizabeth to the northeast, Adventure Bay to the south, and the hills of South Bruny Island to the southwest. It’s also a prime spot for capturing iconic photos of the narrow isthmus below.

The lookout includes a memorial dedicated to Truganini (1812–1876), an Aboriginal woman and daughter of the chief of the Nuenonne tribe. The monument honors her efforts to unite the Indigenous communities of Tasmania and commemorates the Nuenonne people who inhabited Lunawanna-alonnah (Bruny Island) before European settlement. Access to the lookout may occasionally be restricted due to improvement works.

Getting There

Bruny Island Neck, located on Tasmania's fourth-largest island, is just 40 kilometers from Hobart. After disembarking from the Sealink Bruny Island Ferry at Roberts Point, it's a 21-minute drive (24 kilometers) south on Lennon Road, which merges into Bruny Island Main Road. The Neck car park will be on your left, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the island.

Facilities

A campground, located just 20 meters from the beach, offers car parking, picnic facilities, and toilets for visitors. The car park for The Neck is clearly marked as you approach the narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island. To access the boardwalk, head up the wooden steps on the north side of the car park.

Tours

At Bruny Island Neck, exceptional tours for wildlife observation are available. Educational tours and safaris, including wildlife cruises, also offer visitors the opportunity to see seals and dolphins up close, creating an exciting and informative experience.

Penguins & Other Wildlife

The Neck Game Reserve on Bruny Island is home to various wildlife, including short-tailed shearwaters and fairy penguins. Fairy penguins can typically be seen after sunset as they return to their burrows along the beach. Birdwatchers might also spot short-tailed shearwaters, known for their distinctive calls during breeding seasons. This area provides a great opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat.

Bruny Island: What to See

South Bruny National Park features towering cliffs along the Southern Ocean and Cape Bruny Lighthouse, which was first lit in 1838 and provides insights into the region's history. Nearby Cloudy Bay is a popular destination for surfing and beach walks, where visitors may also observe the southern right and humpback whales during their migration. Walking trails through the park offer opportunities to observe native bird species, coastal plants, and wide-ranging views of the surrounding landscape.