Summer sees Tassie at its sparkling best – and what better way to get the season started than rolling those wheels out onto the open road enjoying some of what the Apple Isle has to offer? When it comes to road trips, a long weekend is of course often first prize. However, if you’re on a tight time schedule there are also some pretty awesome day trips (like this one!) that can still have you back home or at your holiday base in time for beer o’clock and a magical sunset dinner!
Where we’re going… We’re setting out from Hobart for an explore of legendary Bruny Island. Just a 35-minute drive from the city gets you to the Kettering Ferry Terminal – and with super regular ferry departures of the 20-minute ferry trip every day of the year, you’ll be on the island before you know it. Choose to leave your vehicle at the ferry terminal and travel as a pedestrian for free or load your wheels up for a fee.
Beautiful Bruny… An eco-paradise surrounded by ocean and the most amazing views from every angle – Bruny is perfectly picturesque! It’s the natural habitat for many species of birds, sea-and-wildlife including a colony of rare white wallabies, penguins, seals, shorebirds, echidna and lots more that’s truly Tassie!
Wheels and tyres for your ride… If you’re on holiday in Tassie and hiring some wheels for the trip to Bruny, there’s little that beats a 4×4 or SUV for a great explore with some extra versatility and plenty of space for all your kit and crew. Make sure you let the hire company know you are travelling to Bruny as some companies require written permission to drive their vehicles on the island. When it comes to tyres on your own vehicle, it goes without saying that Maxxis has all bases covered. If yours is a 4×4 or SUV, do yourself a favour and get some cutting-edge all-terrain RAZR AT811s fitted! The superior 3-ply sidewall construction, unique shoulder lug design and heaps of other innovative and inspiring features, deliver exceptional traction, safety, comfort and puncture resistance all in one awesome-looking package!
While you’re in Bruny, take a walk in the wild…There’s a walk for every level of fitness on Bruny, ranging from a quiet stroll to something more adventurous. Whether you opt for the Mavista Nature Walk (about a half hour return) through some magnificent rainforest vegetation, the 12km bush and beach Cape Queen Elizabeth Track, or explore one of a number of Bruny’s other scenic walking trail options – there are loads of amazing spots in the wild just waiting to be discovered.
The beaches…Spectacular beaches and sand dunes are all part of the Bruny Island’s rugged landscape appeal. Swim at Adventure Bay, enjoy a surf at Cloudy Bay or take a walk at The Neck and just soak in the breezy ocean views. There’s also lots of great fishing to be done on Bruny, with Adventure Bay, Alonnah and Dennes Point some favourite spots for a fresh local catch!
Fresh local produce and great hospitality is all part of the deal… Pick your own fresh summer strawberries at Bruny Island Berry Farm, sample genuine Bruny Island chocolate, locally produced beer and cheese and be sure to book in for a wine and cider tasting, tasty cheese platter or delicious meal at Australia’s southern-most vineyard.
Turn a day trip into a couple more…Once you’re in Bruny you’ll discover there’s so much to explore! If your schedule allows you to stay overnight, there are a number of campsites located in the South Bruny National Park (including Jetty Beach, The Neck, The Pines and Cloudy Corner) available on a first-come first-served basis. Just be sure you remember to pack your camping kit and have a valid Parks pass before setting off! If you’re an avid 4WD’er (and have the right vehicle of course!) you’ll be really happy to note that one of two campsites at Cloudy Corner is accessible only by 4WD vehicles along a beach at low tide!
Get ready to roll…Summer’s almost here. Surf’s up and it’s a great time to spot some of the island’s penguins. All that’s left for you to do is dust off those hiking boots, get those Maxxis tyres checked and pumped and your Tassie Parks pass sorted!
