Bruny Island is a fifteen minute ferry journey from Kettering on the mainland to Robert's Point on the north of the island, and the visitor experiences another world when they step off the boat. The island is about fifty kilometres in length, from Dennes Point in the northern part of the island to Cape Bruny in the south.

The first inhabitants were the Nuenanne Aboriginals who were members of the south east tribe, and who lived here until the first Europeans arrived bringing with them strange new diseases to which the tribes had no immunity.

A number of Aboriginal settlement sites can be visited around the island. Indeed, the island was the birthplace of Truganini(PEP), the last full blooded Tasmanian Aboriginal who died in 1876.

The native name for Bruny Island was "Lunawaannaaloona", and a derivative of the name remains in use at Alonnah, the administrative centre of the island.

Abel Tasman first sighted the island in 1642 but did not land there; the next explorers spent brief periods in the area until Admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux surveyed the channel and island in 1792, and gave his name to both.

From about the 1820s to the 1850s there was a bustling whale industry operating on the island, with a permanent whaling station which employed as many as eighty people. The other major industry was timber, as can be seen in the remains of the wooden tramways which connected the various logging areas. Some of the large logs from the island were shipped to England and other far off lands for different types of large scale construction.

The other main settlements in South Bruny are Adventure Bay and Lunawanna, and in North Bruny there are Barnes Bay and Dennes Point. Noted for its forest, farmland and coastal scenery, Bruny Island has been visited by explorers such as Cook (1777), Bligh (1788, 1792) and Furneaux (1733).

Museums and Historic sites

The Bligh Museum at Adventure Bay records much of the island's history and development. The oldest continuously operated lighthouse in Australia, Bruny Lighthouse, was constructed in 1836 and bears testament to the important maritime influence exerted on the island.

Memorials to various explorers can be found at different points around the Bay. Remains of a convict constructed church may be found on the northern end of the island, and Barnes Bay is the site of the vault of William Lawrence (1839).

Natural Attractions

Cruise D'Entrecasteaux Channel waterways, or explore the magnificent coastal walking tracks affording fantastic views of the cliffs and ocean. A particular highlight is the coastal track from Adventure Bay to Lunawanna, which also encompasses the majestic Mount Bruny. The Adventure Bay Coastal Reserve also offers safe and refreshing swimming areas.

South Bruny has a wide range of hills and forests of a primitive grass tree species called blackboys to explore. Many birds make their home on the island and visitors can spot muttonbirds, fairy penguins and sometimes a glimpse may be caught of the elusive Forty-spotted Pardalote. This is an endangered species which lives in stands of white gum - Eucalyptus viminalis. It is only to be found in Tasmania and it is on Bruny Island that most colonies are to be found. One of the best places to see the Forty-spotted Paradalote is from the side of the road at McCrackens Gully, Barnes Bay.

As you ascend to Fluted Cape you will witness the full sweep of coastal scenery taking in Adventure Bay, Cape Queen Elizabeth, and the isthmus. This cape was used in the whaling industry's heyday as a lookout spot. There is a walking track which takes about two and a half hours to complete.

The Labillardiere State Reserve and the Labillardiere Peninsula Forest Reserve have walking trails which wind through peaceful bush habitats and lead to breathtaking lookouts. It was named after a naturalist who travelled with D'Entrecasteaux. The circuit walk here takes about seven hours. You can also swim and camp in the area, and it is a popular weekend haunt for 'mainlanders'.

Mount Mangana's slopes take in Waterfall Creek State Reserve, one of whose features is the Mavista Falls. There is a return walk which takes about one and a half hours to complete. It traverses through stringybark, myrtle and treeferns.

Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve is where you will come across Fairy Penguins and muttonbirds, which can be seen from the stairway and observation platform. The season to observe these birds is September to February for the penguins, and September to April for muttonbirds. At dusk time you will see them return to their burrows. You will also be able to enjoy numerous invigorating coastal walks here to Cape Queen Elizabeth, Moorina Bay and Church Hill.

Other Attractions

Personalised tours of the island for groups of up to seven people may be arranged through any travel agency or direct to Bruny Island Ventures, and are a good way to see all the attractions the island has to offer.

For a more adventurous way to see the island try a camel trek along the beaches of the island. A variety of rides are available, from half hour to overnight treks and can be arranged by Camel Tracks Tasmania.

For more information and to confirm times and prices of the Bruny Island Ferry Service, please phone (002) 33 5313.

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