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Adventure Bay

Bruny Island, Australian Geographic

Adventure Bay is the primary town on largely undeveloped Bruny Island, a peaceful retreat for many Tasmanians with its striking landscape untainted by excessive tourism. The island is more accurately two islands joined by a narrow isthmus. On one side the coast is pounded by the waves of the Pacific, and on the other it is gently lapped by the waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. After a long Aboriginal occupation, Europeans discovered the islands. Captain Cook's interaction with the Aboriginal people was largely amicable, but the sealers who subsequently came to Bruny decimated the population. Of those who survived, Truganini is the most famous. Memorials dot the island, standing as stark reminders of the grim past amid the spectacular scenery.

Visitor Information

Bruny D'Entrecasteaux Visitor Centre, 81 Ferry Rd, Kettering; (03) 6267 4494

www.brunyisland.org.au

Nearby national parks

  • South Bruny National Park

    Created in 1997, this beautiful national park takes in the massive dolerite sea cliffs around Bruny’s southern capes, with the highest...more

  • Tasman National Park

    Comprising a narrow coastal strip along the east and south of Forestier and Tasman peninsulas and several offshore islands, Tasman National...more

  • Southwest National Park

    Rarely visited by Europeans for nearly 200 years, in the 1970s Tasmania’s south-west became the inspiration of wildlife photographers...more

Nearby towns

  • Dover

    Dover lies beside the waters of Esperance Bay and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, with the imposing figure of Adamson's Peak in the...more

  • Kettering

    The area around Kettering, in the state's south-east, was first explored in 1792 by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux, after whom the surrounding...more

  • Cygnet

    Cygnet was originally named Port de Cygne Noir by French admiral Bruni D'Entrecasteaux – after the black swans in the bay. However, in...more

In Town

Eco-cruise Arguably one of Tasmania's greatest attractions, this 3 hr cruise takes in the seal colonies, penguins, dolphins, humpback whales and abundant birdlife in the area. It focuses on the ecological and historical nature of the coastline. The tour leaves from Adventure Bay daily; bookings on (03) 6293 1465.Morella Island Retreat: hothouse, cafe and gum tree maze. Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration: constructed from handmade convict bricks and housing displays of island history.

Nearby

Bushwalking Bruny Island is a bushwalker's delight. At the southern tip is South Bruny National Park with stunning scenery and several tracks. Labillardiere State Reserve has a vast range of vegetation including eucalypt woodlands, shrublands, herblands and wildflowers. The rainforest at Mavista Falls is another breathtaking spot, as is Cape Queen Elizabeth. Check with visitor centre for details.Truganini memorial: boardwalk and lookout; on isthmus between islands; 11 km N. Birdlife: little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters on Bruny's ocean beaches. Cape Bruny Lighthouse: second oldest lighthouse in Australia (1836); South Bruny National Park via Lunawanna; 29 km SW. Beaches: many good swimming beaches (details from visitor centre); Dennes Point Beach on North Bruny has picnic facilities and Cloudy Bay (turn left at Lunawanna) is a magnificent surf beach.

Fishing spots near town

The Springs 53 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 73 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Twin Lakes 80 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


Bronte System 146 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 157 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Great Lake 162 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon 162 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Lake River 166 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


St Helens 238 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 31 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more


Mount Wellington Walks 52 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more


Salamanca Market 53 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more


Island Cycle Tours 53 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more


Tahune AirWalk 57 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more


Diving in Fortescue Bay 57 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more


Freycinet Adventures 158 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 183 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 207 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Beachcombing near Strahan 212 km

Wander the wilds of Ocean Beach on the west coast, its shores battered by waves and winds, and strewn with kelp. This is western Tasmania at its finest.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Royal Hobart Golf Club 57 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 62 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Bruny Island Cheese Co

People often remark that Bruny Island is an old-fashioned place where things are done the way they’ve always been done. It’s therefore the perfect place for an artisan cheesemaker to perfect his craft with... Find out more


Get Shucked Oyster Farm

Great Bay on Bruny Island is a place you drive through rather than a destination in itself, but there’s one good reason to stop. Oysters. The roadside van at Get Shucked farm sells fantastically fresh Pacific... Find out more


The Hothouse Cafe

Like the lifestyle on Bruny Island, this place is unpretentious, casual and relaxed. It overlooks the Neck beaches and from its vantage point there are panoramic views all the way to Mount Wellington. Grab a table under... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 210 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Cascade Brewery 52 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Moo Brew 61 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 76 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Iron House Brewery 214 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 215 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Campsites around town

Bruny Island Neck camping area 7 km

The Neck is a narrow sandy isthmus joining north and south Bruny, with a great lookout, a penguin colony and a surf beach. The camping area is among trees behind the dunes at the more sheltered southern end of the beach.... Find out more


The Pines camping area 11 km

This sheltered camping area is a popular spot for surfers attracted to Cloudy Bay’s beach and point breaks, but it is very small so campers have to take their chances finding a site. While the surfing is the main... Find out more


Cloudy Corner camping area 11 km

At the far end of Cloudy Bay, this isolated campsite is accessible only to 4WD vehicles and involves driving 3 km along the beach at low tide. Camping is a short walk from the beach and there is water in a creek but it... Find out more


Jetty Beach camping area 18 km

Behind the gentle curve of Jetty Beach, this camping ground among the trees is very popular and deservedly so. Sheltered from the south-west, it faces a sandy cove with clear water, safe swimming, great snorkelling and... Find out more


Dover Beachside Tourist Park 25 km

This popular beachside caravan park has everything from cabins and camp sites to WiFi access and it ticks all the boxes for family fun. The kids will love the playground and the sheltered beach across the road,... Find out more


Cygnet Holiday Park 30 km

Cygnet is the Huon Valley’s top foodie destination and accommodation can be hard to find at peak times. On top of that, each Jan thousands of music lovers come to town for Cygnet’s lively summer folk... Find out more


Esperance camping area 34 km

Adjacent to the Hastings Forest picnic area beside the Esperance River, these forest campsites have fireplaces, soft mossy ground and a trickling stream to lull you to sleep after your walk to Duckhole Lake or Adamsons... Find out more


Shipwrights Point Regatta Ground and Recreation Reserve 36 km

Within an hour’s drive from both the Tahune AirWalk and Hastings Caves, this informal foreshore camping area has plenty of room for the kids to run around, as well as a small playground to keep them occupied. The... Find out more


Franklin Foreshore camping and caravan area 39 km

After a day touring the gourmet delights of the Huon Valley, this riverside park is a good central location to camp. There are sites all along the foreshore just a short walk from Franklin’s main street. Facilities... Find out more


Gilhams Beach Campground 41 km

What this free camping area lacks in facilities it more than makes up for in magnificent surroundings. Dense green forest, white sand and crystal-clear water attract plenty of visitors in summer but at other times you... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 33 km

A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 43 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more


Port Arthur Holiday Park 50 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Barilla Holiday Park 59 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 61 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more


New Norfolk Caravan Park 68 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 127 km

This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 148 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Lake St Clair Lodge 167 km

This park, on the southern shores of Lake St Clair, is 5 km from Derwent Bridge. It has basic national park-style amenities and is located next to the interpretive centre within the park boundary. A national park permit... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

970 Adventure Bay Rd

It’s no surprise this modern hillside beach house has acres of glass facing the ocean, because the 180-degree view over Adventure Bay to Cape Queen Elizabeth is superb. Leave the car and head off for a beach or... Find out more


Adventure Bay Eco Village

Visited in the past by more than its fair share of maritime explorers – among them Abel Tasman, James Cook, William Bligh and Bruni D’Entrecasteaux – Adventure Bay is now a popular holiday destination... Find out more


Bruny Beach House

From the sun-drenched northern tip of Bruny Island, this modern glass-fronted house looks across the channel to the coast of Tasmania, which seems like a million miles away. Time moves slowly in the little holiday... Find out more


Poppies on the Beach

A few steps from the front deck of this A-frame cabin is a perfectly secluded beach, where the only other two-legged creatures you’re likely to meet are the local oystercatchers. Throw in a dinghy, a tyre swing, a... Find out more


The Tree House

The views from this lofty pole-top house are among the best you are ever likely to see. In the distance snow might be visible on Tasmania’s southern peaks, while before you the curves and coves of... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 23 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more


Curringa Farm 99 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Rainbow Retreat 212 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 222 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 227 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Mountain Valley, Loongana 243 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Fortescue Bay Camp Area 57 km

T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out more


Murdunna Park Area 63 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more


Dunalley Park Area 65 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more


New Norfolk Park Area 68 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out more


Gretna Park Area 82 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out more


Kempton Camp Area 92 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more


Hamilton Rest Area 98 km

Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out more


Raspins Beach Park Area 101 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more


Bethune Camp Area 104 km

T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out more


Ouse Rest Area 109 km

East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out more


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 110 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more


Oatlands Rest Area 118 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more


St Peters Pass Rest Area 124 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more


Little Swanport Rest Area 125 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 136 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 136 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 138 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 142 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 142 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Spikey Beach Park Area 144 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 146 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 147 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more


Ross Park Area 148 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more


Swansea Park Area 150 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 156 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more


Coles Bay Camp Area 159 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out more


Campbell Town Rest Area 159 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more


Jonah Bay Camp Area 160 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 160 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 162 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more


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