Bruny Island: Wilderness Cruise Day Trip & Lunch from Hobart

Summary

Bruny Island’s wild coastlines, sea caves and fresh seafood lunch

You’ll ride from Hobart to Bruny Island with a local guide, cruise beneath towering sea cliffs and into deep caves, spot seals or dolphins (if you’re lucky), then warm up with lunch at Adventure Bay. Expect cold winds, real stories, and views that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the ferry to Bruny Island to feel so quick — or for the wind to slap me awake that early in the morning. The water was this cold blue-green, and I kept watching the foam trail behind us as we left Hobart. Our guide, Matt, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice on your own (he spotted a white-bellied sea eagle before any of us did). He told us stories about the island’s past — some funny, some kind of sad — while we sipped coffee that tasted extra good because my hands were freezing.

The cruise itself is honestly hard to describe without sounding like I’m exaggerating. You get right up close to these massive cliffs — like you could reach out and touch the rock if you dared. The boat would dip into these sea caves where it smelled damp and salty and just… old. At one point, seals were sprawled all over a rock ledge looking totally unbothered by us. Someone shouted when a pod of dolphins showed up (I think it was me). The Southern Ocean is loud — waves smacking against the hull, wind in your ears — but there were these moments where everyone just went quiet watching birds skim the water.

Lunch at Adventure Bay was simple but fresh; I still remember how sweet the tomatoes tasted after all that salt air. There’s something about eating after being out on the water that makes everything taste sharper. We stopped at The Neck lookout too — you get this view where ocean meets sky forever, and yeah, I took too many photos. Matt joked that he’d seen people propose up there but today it was just us and a couple of wallabies chewing grass nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bruny Island full-day tour

• Meet guide at Hobart office
• Take ferry to Bruny Island
• Enjoy morning tea at Adventure Bay
• Join three-hour coastal wilderness cruise
• See sea cliffs, caves, and wildlife
• Guided sightseeing of island landmarks
• Have lunch at Adventure Bay restaurant

Top questions

How long is the Bruny Island day tour from Hobart?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 10 hours including transfers from Hobart.

Does the Bruny Island cruise include lunch?

Yes, morning tea and lunch are included at Adventure Bay restaurant on Bruny Island.

Is pickup included for the Bruny Island day trip?

The tour includes check-in at a central Hobart office; pickup details depend on booking arrangements.

What wildlife can I see on the Bruny Island wilderness cruise?

You may see seals, dolphins, migrating whales (seasonal), seabirds and sometimes eagles along the coastline.

Are waterproof jackets provided for the cruise?

Yes, full-length waterproof and windproof jackets are provided for all guests during the cruise.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; guests should dress appropriately for cold or windy days.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry transfers between Hobart and Bruny Island, guided sightseeing stops like The Neck and Adventure Bay with a friendly local guide leading throughout, morning tea to warm up before your three-hour wilderness cruise along dramatic coastlines (with waterproof jackets provided), plus lunch served right on the island before heading back in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle.