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Bruny Island Day Trip with Guide Paul Fleming

Bruny Island is a destination that lingers in the hearts of all who visit, and experiencing it with an expert guide like Paul Fleming takes it to another level.

This day trip highlights the island’s natural beauty, fascinating history, and renowned local flavours. From the iconic Bruny Island Lighthouse standing tall against dramatic coastal cliffs to the quirky charm of “The Loo with a View,” every moment is filled with wonder. Along the way, savour the island’s culinary delights—fresh oysters, artisan cheese, and more—making this a day trip you won’t forget.

Early European settlement

Bruny Island is now celebrated as a haven for environmentally conscious tourism and a hub for exceptional local and boutique produce. However, its early European settlement was driven by resource extraction—primarily timber and whales. European settlers began arriving in the 1840s, but it was the establishment of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse in 1838 that marked a turning point, cementing the island’s importance in Tasmania’s European history. Today, a network of National Parks and reserves protects the island’s unique ecosystems, offering opportunities to connect with its natural beauty while safeguarding it for future generations. This shift from exploitation to conservation allows us to appreciate Bruny Island as both a cultural treasure and a natural sanctuary.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image credit: Jess Bonde
Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image credit: Jess Bonde
Cape Bruny Lighthouse.Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Cape Bruny Lighthouse.Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Perched on the southernmost tip of Bruny Island, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse was commissioned in 1835 in response to a string of tragic shipwrecks along the rugged coastline. 

For 158 years, its steady light guided mariners safely through these treacherous waters, earning it the title of the second-longest continuously operating lighthouse in Australia before being decommissioned in 1996. 

Today, a nearby beacon continues to guide maritime traffic. As I approached, the lighthouse stood tall and commanding, its stark white structure strikingly contrasted against a vivid blue sky—a timeless sentinel of the sea.

After exploring the base of the lighthouse and admiring the craftsmanship of its stonework—quarried entirely from the island—I joined Matt from Bruny Island Lighthouse Tours, part of Bruny Island Safaris, for an engaging talk about the lighthouse’s history and the resilient keepers who maintained its guiding light.

Inside, a grand metal staircase spirals upward to the top, revealing the prisms and mechanisms that once powered the beacon. Unlike many decommissioned lighthouses, Cape Bruny’s original glass and workings remain intact, offering a rare and fascinating glimpse into the intricate details of this historic marvel.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

What the group was most eager to experience, of course, was the view. Stepping through a small door onto the walkway encircling the top of the lighthouse, we were greeted by a stiff breeze—not nearly as fierce as the gales this rugged outcrop has endured, but exhilarating nonetheless.

The panorama from the top was every bit as breathtaking as anticipated. To the north, Bruny Island’s rolling hills and shimmering bays stretched out under the midday sun; to the west, fresh snow capped the mountain ranges of Tasmania’s southern mainland. And to the south? Antarctica. Well, not visible, but the icy wind left no doubt about its direction. Interestingly, at 43° South, Cape Bruny Lighthouse is still closer to the equator than the South Pole—a remarkable thought in such a wild and remote setting!

Cloudy Bay, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Cloudy Bay, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

Cloudy Bay

From the lighthouse, I spotted towering sea cliffs and secluded coves along the southern coastline, which led me to the intriguingly named Cloudy Bay. Whether by fate or coincidence, the sun disappeared as I arrived, and the bay truly lived up to its name. Yet, the scene was stunning in its moody, windswept beauty.

The expansive beach is ideal for a leisurely walk—just be mindful of the nesting shorebirds that call it home. For those with a suitable vehicle, the beach can also be driven end-to-end, leading to a campsite at the eastern end. However, with the weather not lending itself to such an adventure, I chose to explore the rocky headland instead.

A path winding through coastal grasses revealed a network of tiny dirt tunnels branching off the main track, no doubt carved by small, furry marsupials—adding a touch of whimsy to the rugged setting.

The Loo with a View

Out here, the landscape feels remarkably untouched by human presence. However, there is one notable exception—one you’re likely to appreciate. It’s a quintessential feature of remote Australian locations: a long-drop loo. But this one isn’t just functional; it may well claim the title of the ultimate ‘loo with a view.’

Designed with one-way, angled windows, it perfectly frames the stunning surroundings. It might sound amusing, but trust me—when you visit, curiosity will almost certainly get the better of you, and you’ll find yourself sneaking a peek at the remarkable vista from this unexpected vantage point!

The Loo with a View, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
The Loo with a View, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
The Loo with a View, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
The Loo with a View, Bruny Island. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Bruny Island Chocolate Factory. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Bruny Island Chocolate Factory. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

Bruny Island Chocolate Factory

All that exploring, climbing, and beach wandering—yes, I’ll admit, I went up and down the lighthouse stairs a few extra times because they’re irresistible for photography—left me famished. And surely fudge counts as a food group, right?

The Bruny Island Chocolate Factory seemed like the perfect destination to satisfy my cravings. Having already indulged in cheese and honey earlier that morning, I promised myself I’d just taste the fudge without going overboard.

Naturally, I was kidding myself. One bite of their artisan fudge, and I was hooked. I managed to limit myself to the mint and orange varieties, though the chocolate and salted caramel were calling my name. Restraint has never been harder!

Saintys Creek Cottage

Crossing the wooden bridge into a private, sprawling forest, I felt a wave of excitement as I approached my home for the night. Tucked among towering eucalypts and shimmering ferns, Saintys Creek Cottage slowly revealed itself like something out of a fairytale.

The charming wooden cottage sat snugly in a small clearing, where the grasses and moss were neatly trimmed by grazing wallabies and wombats. I couldn’t wait to light the log fire, settle in with a warm cuppa, and soak up the serenity. Outside, a family of blue wrens flitted and danced, their energy contrasting with the stillness of the forest. It was the perfect setting to unwind and let the tranquillity take over.

Saintys Creek Cottage. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Saintys Creek Cottage. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

Hotel Bruny

Saintys Creek Cottage is fully self-contained, complete with all the cooking facilities you’d need (including a BBQ). However, my relaxed state of mind nudged me to let someone else take care of dinner. The Hotel Bruny in Alonnah, open seven days a week until late, is a favourite for evening meals on the island, so off I went.

I opted for the Atlantic salmon, farmed just offshore from Bruny Island. Perfectly cooked, it was juicy and full of flavour, complemented beautifully by smashed Tasmanian pink eye potatoes and a vibrant salsa verde.

Though I was already quite full from a day of indulgent grazing around the island, dessert was non-negotiable. The Tasmanian whisky, raspberry, and Bruny Island Honey mousse—paired with boysenberry ice cream and toasted oats—was simply irresistible. It tasted as incredible as it sounds, and I have no regrets about treating myself.

That’s the thing about Bruny Island. Its landscapes are awe-inspiring, breathtaking, and unforgettable, but the food and drink experience crafted by the island’s people is equally exceptional. Achieving that balance between natural wonders and culinary delights is no small feat, yet on Bruny, it feels entirely effortless—just part of what makes this place extraordinary.

Hotel Bruny. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Hotel Bruny. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Hotel Bruny. Image Credit: Paul Fleming
Hotel Bruny. Image Credit: Paul Fleming

Content originally provided by Paul Fleming

Discover Bruny Island

A place where rugged coastal landscapes seamlessly blend with gourmet indulgence.

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