Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife or gourmet
goodies, Bruny Island has plenty to offer.
The first thing that hits you is the lack of noise. Bruny is the same size as Singapore, but has a population of fewer than 1000 rather than 4.5 million.
Tasmania’s fourth-largest island is just a 30-minute drive and 15-minute car ferry ride south of Hobart via the Mirambeena, which operates year-round. It’s close to 100 kilometres from tip to tail and can be almost deserted midweek, making it the perfect escape from city hustle and bustle with limited mobile reception, beautiful beaches (Adventure Bay, below) has been
named among the best in Australia) and dramatic scenery.
Then there's the local critters. From white wallabies to quolls and pademelons, a colony of fairy penguins and all manner
of birds, from parrots to perky little red-breasted creatures, the island is alive with them. Fur seals
inhabit rocky outcrops and can be seen on adventure cruises operated by Rob
Pennicott’s Bruny Island Cruises.
Also keep an eye out for sea eagles, albatrosses and – during
the season – dolphins and whales. We had to slow down to allow a sluggish
echidna to cross the road.
Bruny Island was first sighted by Abel
Tasman in 1642 and named after Rear Admiral Bruny d’Entrecasteaux, who visited
the island in 1792-93.
Captains Furneaux, Flinders, Cook and
Bligh all anchored in Adventure Bay, which takes its name from Furneaux’s ship
and the tiny Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration at Adventure Bay and the
Alonnah History Rooms are both open to the public.
There are several cafes on what are
effectively two islands joined by a narrow isthmus and gourmets will be in
their element here with smoked fish and delicious dips from the Bruny Island
Smokehouse, a selection of artisan cheeses and wood-fired breads from Bruny
Island Cheese, fresh oysters from Get Shucked and wine tastings at Bruny Island
Premium Wines, Australia’s southernmost vineyard.
In summer, pick up fresh berries from the
Bruny Island Berry Farm – pick your own if you enjoy working for your supper.
There’s just
one pub, and only one petrol station, so it pays to plan ahead if you need a
beer or to fill the tank.
Most of the
accommodation here is self-catering, or camping. There are no five-star resorts
or big brand hotels.
Adventure Bay Retreat, just a short walk from the
beach, is a great place to spot wildlife at night. It comprises two
styles of boutique accommodation: a three-bedroom lodge that accommodates up to
eight people and a smaller cottage.
The lodge (right) has two bedrooms featuring king-sized
beds, fitted with goose and down feather mattress topper, plus quilt and
king-sized pillows, along with a third bedroom with two sets of bunks. One of
the bedrooms includes an en-suite bathroom with a free standing designer stone
bath placed by the windows to relax in the bath and watch the busy wildlife
outside. An outside deck features a barbecue and the retreat is fully equipped
with fridge, coffee machine, kitchen, TV, DVD player and music system.
The cottage, which is designed for couples, has a
king-sized bed and a large two-person sized spa bath surrounded on two sides by
glass. It is also fully equipped for self-catering with in-floor heating,
combustion wood heater and double glazing ensuring a cosy stay. The lodge costs
from $300 per couple per night and the cottage from $240.
Another
alternative is All Angels Church House, a delightfully converted former church
that can accommodate up to five people.
Bruny Island
is part of the Huon Trail, which meanders its way through the southernmost part
of Tasmania. Next stop Antarctica.
Adventure Bay Retreats offers a three-bedroom lodge suitable
for up to eight people and a spa cottage for couples looking for a romantic
weekend away. Phone 0419 300 392 or visit www.adventurebayretreat.com.au
All
Angels Church House, a former church
converted into a comfy cottage, can cater for up to six people and has a log
fire for winter. Phone (03) 6293 1271. www.brunyisland.com.
For more details see www.brunyisland.org.au; www.huontrail.org.au.
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