Bruny Island Guided Walk – 4 Days

Our Walks Are All Inclusive

All Our Walks Include

• Small Group of 10 or less
• You only carry your daypack, we’ll take care of the rest
• Guided walks designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty, history and wildlife
• Two experienced and accredited guides – safety gear equipped and full of knowledge about the region
• Return transport and tour transfers included

Plus, This Walk Includes

• 3 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• Return ferry to Bruny Island
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – The Neck and Luggaboine Circuit

Distance: 5kms, 2 hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2, easy

We depart the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart at 7:45am, to catch the morning ferry from Kettering across to North Bruny. We have the opportunity to stop at some local producers on our way to the neck to pick up some local honey, cheese and beer if you desire.

We then drive south along the isthmus that connects the northern and southern segments of the island, and take part in a short walk to the Neck Lookout via a wooden set of stairs. This vantage point provides us with a brilliant outlook to many parts of the island that we will be exploring over the coming days. Your guides will point out Mt Mangana, Cape Queen Elizabeth and the long stretch of beach below.

Further south on the island, we explore the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the tops of the surrounding escarpment which falls away to the ocean. Courts Island can be seen nearby to the south-west, tailed shearwaters and a causeway at low tide.

We finish our day with a relaxing 1.5 hour circuit on the Labillardiere Peninsula – passing through open heath country with coastal views, and a couple of picturesque secluded beaches. This walk is particularly notable for its usual prevalence of native birdlife.

After our days exploring, we make our way to our accommodation at The Bruny Island Lodge where you can settle in and unwind in this unique and funky rustic lodge while enjoying a delicious nibbles platter made by your guides.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Luggaboine Circuit walk.

DAY 2 – East Cloudy Head

Distance: 12kms, 4.5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, moderate

Today we head out into the rugged southern portion of the island – exploring the white sands of Cloudy Bay and the elevated view point of East Cloudy Head.

We start our walk along a windswept beach for a few kilometers before taking an inland track upwards through native heathland, teeming with birdlife and colourful seasonal flora. Our ascent brings us to the very top of the hill – providing expansive views to the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, the Southern Ranges (on mainland Tasmania), and across the wild and often temperamental reaches of the Southern Ocean. There is nothing standing in the way between us and Antarctica – and on some days you can definitely feel it!

We return to the bus via the same route before heading back to our accommodation. In the afternoon there is an optional stopover in Lunawanna and the Bruny Island Winery, or you can choose to kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Enjoy diverse flora and fauna.

DAY 3 – Fluted Cape and Mavista Rainforest Walk

Distance: 7kms, 5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 3, moderate

After breakfast and lunch making – we depart for the small township of Adventure Bay from where we will start today’s main walk – the Fluted Cape Circuit.

Tackling this walk in an anti-clockwise direction allows us to ease into the rhythm of walking with a nice gradual climb to the highest point on the cape.

Open views continue as we descend through eucalyptus and she-oak forest to Grass Point and Penguin Island, where we can potter about the rocky shoreline. This locality was once the site of an early whaling station – and thankfully recovering populations of whale are starting to make their way back to the area during migration periods. On the final flat trek back to the bay, keep your eyes peeled for a family of White Bennett’s Wallabies that reside in the area.

In the afternoon we walk through a pocket of enchanting wet rainforest following the flow of a small creek. Towering eucalyptus, blackwoods and tree ferns dominate and seem almost out of place – but in fact there are still vast stands of such forest along the eastern half of the island.

Optional: The three-hour award-winning Bruny Island Cruise is an optional alternative to some of todays walking activities. This is an action-packed wilderness boat trip along the dramatic Bruny Island coastline – featuring towering sea cliffs, seals and occasional sightings of dolphins and migratory whales. It departs daily from Adventure Bay. Please note this activity is at guests own expense. If interested – feel free to discuss with your guides on day one of tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Options to participate in a wilderness cruise.

DAY 4 – Cape Queen Elizabeth

Distance: 12km, 4.5hrs walking approx.
Grade: 2 3, easy to moderate

We pack up this morning and depart the lodge one final time. Today we journey north – back across The Neck to take in the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track. Featuring pristine beaches and rocky bluffs – this is a very tranquil and relaxing way to wind down from our four-day adventure.

The first section of the trail is flat and heads straight to the coast. We walk past the aptly name Big Lagoon and Little Lagoon where it is common to spot resident water birds. Soon we burst out onto a long stretch of white sandy beach which stretches all the way south across the isthmus. Depending on the tides, we may walk north along the beach or divert inland to climb up and over Mars Bluff. From the ridgetop there are fantastic views back to the Neck and Fluted Cape.

The trail then heads through coastal dunes to Miles Beach. There are some magnificent rock formations in this area – one notable example is a perfectly sculptured dolerite arch right on the beach. Continuing towards the cape itself, we ascend through coastal heath, always keeping a watchful eye out for local birdlife – including the rare forty-spotted pardalote and mutton-bird rookeries.

From the end of the track, we take in wonderful views out across Adventure Bay before returning the same way, and again depending on the tides – may be able to create a circuit back to the bus. From here it’s only a short drive back to the ferry terminal, and an hour further on to Hobart.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

*Walking times and distances may be adapted to the weather and groups needs based on guides discretion.

Each day we also provide fruit, snacks, tea and coffee and a nibbles platter.

Each evening after our days walking, we return back to our accommodation for some time to refresh and enjoy the spectacular scenery surrounding the Bruny Island Lodge. Your guides will curate a beautiful nibbles platter for you, providing the perfect setting for a relaxing evening. During this time, they will also conduct a briefing, offering insights into the days experiences and outlining your upcoming adventures. Using a map of the area, your guides will illustrate the various regions and walks we are set to explore in the days ahead.

Accommodation

Our overnight accommodation will be at Bruny Island Lodge, where they believe in ensuring a minimal environmental footprint and strive to ensure the property is as sustainable as possible. Their overriding motivation is to preserve the environment whilst providing guests with unforgettable experiences. This character-filled timber cottage has a big wrap around timber deck and some decor to entertain! There is a well-appointed bar and games room, with a central cast iron fireplace for cooler months and the option to roll back the walls to take in the magnificent scenery during summer. A communal dining space with a log fire makes it the perfect place to relax at days end and enjoy a nibbles platter with your fellow walkers.

Accommodation style: This is a character-filled timber cottage with five spacious bedrooms. It’s the perfect private escape for our small groups.

Rooming: There are a variety of queen, twin, and double bunk configurations available.

Bathrooms: There are four bathrooms and five toilets throughout the lodge.

Single Supplement: If you book single supplement this means you will have your own room and share a bathroom with other guests.

Other: All towels and linen are provided.

Guest Notes

Getting there – Tours depart and return from Hobart. Direct flights are available through most airline operators.

Pick up location & time – We depart from The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Hobart, meeting at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure.

During the walk – Each day we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (where applicable) as well as fruit, snacks and beverages to keep us full of energy throughout the walk. At the end of each day, we return to the evening’s accommodation to freshen up, relax, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles, and enjoy the local scenery. Each evening, our guides offer insights into the day’s walk, and talk through our upcoming adventures, using maps to give you greater insights into the journey.

Single stays (solos) – Single stay availability is limited on this tour, and while we can offer you your own room if available, facilities such as bathrooms and living areas may be shared with other guests. If you prefer your own facilities in their entirety, please contact our team to discuss upgrade options.

Drop-off location & time – We return to Hobart at around 5:00 pm on the final day of tour. If you plan to fly out on the last day of the walk, please book your return flight for after 7pm.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please contact Park Trek if you would like discount & other information on our recommended provider Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.