Best trails in South Bruny National Park
South Bruny National Park is located on Bruny Island, south of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Its landscape consists of towering cliffs, beaches, headlands, and marineland where you may spot humpback whales on their migration journey. The highest point in the park is Mt Bruny, that stands 504m high and offers panoramic views over the island and ocean. The best way to enjoy the park is on foot.
The island is a refuge for many threatened species most notable birds. Hooded plovers, swift parrots and forty-spotted pardalote's call the island home. The island has amazing array of different flora on it for the size and these can be divided in to areas such as heathland, eucalypt scrub and eucalypt forest that is predominantly made up of brown top stringy bark.
The Nuenonne clan of the South East Nation were the original inhabitants of the island and would travel to the Tasman Penisula and mainland Tasmania via Storm Bay. Evidence of their habitation can be found throughout the island, including middens, artifacts and quarries.
The island was also used by European settlers for various reasons including whaling which the relics of can still be seen today in the form of timber shacks on Grass Point and Cloudy Bay. The extensive hunting of southern wright whales was not to last long and the whales decline saw the industry crumble in the 1840s.
Access to the island is via Kettering on a ferry that is able to take both cars and regular passengers, the ferry runs regular services and does not need to be booked ahead of your trip. Be away when driving that there is only fuel found in one spot on the island and it's advised to fill up before reaching the island.
Top trails
- (1357)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis is a physically demanding coastal walk that is recommended only for experienced bushwalkers with excellent balance and downhill technique. When completed in the counter-clockwise direction, the steepest, most exposed section is a rugged descent. This route requires extreme caution on the steep track that runs right along the edge of the towering sea cliffs. The route is a rewarding way to see the sheer dolerite cliffs of Fluted Cape, which can drop 200 metres straight into the Southern...
- (217)·Moderate·2.6 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis beautiful trail follows Grass Point Track in South Bruny National Park, Tasmania. The track features lovely little beaches with pristine clear water and gorgeous viewpoints. Starting from Flute Cape Parking Area, the trail heads along the shoreline, weaving in and out of several viewpoints. There are information boards along the way detailing the area's whaling history.
- (179)·Hard·10.8 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrLabillardiere Peninsular Circuit is a lovely trail in South Bruny National Park, Tasmania. The track is mostly well-shaded but certain sections are quite exposed so remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water! Starting from Jetty Bay Camp Area the path heads up two short sharp hills before flattening out. There is lots of mixed scenery and terrain on this walk with rock and sandy beaches and some lovely fern sections. Wildflowers are abundant in spring and there is heaps of...
- (155)·Easy·3.0 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis is a nice easy walk taking you through dense eucalypt forest and coastal heathland and out to a secluded beach. This walk is a short one and is ideal if your don't have much time but there are other walks in the area you can add on to this to create a longer day walk. This is a great walk to take a picnic along and have lunch on the beach, if you're really game then take a pair of swimmers and have a dip in the chilly waters. Don't forget a towel!
- (61)·Moderate·0.3 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrA short walk to Australia's second oldest original lighthouse, originally built and first lighted in 1838. Enjoy spectacular scenery and views in every direction over the sea cliffs or enjoy a short walk along the beach to the east. You can book a tour of the lighthouse to see the inside and the relics of a bygone era, as well a trip up the spiral stairs to the top.
- (77)·Moderate·4.0 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrA challenging but incredibly rewarding hike along the rugged coastline of South Burny National Park. Being close to the most southern part of Bruny Island this is an interesting and imposing landscape with stunning vistas of the ocean and land. This route does encounter a bit of elevation as you make your way along the track so be aware. Make sure to bring plenty of layers in case the weather decides to change with out warning.
- (53)·Easy·4.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrA great little beach walk with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the splendid turquoise waters. This is a sandy beach so don't expect a trail as such and bring all the supplies you'll need as you won't find any amenities along the way. If you're tired of walking on the sand there are some trails found behind the dunes to take you back to the beginning.
- (7)·Easy·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrDiscover the gorgeous coastal scenery of South Bruny National Park on this enjoyable walk. The trail guides you down to Lighthouse Bay, a beautiful beach perfect for a relaxing stop. Be sure to take some time to watch the surf breaking spectacularly on the rocks just off the shore. With convenient parking and public toilets available at the trailhead, this is a fantastic and accessible way to experience the rugged beauty of Tasmania's coast.
- (6)·Easy·0.9 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis is a short and simple coastal track in South Bruny National Park, perfect for a quick leg-stretcher to break up a day of exploring. The walk offers some nice views of the rugged Tassie coastline and heads towards a bay known as a local surf spot. The track itself can be a bit rocky in places. It's worth noting that as the trail doesn't lead to a defined landmark, it's best seen as a brief stroll to enjoy the scenery rather than a destination hike.
