The Neck
Best Beach · TAS
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2022, No. 6.
Bruny Island keeps popping up on the Best Australian Beaches radar, for good reason.
Of our 8,222 islands, this island off an island off an island, is a Tassie treasure offering beautiful beach escapes and compelling insight into Indigenous and early European convict history. The size of Singapore with a population of around 1,000, Bruny Island has in fact 94 varied beaches. Only 40 km from Hobart, the passenger and vehicle ferry from Kettering quickly transports you to another world of timeless natural beauty. The Neck is an 7km isthmus, a stretch of sand that connects North and South Bruny Islands, and the stunning view it provides is a social media favourite. To embrace the full beauty of the island it’s best to climb the 238 timber steps from the dunal carpark up to Truganini lookout for a 360-degree vista. Signage tells the sobering story of the Nuenonne people, and Indigenous woman, Truganini, who inhabited Lunnawannalonna (Bruny Island) before European settlement. The Neck provides habitat for fairy penguins, who can be seen returning to their burrows on dusk, and shearwaters (mutton birds). A foodie’s paradise, bountiful natural wildlife on land and water, spectacular coastal features, cosy fireside cabins and affordable camping make Bruny a multi-layered delight.
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.