A remote speckle of land at the bottom of the earth, Bruny Island is famed for its natural beauty, boasting a bush-meets-sea terrain to fulfill all types of outdoor adventurers. This southernmost part of Australia is also home to some of the finest produce in the country. Tasmania’s produce is much celebrated, and Bruny Island, though petite in relation to Tasmania’s mainland (let alone Australia’s), is a paradise for food and drink lovers.
Passionate artisans are leading the charge in making this dot on the globe more renowned. The beauty of visiting the island lies in the opportunity to experience the delectable offerings of its producers all in one day.
Devour Fresh Oysters
The first foodie stop on Bruny Island is Get Shucked – which could be one of the only drive-through oyster bars in the world. Get Shucked’s farm nets are so close to the bar they’re outlined with a signboard labeled ‘Our Farm’, painted with an arrow pointing towards Great Bay. Diners can also choose to eat on-site, enjoying half a dozen oysters while taking in the ocean view.
Oysters come naked (dressed with lemon) or cooked. Options include oysters wrapped in wonton pastry and served with wasabi cream, oysters Kilpatrick prepared with Bruny Island Food’s bacon, and steamed oriental oysters poached in a white miso broth and accented with ginger, chili, and lime. As highlighted on Get Shucked’s website, ‘an oyster without a bevvy is like a kiss without a cuddle’. This bar serves a selection of Tasmanian wines, beers, and ciders, alongside locally made soft drinks. For those feeling adventurous, the bloody mary oyster shooter – a blend of tomato juice, Tasmanian vodka, and lemon juice over a fresh oyster – is a must-try.
Combine Craft Beer with Indulgent Cheese
In Northern Bruny, visitors will find a culinary cheese emporium called The Bruny Island Cheese Co. Its entrance, reminiscent of the path to the witch’s house in Hansel and Gretel, leads through a stunning bush setting. Inside, a cheese room is filled with rounds of the Saint, a soft cow milk cheese, and the Tom, a maturing hard cow milk cheese. Guests can indulge in these artisanal cheeses on-site or take them home. For those who choose to stay, the Otto – fresh cow milk cheese wrapped in prosciutto – is a great choice. Wooden boards of cheese, house-made bread, fruit pastes, and nuts are also available.
The Bruny Island Beer Company joined the cheese company’s grounds in 2016, featuring craft beers served in pubs and bars across the nation. Noteworthy brews include the dark pale ale, Oxymoron, and the Tasmanian seasonal ale, Farm Ale. Beer and cheese flights are offered for those wanting to enjoy these two delightful fermented products simultaneously.
Try Berry Good Produce Right Across from the Beach
Bruny Island resembles two islands connected by The Neck – a spectacular isthmus. To reach the Bruny Island Berry Farm, visitors must traverse this landform. When reaching the ‘Penguin Walk and Lookout’ sign, don’t miss the chance to climb the 240 steps to the Truganini lookout, where one can witness breathtaking views overlooking the waves crashing on the shore.
After navigating The Neck, drivers encounter a picturesque route filled with ascents and descents that showcase stunning vistas of the water amid rich bushland. A long driveway leads into a 12-hectare berry farm, offering a variety of berries, including raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, and jostaberries. Patrons can pick their own fruit, eat them fresh, or enjoy them in jams and ice creams. The farm overlooks Adventure Bay, which is perfect for a swim on warmer days, featuring white sand and turquoise waters.
For those seeking additional sweet treats, make a stop at the Bruny Island Chocolate Company. While this is not a factory, it’s a charming store that offers delicious fudge for the journey ahead.
Whet Your Whistle on Whiskey
Currently, there are no whiskies distilled on Bruny Island, but whiskey lovers can enjoy a variety of liquors at the Bruny Island House of Whisky, located just 3.5km from the ferry dock. Here, guests can explore a range of Tasmanian-made whiskies, including single malts and the Trapper’s Hut, a unique 15-year-old limited single cask release. This charming venue, marked by its cobblestone and timber architecture, offers a delightful atmosphere for whiskey enthusiasts.
This is a prime spot for true whisky fans seeking specialty whiskies and expert advice for pairings. Whiskey flights are available, along with platters of cured meats, cheese, and crackers. Guests can sip whiskey on the front deck while enjoying picturesque views over the water.
Make It Happen
With no other land south between Bruny Island and Antarctica, it can get rather chilly. Therefore, summer is the best time to visit. It takes about two hours to reach Bruny Island from Hobart, winding through the waterfront town of Kettering, where ferries depart to Bruny Island.
