Family at Mandala Bruny Island accommodation. Image credit: Dearna Bond
Bruny Island—just a short journey from Hobart—offers an unforgettable family escape filled with natural wonders, delicious local produce, and fun for all ages. Whether you're after outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, or simply a chance to reconnect, Bruny Island has it all.
So, unplug from the daily routine, round up the kids, and set off for a weekend of fresh air, wide-open spaces, and hands-on fun. Here are our recommendations on the best things to do with kids on a two-day family getaway on Bruny Island.
Morning
Begin your adventure with a scenic SeaLink ferry ride from Kettering across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. With SeaLink, the crossing takes just 15 minutes and offers beautiful views to get you in holiday mode.
Once you’ve arrived, start your Bruny experience with some mouthwatering stops. Kids and adults alike will love a visit to Bruny Island Cheese Co., where you can sample artisan cheeses and grab a snack for later. Then head over to Bruny Island Honey, where curious little ones can learn about bees and taste fresh, local honey straight from the hive.
Next, drive to The Neck Game Reserve Lookout, one of Bruny’s most photographed spots. Climb the steps for panoramic views and a great family photo opportunity. Keep an eye out for local birdlife, especially if you’re visiting in the evening when fairy penguins come ashore.
Afternoon
Settle in for lunch at Hotel Bruny, where the menu features fresh seafood and hearty meals, plus a view that’s hard to beat. Afterwards, pop into the Bruny Island Chocolate Company for a sweet treat or to pick up a souvenir gift box of fudge or truffles.
Then it’s time to hit the beach. Adventure Bay is a safe and scenic spot where kids can paddle, search for shells, or build sandcastles while parents relax with a good book or beach stroll.
Morning
Kick off your day with an unforgettable wildlife experience. The award-winning Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise will take you past towering sea cliffs and into sea caves, with regular sightings of seals, dolphins, seabirds, and, in season, migrating whales. It’s a thrill for kids and adults alike.
Prefer to stay on land? Explore South Bruny National Park—a haven of dense rainforest, secluded coves, and rugged coastlines. Walking tracks range from easy to moderate and offer plenty of chances to spot wallabies, echidnas, and maybe even the rare white wallaby.
Afternoon
Wind down your weekend with a relaxing visit to Bruny Island Premium Wines. While parents enjoy a tasting flight or a glass of Pinot Noir, the kids can enjoy the open space and fresh country air, with a dedicated kids’ menu available to keep everyone happy.
If you’re visiting between November and April, don’t miss the Bruny Island Raspberry Farm. Let the kids loose picking berries, then cool off with their delicious berry ice cream or sorbet.
Mandala Bruny Island: A spacious waterfront property surrounded by peaceful bushland—perfect for large or extended families.
Adventure Bay Retreat: Offers self-contained homes with access to nature and modern comforts. The Lodge is particularly family-friendly.
Manfield Country Bruny Island: A beautifully designed farmhouse set on 60 acres—ideal for families seeking privacy and space to roam.
Camping: For adventurous families, there are several campgrounds on Bruny Island where you can experience starry skies and toasted marshmallows.
Bruny Island is easy to reach. Drive around 40 minutes south of Hobart to Kettering, where you’ll board the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry. The crossing takes 15 minutes, and vehicle-only fares can be pre-booked online to save time. Check the LetsGoKids on Android or iOS for an exclusive discount on the ferry crossing.
With scenic views, fresh Tasmanian produce, and endless ways to connect as a family, Bruny Island is the ideal weekend destination. Whether you're feeding wallabies, hiking through ancient rainforest, or just enjoying each other’s company over an ice cream, these are the kinds of memories your family will treasure forever.
