This picturesque island is off the east coast of Tasmania and just a 50 minute drive from Hobart to Kettering where a car ferry leaves at regular intervals each day. The island offers diverse scenery - idyllic bays and unspoilt beaches, calm boat moorings and pleasant farmland. Every turn along the way presents a pretty view and it is worthwhile to stop at the narrow neck between Isthmus bay and Adventure Bay, to climb the Big Hummock for breathtaking views of the island in all directions.

The Bruny Island cruise is a chance to "experience the awesome power of the mighty Southern Ocean, wave carved sea stacks, remote islands, beaches and bays, kelp forests, towering cliffs and the deep sea caves of the South Bruny National Park" -guide.

Four small purpose-built yellow boats (nicknamed 4WDs of the sea) are equipped to cruise in all weather, every day of the year. These boats leave from their depot and visitor centre at Adventure Bay and have forward tiered seating, a canopy and are supplied with seat belts and wet-weather jackets for all passengers. The crew share a deep love for and knowledge of the ocean and coast. We were advised to watch for whales such as the Southern Right and Humpbacks, seabird feeding frenzies, Petrels, Diving Gannets and Shearwaters.

I really did not think I had very many presentable photos at all. They could have been far better but you sit along seats, strapped in safely, the boat rocks and bumps (exciting) and if, like me, you are in the middle of a row, there are other heads and cameras all jostling for pics. There are just a couple of stops when those on board are allowed to stand up and go to the rails but, as you cam imagine, much jostling for position! I was unable to adjust my lens for some wonderful close encounters but never mind - next time!?!

A second visit in 2018 for just 2 nights was to do the island cruise again with Philip but although, sadly, the cruise was cancelled due to poor conditions we enjoyed a farmstay, exploring by car and walking and the wonderful pure foods produced on the island.

We had a brief earlier visit for a day in 2010. See my blog post.