If there’s one experience that truly captures the wild spirit of Southern Tasmania, it’s a Bruny Island wilderness cruise. This isn’t an average sightseeing tour – it’s a plunge into a world of towering sea stacks, jagged crags and some of the tallest sea cliffs of the Southern Hemisphere, where you’ll be bracing the Antarctic breeze as you come face-to-face with Bruny’s legends.
From the comfort of a custom-built vessel with tiered seating, you get to enjoy these unbeatable views. We’re talking spectacular dolerite formations like The Monument, the almighty ‘Breathing Rock’ and spooky skeletal trees still standing from the tragic 1967 bushfires — up-close sights you simply cannot access from the standard ferry ride.
So, buckle up because we’re diving into the top sights that make a Bruny Island wilderness cruise a bucket-list Tassie experience.
The Breathing Rock
Essentially a sea cave in the sea cliffs, the Breathing Rock is a natural spectacle that combines the ocean rhythm and raw geological power. A natural coastal blowhole, it has an interesting shape like an ‘A’ and creates a breathing-like sound. It also lets off a mighty water spout about once every minute. The sound is created when water and air get drawn in and then, when a wave crashes into the narrow opening, the trapped water and compressed air is pushed out in a powerful spray. Its great exhalations, shaped by tide and time, have made it a favourite sight from the many day trips from Hobart among locals and visitors alike.
The Monument
While the name makes it sound vague and unspecific, The Monument is a Bruny Island coastal landmark. However, this ancient dolerite sea stack is not visible from the shore. Located in South Bruny National Park, a wilderness cruise allows you to pass right through the narrow gaps between these towering cliffs and The Monument, giving you cinematic photo moments. The scale and the thrill it gives makes it a reminder of nature’s grandeur.
Abundant Wildlife
As your Bruny Island wilderness cruise carries you past a smattering of jagged islands, you might notice an odd smell... Don’t worry, it’s just the slippery seals! Lazing on the many ledges of the islands, they may occasionally stir to deign a cursory look upon passing boats. Friendlier wildlife around Bruny Island you’ll see on the way are the chittering dolphins – a view that makes the trip truly worth the biting cold!
Little penguins, cormorants and shy albatrosses are sea birds you are likely to see on your cruise. Sea eagles and falcons might be spotted along the high cliffs if you look hard enough, and depending on when you visit, you may even spot various migratory birds.
Seasonal Sighting of Migrating Whales
If you’re big on whales, then Bruny Island cruises are a great option to catch sight of the migrating whales. Seen during the two migration periods of May to July and September to December, you’ll be able to spot the majestic Humpback Whales and possibly the Southern Right Whales, too. You can improve your chances of whale spotting by cruising during these migratory periods. Don’t forget to grab your waterproof cameras as the pics you’ll get of these sea giants against the dramatic, rocky scenery are going to be spectacular.
So, is a Bruny Island wilderness cruise worth it?
Absolutely! The scale of the dolerite cliffs and the closeness of the wildlife encounters make this a world-class experience despite the icy breeze. Add in a lucky encounter of migrating whales and you have the cherry on top of an already spectacular journey through the Southern Ocean. You don't just see a coastline; you feel its sheer might and pure grandeur.
