by Mickey Jarvis | Nov 19, 2024 | Uncategorized
Bruny Island is a large island situated south of Hobart. The only way to access the island is via a ferry from Kettering (unless you have your own boat). The cost is about $60 which gets you there and back.
The original people were the Nuenonne who called the island Lunawannalonna. Their name was later used to create the names of the towns – Lunawanna and Alonnah.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Nuenonne people inhabited the Island, part of the larger Southeast Tasmanian Aboriginal nation for over 34,000 years, the Nuenonne lived in harmony with the island’s diverse ecosystem, relying on its abundant resources for sustenance and spiritual connection. Their deep knowledge of the land, sea, and skies enabled them to thrive in this rugged island environment.
The Nuenonne people expressed their cultural identity through art, storytelling, and ceremonial practices. Intricate rock carvings and cave paintings adorn the island’s hidden corners, capturing the essence of their beliefs and daily life. Stories and oral traditions were passed down through generations, preserving the history and wisdom of their ancestors. You should never interfere with any of these places or objects as they are sacred to the original people – look but do not touch!
Bruny Island was eventually inhabited by ‘white’ settlers and this was the start of their downfall.
1642 Abel Tasman was the first recorded European to sight the island.
1773 Tobias Furneaux was the first British explorer to reach the island and anchored at Adventure Bay (named after his ship).
1777 James Cook’s two ships, the Resolution and Discovery stayed in the bay area for two days.
1792 Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, the island is named after the French explorer, who discovered it to be an island and named it Bruni Island.
1918 the spelling was changed to Bruny.
North Bruny Island is quite different from South Bruny Island. The north has open pastures and light bushland and is known to be drier than the south. The south is heavily timbered, hilly and has sections of rainforest.
by Mickey Jarvis | Nov 13, 2024 | Bruny Island
Bruny Island | Hazard Rating: 2-3/10 | Parking: Good + close | Faces: South East into Adventure Bay | Length: 3 km
Original People: Nuenonne | Original Name: lunawannalonna (Bruny Island).
Information and review
Adventure Bay Beach on the east coast of Bruny Island is an incredible beach that has won many top awards. You can swim, paddle, walk and fish at a beach with spectacular views and many access points along its length (with parking).
At the north end is ‘Quiet Corner’, a popular part of the beach with its own small protected beach hidden away and often used by locals.
A shop, eating places, toilets and BBQ are situated mid-beach.
Further south is a freshwater creek (Captain Cook Creek) that feeds into the beach and is good for swimming and fishing. Captain Cook Holiday Park which has cabins, caravans and camping and is near the beach on the opposite side of the road. Don’t forget the Raspberry Farm open in season.
A jetty at the south end is popular for fishing and boat access. Further east is another small beach which seems to have no name but also has a boat ramp, a small private beach and Pennicott Tours for incredible boat tours.
Originally named by European explorer Abel Tasman in 1642 as Storm Bay, later renamed by Captain Tobias Furneaux in March 1773 in honour of his ship HMS Adventure. Cook later anchored there in 1777.
Having spent a lot of time here I can say it is an ideal beach and area to spend time at – steeped in history and not too commercial, mind you everything is named Cook something even though he was not the first, or second or …?
Named as the 5th best beach in Australia in 2023 by Tourism Australia.
by Mickey Jarvis | Nov 24, 2024 | Bruny Island, Low Hazard
Bruny Island | Hazard Rating: 2/10 | Parking: Good + close | Faces: West | Length: 1.1 km
Original People: Nuenonne | Original Name: lunawannalonna (Bruny Island)
Information and review
Alonnah Beach is situated close to Bruny Island Main Road. This is a beach you could swim and spend time at – but there are better choices not far away – e.g. Adventure Bay. A small car park at Reef Track on the south end is the best place for access. The name comes from part of the Aboriginal name for Bruny Island – lunawannalonna.
Close to shops, Hotel Bruny and other facilities. Views of Satellite Island.
by Mickey Jarvis | Oct 17, 2024 | Best
Bellerive Beach. A great beach and fun park combined with excellent facilities including BBQ areas. This is an ideal location for kids and birthday parties and caters well for people with disabilities.
by Mickey Jarvis | Oct 19, 2024 | Best
Cockle Creek: Voted 3rd best beach in Australia by the Tourism Council in 2024. Secluded with great camping facilities.
