Bruny Island, Tasmania

After having such a great time on Maria Island, we were looking forward to exploring Bruny Island, just south of Hobart.  We carefully set the clocks forward an hour for daylight savings so that we could get up early enough to catch the 9 am ferry.  Then I woke up in the middle of the night and realised it was actually fall back, and all of a sudden we had two more hours of sleep.

We drove an hour and a half from Orford to the ferry, paid the fare, and pulled right on to the boat.  It was a quick 15 minute ride over, and then we set off to explore the island.  We started on the north side, where there are only dirt roads.  It was a scenic drive around the top, the only town up there is little tiny and it seemed like everyone in the town was out enjoying Easter Sunday.  

Then we headed south back to the pavement and the south part of the island.  We stopped at the Bruny Island Cheese Co and shared a nice cheese platter.  Then we headed around the East Coast of the Island.  The island was very busy, not quite the peaceful little place we had been hoping for.  We stopped at one point to explore a pretty beach and to have a break from all the people and cars.  Then I pulled a Weflen and directed Phil to take the dirt road across the island.  You see, as a Weflen, there's never a dirt road we aren't tempted to take, regardless of the location or capabilities of the car. I just can't help it, it's genetics.  This dirt road was like no dirt I've ever been on.  According to the map it was a main road, but it was covered in giant potholes that were so numerous they were tricky to dodge.  The first half of the winding road went up the hill.  Somehow, we made it.  Then it was downhill.  We passed one car the entire way.  Clearly this was not the road most people took.  

Crazy mushrooms along the side of the road

Pretty, quiet beach

Crazy dirt road

We finally made it to the other side and out destination for lunch, Bruny Island Premium Wines.  We grabbed a seat to enjoy the seafood chowder and some drinks.  Though it was very busy, it was a welcome reprieve from the crazy road.  At this point we were pretty much done with the island and started heading back to the ferry.  We did stop to check out The Neck, the isthmus connecting the north and south parts of the island.  There are stairs you can climb to the top of the hill that give a good view of both sides of the water.  We also stopped at Get Shucked, the local oyster farm.  Phil enjoyed a sampler plate while I snacked on some local fudge.  We got back to the ferry but had to wait a bit for the next one.  Meanwhile it had started raining, so it was a good time to be heading back.

Bruny Island Premium Wines

The Neck

Phil with his oysters

Boarding the ferry

Overall, we were not impressed with Bruny Island.  We have seen so many other great places in Tasmania, but this one seemed overhyped and overrun with people.  I think it was too easy for the masses to get to.  

Sunset back in Hobart

The following day we had some time before our flight back so we went to Richmond for breakfast.  It's a really cute little town near Hobart with a great woodshop and the oldest bridge in Tasmania.  Then we explored the MONA  - the Museum of Old and New Art.  Just as Phil suspected, apparently I don't like modern art.  He enjoyed it, and I enjoyed the beautiful winery outside with leaves of all different colours.  

Scones in Richmond

Amazing autumn colours at the MONA

We crammed a lot into a long weekend, and it was good to explore some more of Tasmania.  I think next year we'll do a trip back to explore more of the North East region.