Bruny Island - What Makes it Such a Special Place?
Bruny Island - What Makes it Such a Special Place
?
I spent a most memorable day there recently.Here are just 10 of the many reasons why I think it is such a special place:
You can only get there by vehicular ferry
From Kettering (on the Tasmanian mainland), you get there via a 15 minute ride aboard the "Mirambeena", a vehicular ferry. I was pleasantly surprised that this was the only way for the general public to get there.How wonderful that even up to now, no one had erected a huge bridge over a mega-highway!
Delightful lack of over-development
It was terrific to see no tall buildings, tourist resorts, cafe lined streets or the like.While there are eateries on the island, they may not be open when you wish.In fact, it's best to have food and drink with you when travelling to the island. On a Sunday evening, just before catching the 7pm ferry back to the Tasmanian mainland, we tried, unsuccessfully, to find a restaurant serving dinner. In the end we had dinner in Kettering.
Inconvenient?Not at all.To me this is more evidence of the refreshing unspoilt-ness of Bruny Island!
Whaling history
Whaling was a booming industry back in the 1820s.On Bruny Island, a total of eight whaling stations once produced much of Tasmania's supply of whale oil.
Fortunes were made by men like Thomas Lucas and Thomas Mason.At Adventure Bay, you can still see the ruins of the whaling stations they built and operated.
As the whale population started to dwindle, the whaling industry collapsed.
It is estimated that between 1835 and 1839, 12,000 right whales were killed in Australian waters.The southern right whale almost became extinct.The creature is still endangered, but the population is slowly recovering.
Aboriginal history
Bruny Island is the birth-place of Truganini, a very special Aborigine.I was moved and inspired by the story of this famous Tasmanian.The Aboriginal people who lived in this area belonged to the "Nuenonne" band.It is estimated that there were about 70 people in this band.
Historical information is available around many places of interest on the island, as well as at the Bligh Museum in Adventure Bay and the History Room in Alonnah.
Dolorite cliffs
From Bruny Island you can join an eco-cruise and view dolorite cliffs for which the region is renowned.We were told that these dolorite wonders are rare. Tasmania is one of the few places they can be found, others being South America and South Africa.
Eco-cruise
The eco-cruise lasts two hours and brings you up close to many astonishing sights.For example:
natural sea caves and rock archways
Breathing Rock, a blowhole
Totem Pole, one of the many astounding rock formations
Cape Bruny and the lighthouse
Walks
There are many outstanding walks to choose from.On the Fluted Cape walk for example, you will find yourselves walking on some of the very same high cliffs you admired from the eco-cruise boat.Along the way, there are sign boards with information on the rich local Aboriginal history and whaling history.
Wildlife viewing
There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in their natural environment.At the Neck there is a penguin rookery.Along the beach you will see many water birds such as herons and pied oyster catchers.As you walk around the island, you will come across birds and white wallabies. On the eco-cruise you will pass seals, dolphins, even fish-seeking albatrosses and gannets.I could have stayed out there and watched the wildlife for hours.
Food and wine
I got the chance to sample the local produce - it was delicious.At the Berry Farm there are yummy berries and berry-themed treats like ice-cream, jams and sweets.At Australia's southernmost vineyard you can purchase tasty wines .You will also find other goodies on the island, such as cheese, fudge and oysters.And if you want to be able to say you've been to Australia's southernmost pub, then don't miss Hotel Bruny.
Inspiring Bruny Island people
We were told that there are about 60 local community groups actively working toward ensuring that their island and their lifestyle are preserved. For example, locals tried to buy up the land to keep it safe from potential over-development.
This is yet another reason why Bruny Island is so special. I am inspired by and appreciate all the people who work so hard to protect their island environment and their unique way of life.
Karen Breeden has more to share about the attractions of Tasmania, one of Australia's best kept secrets, at http://www.tasmania-attractions.com
Thassos, the emerald island The Magic Of The Tabarca Island Enjoying Island Cuisine On your Search for Fractional Property The Caribbean Island For An Unforgettable Getaway Visit Dauphin Island Big Island Dolphin Swim All about Yas Island Things to do on Yas Island Cruising around beautiful Galapagos Islands Vacation at Galapagos Island Bali Island - Pulau Dewata (Gods Island) Why You Should Hire a Long Island CPA Kythira the Greek island of Celestial Venus