Grass Point Track – Bruny Island

Easy Coastal Walking, Whaling History and Wildlife Views

The Grass Point Track is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in South Bruny National Park, combining beautiful Adventure Bay scenery with coastal grassland, wildlife opportunities and the remains of Bruny Island’s nineteenth-century whaling industry. Starting from East Cove at the southern end of Adventure Bay, the track follows the coastline on a mostly flat and well-formed path to Grass Point. It is particularly well suited to families and less experienced walkers, while still offering enough scenery and history to make it worthwhile for regular bushwalkers.

Walk Overview

Terrain

The walk begins from the small car park at East Cove in Adventure Bay. From the car park, walkers first cross a short section of beach before turning onto the formed coastal track. The route remains relatively flat as it follows the shoreline through open grassland and coastal vegetation. Most of the surface is firm and straightforward, although Parks & Wildlife Service notes that there are some boulder-strewn sections shortly before reaching Grass Point. There are no long climbs or steep mountain sections, making this one of the more relaxed walks in South Bruny National Park.

Difficulty

Grass Point is rated Grade 2.

The track is suitable for most ages and experience levels. It is largely flat and well formed, with only occasional uneven or rocky sections. Children should be supervised around the boulder-strewn areas near Grass Point.

Walk Highlights

Adventure Bay

The walk begins beside beautiful Adventure Bay, one of Bruny Island’s best-known coastal locations. The sheltered bay, sandy beach and surrounding hills make for an attractive start before the track leaves the beach and follows the coast toward Grass Point.

Old Whaling Station Remains

At Grass Point, walkers can see the remains of structures associated with Bruny Island’s former bay-whaling industry. These ruins provide a fascinating historical element to the walk and are a reminder of the period when whaling formed an important part of the local economy. Interpret the remains carefully and leave all historic material where you find it.

Penguin Island and the Gulch

A little farther beyond Grass Point is a gulch separating the point from Penguin Island. This section of coastline adds extra visual interest and provides a good turnaround area before retracing your steps to Adventure Bay.

Whale Watching

The coastline around Grass Point can also be a good place to watch for migrating southern right whales. Parks & Wildlife Service notes that whales may be seen heading north between roughly June and September, and returning south from September into late October. Bring binoculars during migration season and scan the water regularly rather than expecting whales to remain close to shore.

Wildlife

South Bruny National Park is rich in wildlife, and Grass Point is a good place to keep watch for birds and mammals.

Species found around South Bruny include:

• White wallabies
• Pademelons
• Echidnas
• Wombats
• Brush-tailed possums
• Sea eagles and other coastal birds

Wildlife is often more active early in the morning and toward dusk.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• Light waterproof jacket
• Drinking water
• Sun protection
• Binoculars during whale migration season
• Camera or phone for the coastal scenery

Safety

Is the Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. Grass Point is one of the better family walks in South Bruny National Park and is officially described as suitable for family groups and less experienced walkers. The track is mostly flat, although younger children should be supervised carefully around the occasional rocky sections near Grass Point.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Grass Point is inside South Bruny National Park, so dogs and other pets are not permitted.

Getting There

Grass Point begins from a small car park at East Cove, Adventure Bay.

Bruny Island is reached by vehicle and passenger ferry from Kettering, approximately 40 minutes south of Hobart. The ferry crossing to Roberts Point takes around 15 minutes. From Roberts Point, drive south along Lennon Road and Bruny Island Main Road before turning onto Adventure Bay Road. Continue to the end of Adventure Bay Road. Parks & Wildlife Service advises that the drive from the ferry terminal to the walk takes approximately 40 minutes.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the Grass Point car park or along the walking track. Public toilets are available at Adventure Bay Hall beside the local shop, so it is worth stopping there before heading to the trailhead.

Extend the Walk to Fluted Cape

Grass Point is also the easier first section of the much more demanding Fluted Cape Walk. From Grass Point, experienced walkers can continue around the headland onto the Grade 4 Fluted Cape circuit, which involves steep climbing and exposed cliff terrain. If you’re simply looking for an easy coastal outing, turn around at Grass Point and retrace your steps to Adventure Bay.

Why Walk the Grass Point Track?

Grass Point is an excellent example of how a relatively easy walk can still offer plenty of interest. In around 90 minutes, you can walk beside Adventure Bay, enjoy open coastal scenery, explore traces of Bruny Island’s whaling history and keep watch for whales and native wildlife. It is also a particularly good choice for families, less experienced walkers or visitors who want something gentler than the steep Fluted Cape circuit.

For an easy introduction to South Bruny National Park, Grass Point is hard to beat.