Cape Bruny Lighthouse
- August 15, 2026
A short, easy walk to Australia"s second-oldest lighthouse, perched high above the Southern Ocean at the southern tip of Bruny…
The climb to Truganini Lookout on Bruny Island’s narrow isthmus, known as The Neck, is short but steep — 279 timber steps leading to a lookout and memorial honouring Truganini and the Nuenonne people. From the top, the reward is a spectacular 360-degree view across the sandy tombolo connecting North and South Bruny Island, with water stretching away on both sides. Visit around dusk between September and February and the area becomes even more special, with little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters returning to their burrows near the base of the steps.
| Location | The Neck, Bruny Island, Tasmania |
| Distance | Approximately 300 metres return |
| Time | Approximately 10–15 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy–Medium |
| Track Type | Return via 279 timber steps to a single lookout |
| Track Surface | Timber staircase throughout |
| Children | Yes – with supervision |
| Dogs | Restrictions apply around the rookery during penguin nesting season |
| Best Time | Clear days for views; dusk from September to February for penguins and shearwaters |
See also:
The entire walk consists of a single flight of timber steps climbing from the car park to the lookout platform. There is no navigation involved and no rough bush track to negotiate — just a steady climb up 279 steps. The staircase is well formed, but the number of steps means the short walk still provides a surprisingly solid workout, especially on the way up.
Truganini Lookout is rated Easy–Medium.
The distance is very short, but the continuous staircase makes it more physically demanding than a flat lookout walk. Most visitors will manage it comfortably if they take their time.
The lookout includes a memorial to Truganini and the Nuenonne people, the traditional owners of lunawanna-alonnah (Bruny Island). Interpretive information at the site provides historical context and encourages visitors to reflect on the island’s Aboriginal heritage as well as its natural beauty.
The view from the top is one of the most recognisable sights on Bruny Island. From the lookout, you can see the full sweep of The Neck — the narrow sandy isthmus joining North and South Bruny — with the ocean stretching away on both sides. On a clear day, the elevated position gives you a remarkable sense of the island’s geography.
At the base of the steps, boardwalks and viewing platforms overlook one of Bruny Island’s best-known colonies of little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. During the warmer months, birds return from the sea around dusk and make their way toward burrows among the dunes. Watching quietly from the designated platforms is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences available on Bruny Island.
⚠️ The walk is short, but care is still required.
Yes, with supervision. The route is straightforward and short, but the 279 steps can be tiring for younger children. Children should also be kept close near the lookout and taught to remain quiet around the penguin and shearwater viewing areas.
Dogs may be subject to restrictions at The Neck, particularly around the penguin and shearwater rookery during the nesting season. If travelling with a dog, check current local signage and requirements before entering the rookery area, and keep pets well away from nesting birds.
Truganini Lookout is located at The Neck on Bruny Island. From Hobart, drive south to Kettering, approximately 40 minutes away, and take the Bruny Island vehicle ferry across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to Roberts Point. From the ferry terminal, follow the main road south toward South Bruny. The signposted car park for Truganini Lookout is at The Neck, around 20 minutes from the ferry terminal.
Facilities at The Neck include:
Few walks in Tasmania offer such a big reward for such a short distance. In around 10 to 15 minutes, you can climb above one of Bruny Island’s most distinctive landscapes and look directly along the narrow isthmus linking the island’s northern and southern halves. The memorial and Aboriginal history add important cultural context, while the nearby penguin and shearwater colony gives visitors another compelling reason to return at dusk.
For first-time visitors to Bruny Island, Truganini Lookout is one of those stops that simply shouldn’t be missed.
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