Bruny Island (Long Weekend) Reviews

It’s been a long time since I’ve done an overnight walk so I count myself as a newbie. The walk was challenging in parts but thoroughly enjoyable. The guides were fantastic – reminding us when to layer up after a hill climb or layer down before a climb with the motto “Be Bold – Start Cold”. They took breaks as necessary for the group and were a wealth read more of knowledge along the way. One of my favourite “wow” moments was when we got to the top of a hill on the first day and they whipped a gas burner and coffee pot out of their packs! Exactly what we needed – a freshly brewed coffee sitting on top of the hill admiring one of those gorgeous Bruny Island views! This was a regular feature each day of the walk.

The guides worked hard – guiding and looking after us through the day on the trails, then cooking amazing, fresh and delicious meals for us in the evening (and pouring our wine!). The evenings consisted of a cheese board and drinks to start, followed by a three course dinner which was cooked freshly in the well equipped camp kitchen, overlooked by us!

Our glamping tents were very comfortable with fresh linen bedding and comfy beds at the end of the long day. Hot water showers were always available (a short walk away) and the loo with a view at the camp was quirky - watching the pademelons going about their business through the huge window!

I loved this trip and can’t wait to book another one. Tas Walking Co were fabulous and I would highly recommend them.

I loved this trip. It was my first walking holiday and a great introduction. From the moment we met our guides in a lovely café in Hobart they showed themselves to both friendly and welcoming and incredibly well informed on the local environment, flora and fauna of Tasmania and Bruny Island.

There were highlights aplenty. The boat ride to Bruny read more was exhilarating in itself but we were cosy under fleece lined waterproof ponchos, On arrival at Bruny, we picked up our packed lunches (delicious) and were off on our first walk taking in stunning scenery and stopping at a gorgeous spot for lunch where our guides took out the camping stove and made freshly brewed coffee! What a welcome treat in the chilly weather. This level of care and service from our guides was prominent throughout the weekend. When out and about, they were mindful of the elements, suggesting when we might want to add a layer or remove a layer depending on the circumstances and when we were at camp they were right there making sure we were well fed and watered.

I’m no camper, but it turns out I can do this type of camping – real, comfortable beds, hot showers and beautiful and tranquil surroundings. The food was amazing – in addition to the many talents of our guides, they were also fantastic cooks and hosts. Almost everything we ate was local, plentiful, and delicious.

I particularly loved trying Bruny Island oysters on the beach shucked straight from the sea with a squeeze of lemon, a very quick dip in a very cold Southern Ocean after a long day of walking and our silent decent down Mt Mangana taking in the sounds of the rainforest around us.

I would highly recommend the Tasmanian Walking Company and am very much looking forward to trying another walk soon. If you’re a beginner like me, read their gear list – it is sensible and pertinent. Our guides enthusiasm and love for their environment was contagious and wonderful to see.

The trip was filled with beautiful views, and having a great group to chat and laugh with around the dining table in the evening was a highlight. I appreciated the opportunity to walk alone a bit, take in the scenery, and enjoy the quiet. However, I wouldn’t classify the hike as easy, especially for a first-time hiker. It felt more moderate in difficulty.