The Neck Campground (Bruny Island)

The Neck Campground sits on the narrow sandy isthmus that connects North and South Bruny Island, about 40 kilometres from Hobart via the Kettering car ferry. The camping area is tucked behind sand dunes at the southern end of the beach, offering sheltered, flat sites among trees with easy access to Neck Beach just 20 metres away. It suits tents, caravans, and campervans, and is fully accessible by 2WD.

Facilities are minimal. Pit toilets are provided along with non-treated tank water on a seasonal basis, though you should bring your own drinking water as a precaution. There are no showers, no power, and no rubbish collection, so pack everything out. Campfires are permitted in designated fireplaces outside of fire restriction periods, but collecting firewood from the reserve is not allowed, so bring your own. The campground sits within the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve, outside the boundaries of South Bruny National Park, so a Parks Pass is not required for camping. Camping fees apply (around $10 per couple), payable by cash at the self-registration box. No bookings are taken. Dogs are not permitted. The campground is extremely popular over Christmas, Easter, and school holidays, so arriving early is essential during peak periods.

The real highlight here is the wildlife. The Neck is home to breeding colonies of little penguins (fairy penguins) and short-tailed shearwaters that nest in burrows beneath the sand dunes. At dusk between September and February, you can watch groups of penguins waddle up the beach and shearwaters glide in from the sea. The famous Neck lookout, reached via a 300-step boardwalk, delivers 360-degree views across Adventure Bay to the east and Isthmus Bay to the west. From this base you can explore the rest of Bruny Island, including South Bruny National Park, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the Bruny Island Cheese Company.