SeaLink Marine & Tourism, Media Release, 20 April 2026

Bruny Island, off the coast of southern Tasmania, continues to attract birdwatchers from around the world. Its diverse habitats and rich birdlife offer unique year-round experiences, but winter reveals a quieter, more immersive side. Crisp air, dramatic coastal scenery, and fewer crowds create the perfect setting to slow down whether you’re drawn by birdlife or simply seeking Tasmania’s relaxed winter charm.

Accessible via SeaLink Bruny Island’s ferry from Kettering, the island is renowned for its concentration of rare and endemic species. In winter, the still landscapes and fewer visitors create ideal conditions for birdwatching, especially for dedicated “twitchers” seeking elusive sightings.

SeaLink Bruny Island General Manager Simon Tamlyn highlights winter’s unique appeal: “Bruny Island offers something special in winter. For birdwatchers, it’s a chance to encounter rare species in a quieter setting. For visitors, Winter is a chance to slow down and take in everything the island has to offer from a different cooler perspective,” he said.

Interest in Bruny Island was recently amplified by the March Bruny Island Bird Festival, a biennial event celebrating the island’s remarkable birdlife. Bruny is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 150 species, including all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic birds: an extraordinary concentration in one accessible location.

Among the highlights is the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote, one of Australia’s rarest birds, for which Bruny Island is a critical habitat. Birdwatchers may also spot the Swift Parrot or the White-bellied Sea Eagle. Winter, however, provides a special chance to spot elusive species. In the stillness, you may glimpse the Tasmanian Scrubwren or Green Rosella in the undergrowth, or the striking Pink Robin in sheltered forests. Wetlands might reveal Black-faced Cormorants, Australian Wood Ducks, or shorebirds like the Sooty Oystercatcher.

Beyond birdlife, Bruny Island delivers a distinct Tasmanian winter escape. Visitors can explore rugged coastlines, sample seasonal produce, or warm up at a boutique distillery with locally crafted whiskey by the fire.

“With fewer crowds and a strong connection to nature, winter is an ideal time to visit and experience Bruny Island from a different perspective,” Mr Tamlyn added.

As nature-based travel continues to grow, SeaLink Bruny Island connects visitors with one of Australia’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations, offering world-class birdlife alongside a truly Tasmanian winter escape.

For more information on Bruny Island, visit www.sealink.com.au.