By David Bowden

WHILE Tasmania is an island in one of the remotest parts of the world, there are even a few smaller islands surrounding the coastline of Australia's smallest state. One of them is Bruny Island and while it maybe physically small, it packs a big punch when it comes to remote adventure activities.

Passing the sheer cliff of the island

Championing the island's push into the world of nature-based tourism is Bruny Island Charters.

A sizable chunk of the island is protected as national parks like the South Bruny National Park. The 5,059ha park features a dramatic coastline, stunning scenery, sea cliffs, sandy beaches and peaceful walking trails.

While aborigines lived here for thousands of years (their descendants still do), Bruny Island was "discovered" by Europeans almost 370 years ago. Abel Tasman noted that the island with 300km of coastline consisted of two distinct landmasses connected by a narrow isthmus.

Tasman Sea Meets Southern Ocean

One of the best ways to discover the island's natural beauty is to head off on an eco journey with Bruny Island Charters. Your host on the three-hour trip will most likely be the owner Rob Pennicott who takes a no-nonsense but fun approach to explaining things in a way that all visitors can understand.

His crew has all been carefully selected as well and it's obvious that they enjoy heading out to sea everyday. Rob used to be a fisherman and there's not too much he doesn't understand about the often wild waters off Bruny Island.
As the two 42-seater boats head out of the tranquil waters of Adventure Bay, the crew members brief everyone on safety procedures and what's in store for the 50km, three-hour journey. While the delivery appears light-hearted, the crew is very professional in their approach and safety is paramount in waters where few boats venture.

The last signs of civilisation disappear as the boats pass Penguin Island. For the next three hours, it's you, the two boats and the wild waters of the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean.

As the boats turn south, the first chilly winds from the Southern Ocean made most passengers onboard to layer themselves with the additional warm clothing and wet weather gear that the boat carries.

Within minutes, vertical basalt cliffs loom to starboard and the second boat in our flotilla looks like a piece of flotsam rising up and down with the swell. They call it an eco tour as it's an encounter with nature. As the waves crash against the base of the cliffs, one realises just how insignificant we are against these mighty natural forces.

The boats edge closer to the rocks for a detailed inspection of various geological features such as blowholes, bluffs and sea caves that line the coast. The adventure really goes into overdrive as the boatman manoeuvres the vessel at full throttle through a narrow gap formed by a stack lying just off the cliff face.

Australian fur seals off Bruny Island

Sunning Seals

The "ooh"s and aahs" continue as the boat is swung around for another go, but this time a little faster. After each boat makes three passes, everyone is fully satisfied and prepared for an encounter with the wilds of the Southern Ocean and the Australian fur seal colony on Friar's Rocks at the southern tip of the island.

Chances are you will smell the colony of seals that live around Friar Rocks before you see or hear them. They emit a rather organic and earthy aroma that leaves a lasting memory for most visitors. But with adversity, there's the joy of eyeballing these majestic marine monsters sunning themselves on the exposed crags. They appear completely unbothered as the boats approach and everybody starts "shooting" them. Naturally, shooting them these days involves cameras and videos.

There are few places in the world where completely natural encounters like this are possible and it's interesting that more and more travellers seek these experiences while on holidays. Tasmania is one of the best locations in the world for such wildlife experiences in nature.

On the return journey, our boat skimmed the crests of the rolling swell much to the delight of all onboard. We spotted many seabirds including albatross, seagull, eagles, gannet, petrel and shearwater. While we didn't see penguins, southern right whales, sharks and dolphins, our guide explained that some groups have made such sightings before.

A house standing next to Bruny Island Cheese Company

Island Attractions

It would be a shame to travel all the way to Bruny Island just for the natural encounter. Back on the land, there are several other attractions worth visiting including Bruny Island Cheese Company which is on the Main Road at Great Bay.

Nick Haddow is the cheese maker who brings with him the skills he has acquired in his travels to France, Italy, UK and Spain. His artisan-made products include the pungent "1972" matured in aromatic local Huon Pine.

How To Get There

Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com) flies daily to Melbourne and from here, there are several flights per day to Hobart, the Tasmanian capital on Jetstar (www. jetstar.com).

Kettering is 40-minute's drive from Hobart and it's best to hire a car from reliable companies like Hertz (Tel: +603 8787 4572, www.hertz.com) before you depart Kuala Lumpur to ensure good rates and efficient car collection from the Hertz Office at Hobart Airport.

At Kettering, catch the ferry to Bruny Island and then drive another 30 minutes to the boat departure at Adventure Bay. The company also offers departures from Hobart and Kettering with bus connections to Adventure Bay.

Where To Stay

Most visitors to Bruny Island go on day visits using Hobart as a base. Some recommended hotels in Hobart are The Islington (www.islingtonhotel.com), the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel (www.oldwoolstore.com.au) or the historic designer hotel, The Henry Jones Art Hotel (www.thehenryjones.com).

Comfortable lodges and villas are also available on Bruny Island. Check out The Lookout (e-mail: mshattoc@bigpond.net.au) or Barnes Bay Villa (www.barnesbayvilla.com).

Bruny Bay At Cost

While Australian prices have risen with exchange rate fluctuations, there are still many things to see at competitive rates. Costs for the eco adventure on Bruny Island range from RM300 for adults, RM160 for kids or RM900 for families (two adults and three kids).

Don't Miss

Bruny Island Cheese Company (www.brunyislandcheese.com.au), a walk up the hill for a scenic view of Adventure Bay and penguin rookery, and the delicious warming snacks served in the Bruny Islands Charters Cafe.

Contact

Contact Bruny Island Charters (www.brunycharters.com.au) or get specific travel information about the island at www.brunyisland.net.au.

For general travel information about other destinations in Tasmania, contact Tasmania Tourism (Tel: +02 6894 3260, www.discovertasmania.com).