The Bruny Island Ferry does not operate every day and occasionally cancels during strong winds or rough seas. Check the schedule ahead and have a backup plan if your ferry is cancelled.
There are no veterinary services on Bruny Island. If your dog becomes seriously ill or injured, you must return to the mainland immediately or contact the Kettering vet clinic for emergency advice.
Getting your dog on the Bruny Island ferry
The ferry from Kettering to Roberts Point takes around 30 minutes and welcomes dogs every single day. Your dog costs AU$15 for a return fare, which matches the cost of an adult ticket. You cannot travel with a dog without booking ahead, so ring the ferry company at least 24 hours before you plan to travel.
When you call to book, tell them you have a dog so they can note it on your reservation. The ferry staff need to know the size of your dog and whether your dog has travelled on water before. Nervous dogs sometimes struggle with the motion and sound, so mentioning this helps the crew prepare.
You can book online through the official Bruny Island Ferry website, which is faster than calling. The website asks for your dog's name and weight, information that helps with their planning. Summer school holidays fill up quickly, so book early if you are travelling during those periods.
Gear we would pack
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Pet-friendly stays on Booking.com
Browse hundreds of pet-friendly hotels, holiday homes, and B&Bs near Kettering and across Tasmania. Booking.com filters for dog-friendly properties, making it easy to find the right place before your Bruny Island ferry trip. Many properties offer special pet amenities and clear house rules for travelling with dogs.
What actually happens when you board with your dog
Arrive at the Kettering terminal 30 minutes before departure, just like you would without a pet. The staff will check your booking and ask to see your dog. They will direct you to a specific area of the ferry where dogs are permitted, usually a covered outdoor deck area.
Your dog must stay on a lead at all times during boarding and throughout the journey. The ferry can rock in choppy conditions, and loose dogs create safety risks for everyone. Most dogs settle after 10 minutes once they realise the motion is not frightening.
The ferry has basic toilets but no dog relief facilities, so take your dog out before boarding if possible. Some dogs cope fine with 30 minutes, while others get stressed. If your dog struggles with anxiety, ask the crew if you can stand near the exit where there's more fresh air and less engine noise.
Ferry rules and restrictions you need to know
Dogs cannot go below deck or into the enclosed cabin areas where other passengers sit. This is a safety and comfort rule for all travellers. Your dog stays with you on the outdoor decks, which means your dog experiences wind, spray, and noise.
You cannot leave your dog unattended while you go inside to buy food or use facilities. If you need to use the toilet, take your dog with you or ask a travel companion to watch your dog. The ferry company does not provide dog minding services, and staff cannot look after your pet while you are away.
Aggressive dogs or dogs showing signs of distress may be refused boarding. The ferry crew makes this call on the day, so if your dog has behavioural issues, discuss this with the booking team beforehand. Dogs in season should not travel, as this can upset other dogs on board and creates safety concerns in confined spaces.
Beach and walking rules once you arrive
Bruny Island has several gorgeous beaches, and most of them allow dogs year-round without restriction. The main beaches like Adventure Bay and Cloudy Bay have soft sand and shallow entry points, perfect for dogs learning to swim. During summer, some beaches get busy with families, so early morning walks keep things peaceful.
Always carry water bottles because Bruny Island has limited shops and no reticulated water at beaches. Your dog will get thirsty playing in salt water, and dehydration sneaks up fast. Bring a portable water bowl or cup so your dog can drink fresh water regularly.
Walking trails around Bruny Island are dog-friendly, though you should keep your dog on lead near wildlife. Bruny Island has lots of native birds and small marsupials, and off-lead dogs can chase and harm them. The coastal walks around Cape Bruny and Neck Beach offer stunning views without requiring long distance from the ferry terminal.
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs Over 8kgs
Bruny Island has wildlife and coastal environments where fleas and ticks thrive. A Seresto collar provides eight months of continuous protection without monthly applications, perfect for dogs spending extended time outdoors on beaches and in scrub areas. This is essential before travelling to remote island locations.
Planning your accommodation and facilities
Bruny Island has several pet-friendly accommodation options ranging from camping grounds to holiday houses. The Bruny Island Holiday Village accepts dogs in certain cabins for a small nightly fee, usually around AU$20. Alternatively, you can rent a private house through holiday rental platforms, which gives your dog more space and a garden.
Most accommodation providers request that you keep your dog in designated areas and do not leave dogs unattended in rooms. Letting your dog sleep outside overnight is not recommended because of foxes and other wildlife on the island. Many visitors spend one or two nights on Bruny, arriving on the morning ferry and leaving the next afternoon.
There are no veterinary clinics on Bruny Island, so if your dog gets injured or sick, you must return to the Hobart area or call the Kettering vet clinic for advice. Pack a pet first aid kit with supplies for minor cuts, splinters from shells, and upset stomachs from eating beach debris.
Pet-friendly holiday houses on Stayz
Stayz hosts thousands of pet-friendly holiday homes across Tasmania, including multiple properties on Bruny Island and nearby Kettering. Private houses give your dog more freedom than hotel rooms and often include gardens, kitchens, and space to settle. Filter by pet policy to find places that welcome dogs without restrictions.
What to pack for your dog's Bruny Island trip
Bring twice as much water as you think you will need because Bruny Island sun reflects off the sand and dehydrates dogs quickly. Pack a lightweight portable bowl that folds down small. Include treats and possibly a light lunch for your dog, though some holiday houses have kibble available.
Wear and tear happens on beaches, so bring booties if your dog has sensitive paws. Shell fragments, hot sand, and sharp rocks can cut paw pads. A doggy first aid kit should include saline solution, antiseptic, bandages, and tweezers for splinters.
Bring a towel or microfibre dog drying coat because your dog will get wet and sandy. Bruny Island can be windy even on warm days, and a wet dog gets cold quickly. A long lead gives your dog more freedom on quiet beaches while keeping control, and always bring waste bags because you must take all rubbish off the island.
K9 Natural Grain Free Freeze Dried Dog Food Lamb & Salmon 1.8kg
Freeze-dried dog food is lightweight and easy to pack for island trips where shops have limited stock. This grain-free option rehydrates with water and provides complete nutrition without taking up much luggage space. Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs who need consistent meals while travelling.
Tides, weather, and timing your visit
Bruny Island weather changes rapidly, so check the forecast before you travel and bring layers for your dog if needed. Winter seas get rough, and the ferry sometimes cancels sailings during strong winds. Summer is the busiest season, but autumn offers fewer crowds and still pleasant temperatures.
Tides affect beach access dramatically on Bruny Island. High tide can cut off access to some coves, so ask locals or check tide tables before planning a long beach walk. Low tide reveals rock pools full of starfish and other sea creatures, which dogs love to investigate but can hurt their eyes and paws.
The ferry operates year-round except for maintenance days, which the company announces weeks ahead. If you are planning a specific date, check the ferry schedule online first. Storms occasionally strand visitors overnight, so pack medications your dog needs and plan flexibility into your trip.
PitPat Dog GPS Tracker - No Subscription Needed
Bruny Island has areas with limited mobile reception and lots of wildlife, making a GPS tracker valuable for active dogs. This device requires no ongoing subscription and helps you locate your dog if they wander off during beach walks or coastal exploring. Peace of mind when travelling to remote areas.
Budget and costs for your dog-friendly visit
Ferry costs work out to AU$15 for your dog return, plus AU$20 to AU$30 for an adult ticket. Accommodation ranges from AU$80 per night in a shared cabin to AU$200 or more for a private house. Food and activities cost extra, but walking and beach time are free.
Many holiday houses on Bruny Island charge a pet fee of AU$15 to AU$30 per night, so factor this into your budget. Some places do not charge extra if your dog stays in your room and does not damage anything. Camping at Bruny Island Holiday Village costs around AU$40 to AU$60 per night plus the pet fee.
A weekend trip for two people and one dog costs roughly AU$300 to AU$500 including ferry, accommodation, and meals. This makes Bruny Island an affordable escape compared to mainland luxury resorts. Many Tasmanians do day trips, catching the morning ferry and returning by evening, which cuts costs to just ferry fares and lunch.
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