Home to some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and stunning cliff top views, Bruny Island is about 50 km long. It appears to be two islands with North and South Bruny joined by a narrow strip of land called The Neck.
To access Bruny Island, drive around a 35-min south of Hobart before taking a 20-min crossing on vehicular ferry from Kettering. The service runs seven days a week.
To get some elevated perspective on the island, head to the lookout at the Neck for views that are spectacular for sunrise and are met with gorgeous penguins after sunset as they come to the rookery to rest for the night.
The Hotel

Nestled amongst the bushlands of Bruny Island you will find the eco-friendly and sustainable Free Spirit Pods. The luxurious eco-pods are situated on the waterfront with beautiful views of Quarantine Bay and set on eight acres to enjoy and explore. The open-plan studio-pods, Flying Duck and Blue Wren, feature double glazed floor to ceiling bi-fold doors leading onto your spacious private deck. Each pod sleeps two adults and has room available for a couple of kids.
There are plenty of hikes and walks right from your doorstep at Free Spirit Pods. Take a picnic lunch down to the water and have a swim or kayak. If you are looking for a fuller day tour, jump on Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for their Bruny Island Cruise, which explores the rugged coastline of Bruny Island. It takes in some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, towering crags and pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’ and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. You can expect to see some coastal wildlife too, such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds.
At night, enjoy a drink on the back deck or sit around the campfire in the dedicated fire pit area. You will find some friendly locals, pademelons, will come to visit at night and there is even a feeding platform where you can give them an evening meal. You will really feel disconnected and out in the wilderness.
The Rooms

The rooms have their own unique character and you will find them very colourful. There is everything you need to make you feel right at home, right down to life jackets and picnic gear in case you want to go explore by kayak or lunch down on the beach. In winter, stay warm with an eco-fire place that uses recycled wood pellets. The bathroom even has heated floors for the really chilly winter nights.
Sit in the reading nook and choose from a selection of books or relax on the back deck and just watch the wildlife come out to play. These eco-pods really have a cosy feel, you will never want to leave.
The Dining

At Free Spirit Pods, it is self-catering so you can bring all your own supplies and utilize the kitchen in your pod. In the evening, settle down with a glass of wine and cook up homemade woodfire pizza’s in the pizza oven before sitting around the campfire and enjoy a spot of stargazing. Make sure you order your breakfast pack or evening dinner meal prior to arrival.
The Details

Address: 2021 Free Spirit Pods. Davis Rd, North Bruny TAS 7150
Phone Number: 0408 821 468
Website: freespiritpods.com
Disclosure: The writer stayed at Free Spirit Pods with assistance from Free Spirit Pods.