Located and hour’s drive north-east of Newcastle, New South Wales, the Soldiers Point Marina is a popular tourist destination. Not only does it have excellent boat launching facilities, but has a modern marina, beach and restaurant.
We took a walk along Sunset Beach and enjoyed the views, we loved the boats and yachts moored in the water and on the beach. The marina has tables near the beach, where you are able to enjoy a rest while taking in the views. If you feel like exercising your brain, each table has a chess board and sets are available from the nearby cafe.
The marina has also installed a number of sculptures around the cafe and boats. All are located close together and easy to find with a slow walk around the moored boats.
Overall a great morning out, with a coffee, relaxing walk on the beach and some sculptures.
Sunset BeachSunset Beach Looking back at the marinaDingy on Sunset Beach Complimentary Chess at the outdoor diningThe Missing Link by Mike Van DamSea Borne humpback WhalesWe Ride Together in Love by Marc and GillieSummit aka The Thinking Man by Laurence EdwardsBubble and Squeak by Mike Van DamThe Table of Love by Gillie and MarcThe Brolgas by Willie Wildlife SculpturesPelican SculptureAnchorFlipper by Jay Sikora
The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise leaves from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. On arrival, park your car in the large carpark and make your way to the large building, where you check in and wait for the tour to start. From here, the guides will walk you to the boats tied up at a nearby pier.
What to Wear and Take
The weather in this part of Tasmania is very changeable, meaning that although it may be warm before you start, it may be cold or raining later. The tour recommends warm clothing, as the temperature out on the water may be cold. A waterproof jacket is provided, which is ankle length, but you may still get wet. We wore woollen jumpers and jackets, but still used the jackets provided. Gloves and something warm for your head, like a beanie and a scarf are also recommended.
There is room in the overhead nets for bags and backpacks to keep them dry, but anything on the floor will get wet. To avoid water damage photos are best taken when the boat stops. We kept cameras inside our jackets when not being used and they did not get wet.
Prior to the boat leaving the dock, the crew provide a safety briefing and distributed ginger seasick tablets. Fortunately, no one became sick during our cruise.
The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat
The Coastline
One of the main attractions for the cruise is the rugged coastline which provides a fantastic backdrop throughout the three hours you are on the water. Whether it is towering cliffs, blow holes, sea caves or arches, there was always something to look at. The boat stopped regularly, which allowed us to take pictures. Taking pictures while moving was impossible, as we moved too fast, and it was too bumpy and wet.
Cliffs
The towering dolerite cliffs dominate the coastline, throughout the trip, reminding you of how rugged the coastline is. One of the best sights is the monument, an eroded spire standing out of the sea watching over the coast.
Dolerite Cliff Face
Opening to a Sea Cave
The Monument
The Monument
Sea Caves and Blow Holes
Wave action has cut caves and fissures into the cliffs in many places, producing caves and blow holes. As the water enters the fissures and is forced out by air pressure, huge spouts of water erupt into the air. The boat got close enough so that we were often covered by the spray.
Blow Hole on a Cliff Face
Arches
Over time erosion around the sea caves turns them into arches. These look magnificent standing above the sea, with waves crashing around their base.
Arch in the Cliff Face
Arch in the Cliff Face
Islands
The Friars, several small islands are home to seals and sea birds. The tour takes you out to them, but they also look good by themselves.
The Friars
Wildlife to See on The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
Although a major highlight of the tour, there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen during the cruise. We were lucky, because seals and seabirds were basking on the rocks and dolphins put on a show for the return journey.
Birds
During the cruise we were able to see many sea birds, most of which were drying their feathers on rocks off the coast. We managed to see a sea eagle, but it was too far away for a good photo.
Black-faced Cormorants
White Faced Heron and Black-faced Cormorants
Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
Seals
New Zealand and Australian fur seals were basking on rock ledges when we were there, making for great photo opportunities. At the Friars, the boat was able to get close inshore where we saw them up close. This was very special and a highlight of the trip, although the smell was overpowering.
Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
Australian Fur Seal
New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
Dolphins
During the return trip dolphins swam next to the boat, putting on a great show.
Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat
Whales
Sometime during trips whales are visible as they migrate to and from the Antarctic. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but the other wildlife we saw was great.
Back on Shore
After returning our wet weather jackets and thanking the crew, we made our way to the restaurant where we had a hot meal and a drink from the bar.
Post Cruise Refreshment
What Did We Think of The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
This was the highlight of our visit to Bruny Island with the coastline and wildlife being amazing to see. Remember to wear warm waterproof clothing and don’t forget your camera.
