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1Timetable

The Bruny Island Ferry service runs every day of the year.

See the timetable on the SeaLink website.

The trip across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel takes 15 to 20 minutes. Passengers should check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure.

2Fares

Fares are based on vehicle type and length.

Pedestrians travel free.

Bruny Island residents and landowners can access a discounted fare.

See fares and more information on the SeaLink website.

3Departure points

The ferry departs from

  • Ferry Road, Kettering.
  • Lennon Road, North Bruny, Bruny Island.

4Vessels

Three vessels deliver the ferry service. They are the:

  • MV Nairana
  • MV Parrabah
  • MV Bowen (backup vessel).

The MV Nairana and the MV Parrabah are purpose-built for the Bruny Island ferry service, by Tasmanian boat builder Richardson Devine Marine Construction. The MV Nairana started on the ferry service in February 2020, and the MV Parrabah started in April 2021.

Together, the two new, modern, single-deck ferries have fast loading and unloading times and cross the D’Entrecasteaux Channel quickly. They provide a high frequency timetable with the capability to depart each terminal every 20 minutes at peak times.

5Operator

SeaLink Travel Group operates the Bruny Island ferry service under a contract with the Transport Commission.

SeaLink began running the service in September 2018 and is working together with the community to deliver an improved ferry service that delivers greater capacity and certainty into the future.

The Department manages the State Road network, including Ferry Road and Lennon road, where the ferry berths.

While the ferry route itself is not technically a State Road, the Transport Commission maintains a high level of oversight and responsibility. The Transport Commission must approve major operational changes, such as timetable amendments, fare changes or the introduction of a booking system.

6Landowner and resident information

On the SeaLink website , Bruny Island landowners and residents can

  • Apply for or renew subsidised fares.
  • Pre-purchase tickets.
  • Contribute to the Bruny Island Ferry Reference Group.
  • Access Bruny Island Ferry Reference Group meeting minutes and communications.

7Priority boarding

The local school bus, doctors, and emergency services receive priority boarding.

Emergency services include police, fire, ambulance, SES and other authorities.

Doctors travelling to Bruny Island to provide the GP service may contact SeaLink in advance to advise which service they intent to use.

SeaLink consulted Bruny Island nurses, pharmacists and pathologists determine if a priority service was required for these groups. SeaLink was advised that this service was not required.

8More information

Direct service enquiries to SeaLink via