Nearby Attractions
While it’s tempting to stay immersed in the peaceful natural surroundings, Oyster Cove is close to several attractions that make it worth stepping off the verandah and making the trip.
Bruny Island
Take the ferry from the Kettering terminal to Bruny Island, a destination full of contrasts and charm. The island offers everything from peaceful countryside and rugged coastlines to serene beaches and dramatic surf, all steeped in a rich history of sealers, whalers, and explorers.
Bruny Island stretches approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) and is divided into North and South Bruny, connected by a narrow strip of land known as The Neck.
Food & Drinks
Bruny Island Cheese
Bruny Island House of Whisky
Get Shucked
Bruny Island Chocolate Co
Bruny Island Wines
The Honey Pot
Bruny Island Berry Farm
History & Activities
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Bruny Island Quarantine Station
The Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration
Pennicott Wilderness Cruise
The Neck Lookout
Walks
East Cloudy Head (4 hours return)
Cloudy Bay Lagoon (90 minutes return)
Food and Beverage
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Oyster Cove Inn
(Approximately 5 minutes by car)
Located in the Oyster Cove Marina, this local pub serves up hearty, honest meals with views over the water. A great spot for a laid-back meal, Oyster Cove Inn offers classic pub favourites in a welcoming setting. -
Kettering Café
(Approximately 5 minutes by car)
Open for breakfast, Kettering Café serves a delicious morning menu with a relaxed, welcoming feel. It’s a great place to start the day before heading off to explore, and with a BYO policy, you can bring along your favourite drink to enjoy with your meal. -
Bruny Getaway
(Approximately 5 minutes by car)
Located at the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal, Bruny Getaway is the perfect stop for a coffee while waiting for the ferry. Whether you’re grabbing something on the go or taking a moment to soak in the marina views, it’s a convenient and cosy spot. -
Steamhouse Café
(Approximately 5 minutes by car)
Steamhouse Café in Kettering is known for its great coffee and relaxed, cosy atmosphere. With a menu that includes vegan options, it’s a welcoming space for all visitors looking to enjoy a quality meal or a quick caffeine fix. -
Seawall
(Approximately 5 minutes by car)
Set on the edge of the marina in Kettering, Seawall is a great place for a meal with stunning waterfront views. The venue regularly hosts live music nights—check with them for upcoming performances to enjoy dinner with a soundtrack. -
Hopfields Brewery
(Approximately 10 minutes by car)
Set in a historic hop-drying barn in Margate, Hopfields Brewery offers a relaxed atmosphere with house-brewed beers and a selection of Tasmanian wines. It’s a family-friendly space, welcoming children, and a great spot to enjoy a locally crafted drink in a casual setting. -
Peppermint Bay
(Approximately 10 minutes by car)
Enjoy a meal at the award-winning Peppermint Bay, a restaurant complex renowned for its fresh seafood and locally sourced produce.
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Grandewe Cheese
(Approximately 12 minutes by car)
Discover Australia’s only sheep milk cheesery at Grandvewe. Meet the sheep, sample up to 15 different cheeses, and enjoy a glass of wine while observing the fascinating process of cheese making and maturing. The cheesery also offers a range of gourmet treats to take home, perfect for pairing with your favourite cheeses.
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Frank’s Cider
(Approximately 20 minutes by car)
In Franklin, you’ll find Frank’s Cider, known for crafting some of Tasmania’s finest cider. Made from red apples and pears, Frank’s Cider combines traditional techniques with a modern approach, producing exceptional cider in a remarkably short time.
Walks and Adventure
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Kingston Beach
(Approximately 15 minutes by car)
Take a leisurely stroll along Kingston Beach, where you can enjoy sweeping views across the Channel and stop for a coffee along the way.
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Snug Falls
(Approximately 10 minutes by car)
Located just outside the township of Snug, Snug Falls is a tranquil waterfall set above an idyllic riverbed. The walking track is a 2-kilometre return journey, taking just over an hour from the parking area on an unsealed access road.
The trail is downhill to the falls and uphill on the way back, with some uneven and rocky sections, but it’s generally an easy walk.
This short, undulating trail offers a peaceful escape and is perfect for those exploring the area. -
Tahune Airwalk
(Approximately 1 hour by car)
Stroll among the giants of the forest at the Tahune Airwalk, a highlight of southern Tasmania’s wilderness. A walk through the bush and then up onto the airwalk to see the trees from a different perspective high above the ground.
Home to the world’s tallest flowering plant, the Eucalyptus regnans, these towering trees thrive in a cycle of fire and renewal, with new growth emerging from the ashes of the old.
For a unique perspective, glide over the Huon River with the thrilling Eagle Hang Gliding experience. -
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
(Approximately 45 minutes by car)
Further south, in Geeveston, you’ll find Hastings Caves, home to some of the oldest dolomite in the world. The caves began forming around 40 million years ago and remained hidden until 1917, when timber workers uncovered an entrance.
Explore the striking chambers adorned with flowstones and shawls, and if time allows, unwind in the nearby thermal pool.
Recreation Activites
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Kingborough Lawn Bowls Club
(Approximately 12 minutes by car)
The Kingborough Lawn Bowls Club offers a welcoming spot for casual and competitive bowlers alike. Set in a peaceful location, it’s a great place to enjoy a friendly game while soaking in the relaxed community atmosphere.
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North West Bay Golf Club
(Approximately 15 minutes by car)
The North West Bay Golf Club overlooks the picturesque North West Bay in southern Tasmania. This 18-hole course offers stunning views and a peaceful setting for golfers.
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Fishing
If you’ve come prepared with your own fishing gear you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local fishing hotspots. As a keen fisherman Guy, one of your hosts can point you in the right direction for salt or freshwater fishing including Tasmania's famous wild Brown Trout.
Reach out to Guy and he’ll point you in the right direction.
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Kingston Beach Golf Club
(Approximately 18 minutes by car)
The Kingston Beach Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-71 course spanning 6,082 metres, located just 15 minutes south of Hobart. Open to the public outside competition times, the course offers stunning views of Mount Wellington, along with nearby beaches and rivers.
History
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Channel Heritage Museum
(Approximately 10 minutes by car)
The Channel Heritage Museum preserves the history of the Channel region, stretching from Margate to Gordon. It showcases the home, community, and industrial life of the area, offering a glimpse into the past with a recreation of an early Tasmanian kitchen, bedroom, and washhouse.
The museum also features a library with photos, documents, and cuttings books, providing valuable resources for historical reference and family research. -
The Margate Train
(Approximately 10 minutes by car)
The Margate Train, formerly the Tasman Limited, is a historic stationary train in Margate, Tasmania. Built in England in 1950, it served as a passenger service between Hobart and Launceston until 1978. Today, its carriages house various retail businesses, including arts and crafts shops, a microbrewery, and a pancake restaurant..