The Islander Story
Who we are
Hi! We're the Burgess family - Cameron, Lezli, Kipling, Tennyson, and Reba the Maremma pup - and we're local residents of North Bruny Island, Tasmania.
Cameron grew up in Northwest Bay, just across the water from where we live now. I (Lezli) grew up in a small town in the Texas panhandle. We met in the States ten years ago and quickly moved back to his home state together.
When we found a beachfront block on North Bruny, we saw the vision clearly: a life connected to the water, to community, and Bruny’s natural beauty. With our first baby on our hip, we spent weekends building our home ourselves with the help of one wonderful builder friend and the occasional helpful crew.
Becoming part of this tight-knit community has been nothing short of wonderful. Our kids go to school here (we love this school!), we get involved wherever we can, and a few years ago we bought the local school bus business running daily routes for the island kids.
For years, we've been using our family boat to zip across the channel, avoiding ferry lines, turning errands into mini-adventures. We noticed that the waterway is under-utilised and North Bruny is underrated, while visitors face long ferry waits, dangerous road conditions and crowded southern hotspots. Between a small group commercial vessel, and our fleet of land transport - we knew we’d be able to offer something special. After two years of searching - we’ve finally got the boat and are ready to spring into action
What makes our experiences different isn't just boat access, it's that we know the people, we're integrated into the community, and we've built lifelong friendships with other local businesses who share our values. My deep-seated Southern hospitality paired with Cameron's lifetime knowledge of the area shapes everything we do. We keep things intentionally low-volume and slow-paced, offering something mindful and intimate that connects visitors with Bruny in an authentic way.
We love this place. And we want to show you why. Come down for a visit - we’ll show you a great time.
—The Burgess fam
What we stand for
Our Community
We work alongside the people and businesses who make this island special, keeping our operations small-scale and respectful of the established operators and multigenerational families who've been part of this island far longer than we have.
Our environment
Bruny Island’s beauty is fragile, and we're fiercely protective of it. We operate with low-volume, private-only experiences that don't add to overcrowding or strain on the island's natural spaces. Every trip is designed to tread lightly and connect deeply.
Our values
We keep things real. Quality over quantity. We're a family business that leads with humility and treats our guests the way we'd want to be treated - with warmth, honesty, and genuine care.
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Our Vessel
Our 7.5-metre Alumarine Z Bow monohull is ideal for Tasmania's coastal conditions and small group experiences. Custom built by Alumarine to military specifications, she's likely the safest, fastest boat under 8 metres in Tasmania.
That distinctive "Z Bow" design cuts through choppy water with less pitching and bouncing, meaning a more comfortable ride even when the D'Entrecasteaux Channel gets lively. The stepped hull design makes her incredibly fuel-efficient and she handles beautifully at any speed.
Built from marine-grade aluminium with a tough foam collar, she's as durable as she is comfortable. With room for up to 8 passengers, suspension seating, and all the modern safety and navigation systems, she's the perfect platform for experiencing Bruny's waters.
She is an open-air vessel, which means you're right in the elements—the fresh Tassie air, the spray, the occasional chill. It's part of the authentic experience, but do come prepared with layers and weather-appropriate gear. We'll always let you know what to expect conditions-wise before you board.