Bruny Island was once famous for its white sand beaches, scrumptious cheese, and pristine wilderness. But tourists now flock to this Tasmanian archipelago to marvel at something even more spectacular – a rather large metal bird.
Please say a warm ‘Bock-bock-bock!’ to George Bruny, a plucky heron (or maybe even a Cape Barren Goose) who’s every bit as handsome and charismatic as the movie star he’s named after.
Just to be clear, that movie star is George Clooney – the roguish star of ER, Ocean’s Eleven, and a quite lubricious dream I had a few nights ago. Bruny, Clooney, it’s really quite clever if you think about it.
Crafted from corrugated iron and old bits of pipe, Gorgeous George can be found on the outskirts of Alonnah, opposite the historic St Brendan’s Church. With his outrageous orange beak and frazzled expression, he welcomes gaggles of visitors to this windswept corner of the island.
Everybody, it seems, has heard about this bird.
Much like George Clooney, George Bruny is a little bit rustic, a little bit wacky, and all sorts of amazing.
You really need to chick him out!
Goose on the Loose
Georgie-boy may not be the largest or best-known resident of the Land of the Bigs, but here’s a fun fact – he is the southernmost. Go on, check it out on The Ultimate Aussie Big Things Map, just to be sure.
Bet The Big Penguin was in a fowl mood when he found out!
Admiring a Biggie like George is hungry work, so why not pop over to the beloved Bruny Baker Bread Fridge to fuel up afterwards. Overflowing with zesty sourdough and choc-chip cookies, this self-service fridge is just two minutes drive away (or 30 if you get stuck behind a Hyundai i20 loaded up with Chinese tourists).
Or follow George’s bill towards the legendary Hotel Bruny, where a little birdie told me you can grab a dozen oysters and a bowl of ocean-fresh calamari rings. Yummy yummy.
By George, you’ll love it here on Bruny!
