Offering a rare combination of privacy, luxury service, and wild beauty, Tasmania’s Picnic Island is now taking bookings for 2026.
Having undergone a comprehensive transformation under the stewardship of new owners Mark Israel and Elisa Yu, this all-inclusive private island retreat in beautiful Coles Bay welcomes just six guests in three luxuriously appointed rooms.
A host suite has been added as part of the renovations, increasing total capacity to eight. Located 800 metres off Tasmania’s stunning east coast, Picnic Island is adjacent to the world-renowned Freycinet National Park.
As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a colony of Little Penguins and other seabirds that return to their burrows each evening, creating an unforgettable natural encounter. There are also occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals.
With a vision for a luxury retreat where visitors can “disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary”, the owners aim to deliver unforgettable, personalized on- and off-island experiences.
From the moment of booking, guests engage with a dedicated concierge team that crafts a journey tailored to individual preferences. This includes private boat transfers, a personal chef who crafts menus specially for each booking, and customized daily activities.
These range from guided Freycinet walks to oyster farm visits, wine tastings, whiskey distillery tours, and marine adventures. Oyster tours on offer include the nearby Melshell Oyster Shack and Freycinet Marine Farm. The island also has its own oysters available for guests to shuck straight out of the ocean and enjoy alongside a glass of local bubbly.