What It's Like Staying on Picnic Island in Tasmania

Picnic Island is an incredible private island with accommodation near Coles Bay on the picture-perfect Freycinet Peninsula of Tasmania.

Have you ever wanted to stay in a resort on a private island?

Picnic Island is one of Tasmania’s most unique resorts and accommodation offerings. Located just off Coles Bay near the iconic Freycinet National Park, this incredible green island gem is the perfect place to stay for those seeking a secluded getaway on Tasmania’s east coast.

I had the privilege of staying at this awesome luxury getaway and I consider it one of the best places to stay in Tasmania! In this short guide and review, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about accommodation on Picnic Island, and some insights to help you consider whether or not to book a night as well!

All the photos were captured during my visit.

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About Picnic Island Tasmania

Picnic Island cost: season-dependent. Check the updated price on Booking.com.

Picnic Island is a privately owned island offering beachfront, cabin-style accommodation options for up to ten people.

Staying on Picnic Island is truly a secluded, private island experience. While the island is located just a few minutes from Coles Bay, staying here makes you feel like you're miles away from the rest of the world. At just under a hectare in size, there's also enough room for activities and to explore, while still retaining a sequestered charm.

In order to offer this exclusive, private island accommodation experience, booking is only available for all five cabin-style bedrooms. As a result, those looking to stay here will have the entire island to themselves!

View on Booking.com

Update: Private bookings are available for up to 10 people with King Double or Twin in 5 bedrooms. The price has increased lately from when I stayed here and is now $3,300 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.

Where is Picnic Island & How Do You Get There?

Picnic Island is located on the Freycinet Peninsula, less than a kilometer from the shores of Coles Bay. It is situated opposite Muirs Beach to the north and offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Hazards mountain range to the east.

As I mentioned, visitors can only get to Picnic Island if they have booked accommodation here. A pre-arranged water taxi transfer is included in the booking and departs from Garnet Ave boat ramp in Coles Bay.

The trip to Picnic Island takes less than 10 minutes and the staff were very helpful when getting us here, with frequent phone calls and an easy boat journey.

Where is picnic island, tasmania infographic

Update 2023: Picnic Island is currently for sale. However, after speaking with the owners I can confirm that it is still possible to stay here during the sale process.

Picnic Island Accommodation

As soon as we arrived, staff showed us to our rooms and educated us about the off-grid electrical, water, and gas systems.

The staff members were really helpful and informative, leaving us with all the knowledge we needed for a stay on Picnic Island. After all of your questions were answered, the staff left us to be left alone to enjoy this exclusive private getaway all to ourselves!

Picnic Island accommodation offers five small cabin-style rooms on the jetty side of the island. These rooms are quite spacious and immaculately furnished in a rustic island style.

The bedrooms feature king or single beds, depending on your booking. It's truly an incredible experience stepping out from your room onto a boardwalk overlooking the ocean. I'm being honest when I tell you that staying at Picnic Island made me feel like I was in a surreal fusion of Tasmania and the Maldives!

Furthermore, guests on the island have private access to a large living area with a stunning fireplace as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Here, we found everything we needed to cook and prepare meals including a fridge, gas cooktops, oven, full sink, microwave, toaster, sandwich press, and all cutlery and utensils.

Also, there were two toilets and even a hot-water rain shower which can easily make you forget that you are staying off-grid on a tiny private island.

What to Do on Picnic Island Tasmania

While Picnic Island is a luxury traveler's dream location, there's also plenty to do in terms of adventure! The Freycinet Peninsula is known for its epic walks and hikes after all.

However, Freycinet, and Tasmania's East Coast in general is known for its unpredictable weather. That said, I wouldn't worry about the weather too much, there are great things to do all year round a nd in all conditions!

Below are some of the things that you might expect when staying at Picnic Island Tasmania based on my experience there.

1. Explore the Island's Walking Tracks

While it won't take you long to circumnavigate this little island, taking a stroll on Picnic Island is a great way to experience the serenity of the Freycinet Peninsula from the water.

The prime location means that visitors receive perfect over-water views of the pink granite Hazards and the sparkling Coles Bay. It was a surreal feeling to sit on the shore and look up at Mount Amos after climbing it that very morning.

2. Spot Penguins and Sea Birds

You might be surprised to hear that Picnic Island is home to its very own penguin and seabird population. If you look carefully, you can spot signs of these cheeky birds everywhere on the island.

The colony of penguins returns to Picnic Island every evening after their daily hunt. To spot them safely, the owners have provided red-lensed torches so as to not disturb their natural behavior.

3. Swimming & Snorkelling

The Freycinet Peninsula is known for its white-sand beaches and pristine waters. So then as you might expect, one of the best things to do here is explore the underwater world.

Visitors will find snorkels and fins in their rooms, so you don't even need to bring your own gear! For divers, you'll also find plenty of abalone and crayfish to collect just off the water's edge.

4. Go Fishing

If you're the type of person who'd prefer to wet a line than wet your cozzies, then you're in luck.

Visitors will also find fishing rods and gear stashed in the sheds. So, channel your inner Rex Hunt and reel in a couple of flatheads or squid off the jetty.

5. Relax, Unwind, and Enjoy World-Class Island Sunsets

The Tasmanian east coast and particularly the Freycinet Peninsula enjoys some of the world's most vibrant and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

So, if you're staying on Picnic Island to relax and unwind, pour a glass of pinot noir, head down to the deck, and watch the sun paint the Hazards with fire each evening.

More Photos Of The Freycinet Island Resort in Tasmania

Are you thinking about booking accommodation at Freycinet?

Still tossing up whether to stay at Picnic Island? Well then, I hope my photography from this incredible place will make that decision a little easier! I had a great time here and definitely do recommend it if you can fork out the heft price tag!

That said, since it sleeps up to 10 people, it really isn't too bad if you're in a large group or family, especially considering you get to stay on one of Australia's most beautiful private islands!