Picnic Island Tasmania has unveiled its full portfolio of guest experiences ahead of its February 2026 debut, revealing a deeply considered approach to luxury that places Tasmania’s East Coast landscapes, culture, and producers at the heart of every stay. Designed to immerse guests in the island’s rhythm and surroundings, each experience is curated to foster meaningful connections with place rather than simply offering indulgence for its own sake.
From wildlife encounters and outdoor exploration to immersive food and drink journeys, the experience menu reflects Picnic Island’s belief that true luxury is found in authenticity, intimacy, and intention. Every activity is shaped around guest preferences and selected for its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and sense of belonging to this exact location.
“There’s no off-the-shelf version of luxury here,” says co-owner Mark Israel. “Each experience reveals something distinctive about this part of Tasmania—its wildlife, its landscapes, its producers, and its stories. Whether you’re watching Little Penguins emerge at dusk, harvesting oysters from our private boat for lunch, or discovering hidden corners of Freycinet National Park, these are moments that could only happen here.”
Wildlife & Natural Discovery
Picnic Island’s setting offers guests access to extraordinary wildlife encounters rarely experienced elsewhere. The island is home to thriving colonies of Little Penguins and Short-tailed Shearwaters, while the surrounding waters frequently reveal Australian fur seals, dolphins, and migrating whales. All wildlife experiences are conducted under strict environmental guidelines, ensuring encounters are respectful, educational, and supportive of local ecosystems.
Guided marine expeditions aboard the island’s skippered vessel, stargazing sessions under pristine night skies, and interpretive coastal walks allow guests to engage with the region’s natural wonders at their own pace—whether through in-depth learning or quiet moments of reflection and awe.
Culinary Journeys
Food at Picnic Island is a gateway to understanding Tasmania’s character and craftsmanship. Working closely with the island’s private chef, guests can visit local oyster farms to learn about sustainable aquaculture before harvesting oysters straight from the water. Private tastings at Waubs Harbour and other regional distilleries offer insight into Tasmania’s world-class spirits, while vineyard visits highlight the island’s cool-climate winemaking heritage.
“Our food and beverage experiences are about place, provenance, and people,” explains co-owner Elisa Yu. “When you’ve met the producer or harvested the ingredients yourself, the meal takes on a deeper meaning—it becomes a story, not just a dish.”
Adventure & Exploration
Adventure experiences provide privileged access to one of Australia’s most celebrated coastal landscapes. Private boat excursions glide into iconic Wineglass Bay and lesser-known coves, while guided hikes across the Freycinet Peninsula reveal sweeping views from the Hazards Mountains.
For guests seeking a more active exploration, cycling, hiking, and ATV excursions uncover off-the-radar terrain, while kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding offer a quieter way to explore hidden inlets and marine life along the shoreline.
Wellness & Longevity
Wellness on Picnic Island is rooted in simplicity, privacy, and nature’s inherent restorative power. Private yoga and meditation sessions, cold-water immersions in the surrounding sea, and in-suite massage treatments are designed to complement the island’s natural rhythms rather than compete with them.
The philosophy is intentionally understated: the island itself—free from crowds, noise, and digital distraction—provides the primary therapeutic experience, allowing guests to reset in whatever way feels most natural to them.
Luxury, Defined Personally
While Picnic Island offers a wide range of curated experiences, flexibility remains central to the guest journey. A dedicated island host works closely with each group to shape daily plans based on interests, weather, wildlife activity, and mood.
“Some guests want to fill every day with adventure,” says Israel. “Others realize that what they needed most was the freedom to do nothing at all—just watching the light shift across the Hazards. Both approaches are equally valued here.”
All core experiences are included within the all-inclusive rate, with optional enhancements such as helicopter flights, private fishing charters, massage treatments, visiting chefs, and specialist wellness practitioners available for guests seeking further personalization.
Picnic Island is more than a luxury retreat—it is a deeply immersive gateway into Tasmania’s wild spirit, guided by hosts who know the region intimately and are passionate about sharing it with care and integrity.
About Picnic Island, Tasmania
Picnic Island is an exclusive private island retreat located 800 metres offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. Accommodating up to eight guests across four refined, standalone spaces, the island combines sophisticated comfort with access to rare wildlife. As a protected seabird sanctuary, Picnic Island offers close encounters with a resident Little Penguin colony alongside exceptional dining, personalized service, and complete privacy in one of Australia’s most pristine natural environments.
