New host suite on Picnic Island represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class luxury destination.
Plans for a new host suite on Picnic Island have been approved, marking another milestone in the development of our exclusive private island retreat. Construction will begin shortly, with completion expected in late 2025, ahead of the January 2026 opening. The host suite will expand the island’s capacity to eight guests, assuring an intimate, private travel experience.
The new build represents a thoughtful evolution of the island’s architectural vision, designed to complement the existing copper-clad lodge while providing additional flexibility for larger groups and extended families.
The host suite structure will utilize passive environmental design to minimize impact on the protected seabird sanctuary and surrounding landscape.
“This addition allows us to fully realize our vision of quiet luxury—sophisticated comfort that aligns with the island’s natural rhythms, elements, textures, and colors,” said Mark Israel, new co-owner of Picnic Island. “The new suite isn’t about adding rooms; it’s about creating more spaces where our guests can connect authentically with this extraordinary place while maintaining the intimate scale that makes Picnic Island so special.”
“The new host suite isn’t about adding rooms; it’s about creating more spaces where our guests can connect authentically with this extraordinary place while maintaining the intimate scale that makes Picnic Island so special.”
The host suite will feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Freycinet National Park’s iconic Hazards Mountains, sustainably-sourced Tasmanian timber interiors, and design elements that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
Most importantly, it will enable the island to better accommodate multi-generational families and close friend groups, as well as provide an ideal space for honeymooners and other celebrants to enjoy their stay.
“We’re pioneering a new model of luxury travel, one that prioritizes connection, transformation, and slowness,” said co-owner Elisa Yu.
“Every design decision reflects our commitment to creating travel experiences that honor both our guests’ desire for exceptional comfort and our responsibility to protect this remarkable ecosystem.”
The expanded capacity will enhance Picnic Island’s ability to offer truly bespoke experiences, from intimate celebrations and wellness retreats to executive events and family gatherings. The island’s dedicated concierge team will continue to craft personalized journeys for every booking, with signature experiences such as private guided boat or hiking adventures, exclusive access to local producers, and specialized programs with visiting chefs, artists, and wellness practitioners.
As a protected wildlife sanctuary, Picnic Island offers guests the rare opportunity to witness the nightly return of Little Penguins to their burrows, observe seasonal whale migrations, and experience the untamed beauty of Tasmania’s east coast. The new suite’s design specifically considers these wildlife interactions, incorporating lighting and positioning that respect the island’s role as a nesting habitat.
The construction phase for the new host suite will utilize sustainable building practices and carefully follow a penguin management plan developed in collaboration with leading seabird ecologist Dr Eric Woehler.
Working with local artisans and experts at every stage—from architectural planning and furniture design, to organic amenities and unique art—reflects Picnic Island’s commitment to supporting the Tasmanian community while minimizing environmental impact. The suite will operate entirely off-grid, powered by the island’s expanded solar system and integrated water and waste management infrastructure.
The approval of the host suite underscores the community support for Picnic Island’s vision of responsible luxury tourism that benefits both visitors and the local region. The project represents a significant investment in Tasmania’s growing reputation as a world-class luxury destination.
With its expanded capacity and continued focus on experiential luxury, Picnic Island is positioned to become Australia’s premier example of how exceptional hospitality and environmental stewardship can create truly transformative travel experiences.
About Picnic Island Tasmania
Picnic Island is a private island retreat located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay, Tasmania. The island accommodates up to six guests in three luxuriously appointed bedrooms, with an additional host suite soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests. As a protected seabird sanctuary, the island offers unprecedented access to wildlife, including a resident penguin colony and occasional visits from whales, dolphins and seals, all while providing sophisticated luxury and exceptional service.
Reach out to [email protected] to enquire about your travel dates and create your dream visit with our concierge team.
