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We were lucky enough to spend Christmas 2022 on Picnic Island in Great Oyster Bay (Coles Bay). I cannot recommend this experience enough- one of my top 3 places in the world (possibly number 1).
Our group travelled comfortably with 6 adults and a 7 month old .
From sunset/ sunrises, night time penguin walks (special torches provided), sound of the rising and falling tides to swimming off the jetty, fishing and the most well appointed outdoor (hot) shower- the whole experience was magic.
At low tide, you can circumnavigate the island on the rocks but the island track is excellent too.
The sleeping cabins all have water views, include linen and hot water bottles for cooler nights.
The living/ kitchen cabin also has a beautiful view and a big fire place. The kitchen has everything you need (fridge, gas oven/ grill/ cooktop, large esky for drinks/ extra food). There is a gas BBQ on the deck that handled our Christmas cook up swimmingly.
There is tea and coffee making facilities (stove top espresso, plunger) with some tea and coffee provided.
There is a water activity box on the deck with a tackle box, snorkeling gear, some wetsuits and reef shoes (highly recommend bringing your own or using these if you want to swim/ walk on the rocks).
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 8 Jan 2023
Wow - top 3 and possible number 1… Come back soon!
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We spent three days on Picnic Island before returning home from our Tasmanian holiday. The weather wasn't ideal, initially, but the experience was exceptional. We had the entire island to ourselves and everything you could;d want was provided. We travel in a large family and friend group regularly and it was so nice to have enough plates, cutlery and pots and pans to suit our needs. Watching the treacherous waters surround us was quite a treat, knowing we were safe and sound inside with our wonderful fire. The weather let up towards the end of our stay and we were glad to see the blue skies rolling in. The private penguin parade at night was a special treat, an experience you can't get anywhere else in the world. Would highly recommend to families or groups of friends. A superb end to our Tassie trip and one we won't forget in a hurry!
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Date of stay: January 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Clem Newton-Brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 16 Jan 2022
Thanks Mellie so glad you enjoyed and appreciated the unpredictable weather that is sometimes part of this wild experience . We are actually just as busy in the middle of winter as many people are seeking this real connection to nature (although Coles Bay often puts on sunny and still days any time of year!). We are glad you found our little retreat comfortable and the experience unforgettable. Come back soon
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Picnic island is an idylic place to enjoy , a must do experience.Our family of 8 including 2 children had the perfect get together for 3 nights. The accomadation is perfectly designed for an island ,blends into the environment,very comfortable, the winter sun warmed the rooms beautifully. The days passed quickly with plenty to do, with walks around the island frequently to observe the wildlife,including seals frollicking, abundant bird life, fishing ,collecting muscles at low tide, exploring the rocks, finding the hidden treasure chest hidden in the rocks,sitting on the decks enjoying a wine with spectacular scenery all around, and of course going out at night to see the penguins and listening to the chat as they leave the island in the morning, they were nesting behind the bedrooms. None of us even read a page of a book. It is an absolutely fabulous place to relax and have quality family time together. We have been to some absolutely amazing places around the world, Picnic Island has been added to the top of the list
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 17 July 2021
Thanks Ria- come back soon!
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Providing you’ve read the fine print and understand the layout of the accommodation and the logistics of staying amidst a penguin colony you won’t get any surprises here. Plenty to do and see in a 3 night stay. Would I pay full price - probably not. Did we enjoy the experience - we definitely did. Communications with the owner And the acqua taxi were efficient. Bedside tables would have been useful for water, phones, glasses etc instead of the floor but other of other touches thought of. The beds were comfy. If you enjoy watching nature and sunsets this is for you.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 30 May 2021
Thanks for your review Bronwyn. We have a range of discounted stays we offer during the year - we hope we are able to make it possible for everyone to come out and enjoy our island.
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If you need some time out then Picnic Island is the perfect location for you to reset and restore. There's enough space to hang out together as well as get the alone time you need. The deck overlooking the Hazards is the perfect place for Yoga and to just sit and watch the sunrise.
I cannot recommend this place enough.
I've had three long weekends here and I'm already planning my next!
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Date of stay: June 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 22 June 2021
Jen your yoga retreats have become legendary- it is fantastic to see our epic new deck being put to good use! Anyone wanting to experience Picnic Island as a single or couple should contact Jen Barron Yoga and join one of her groups. Jen is also available to come out to the island for classes if you book the island exclusively for your group.
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As an extremely seasoned world wide traveller/film maker I still find this place incredible. The fact you have it to yours and you’re secluded from everyday life makes it as good as it gets. Penguins all over the island and crisp beautiful waters surround it that are abundant with food!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 21 June 2021
Great to have you stay Tyson and looking forward to seeing your incredible footage feature in upcoming Tourism Tasmania campaigns.
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Picnic Island is Paradise. 5 minute water taxi from Coles Bay deposits you on your own private island with all amenities. A deck on each side of the island means you can mange the wind direction, fish, practice yoga or just admire the view of the incredible Hazards - a pink tinged, granite mountain range in the beautiful Freycinet National Park. From Picnic Island you can take a water taxi to Hazards Beach and walk through to Wineglass Bay. Fishing charters also available. The wifi and 5G on the island were faster than I get in Brighton, Melbourne! Also home to a penguin and Shearwater colony so tread carefully. Clem (owner) is very responsive albeit remotely and he and his family have been travelling and holidaying in the region for many years. Sleeps 10. Simply beautiful! Can't wait to go back and sip vino in front of the fire.
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Date of stay: February 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 30 May 2021
Yes we have loved visiting Picnic Island as a family and it is so great to be able to share it now. When we first started visiting it was pretty wild camping. Nice to now have hot showers and a comfy bed to sleep in!
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I've been fortunate to stay on Picnic Island several times and I always can't wait for my next visit. The island is close enough to Coles Bay to feel safe and comfortable, but far enough away that you have ultimate privacy. The feeling of having the island to yourself is one of freedom and escape. Time truly slows down on the island - where even a single night stay feels like many more. Prepare to return refreshed and rejuvenated with lasting memories of a truly unique accommodation and experience.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from CNB CNB, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 24 June 2021
Luke, every time you visit you capture new and amazing images of our little island. We look forward to you hosting some photography classes with our guests in the future.
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Picnic Island was the perfect wedding venue for my daughter and her partner. The facilities provided everything we needed, plus more, and the location is stunning. Access to and from the island was easy and Nathan & Taz were very accomodating. Due to the lockdown situation we had to re-schedule the wedding, which was originally booked for May to August, and Clem and his team were very helpful and oblidging. Sharing the Island with the penguins, and the myriad of other wildlife, is a joy and the night sky was breathtaking. We had a wonderful time and it proved to be the perfect venue for the wedding and subsequent celebrations.
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Date of stay: August 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from CNB CNB, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 17 Aug 2020
Thanks Bill and so happy that you found the place perfect for the wedding. The pictures look amazing! Clem
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What a perfect place to disconnect and re-connect to all of the beautiful things this world has to offer. We had couples and families a little of everything and the island provided exactly what we all needed. We loved the sunsets and the fireplace, the arts and crafts and especially the scavenger hunt. We could have stay longer happily and can’t wait to return.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from clem newton-brown, Owner at Picnic Island
Responded 17 July 2021
Wonderful to hear your family had such a great time on our little Island!
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There are more places to choose from in the Coles Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$2,759 - AU$2,818 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaTasmaniaGlamorgan-Spring BayFreycinetColes Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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