Picnic Island in Tasmania is the only place in the world where you can sleep within a penguin colony.

One of the few private freehold islands in Australia, the owner has recently constructed a fully copper clad lodge to accommodate up to ten people. Designed by Tasmanian architect, John Latham, this little building is in the running for the Australian architecture awards in 2017. The copper cladding has quickly taken on a beautiful patina to sit unobtrusively in this special environment.

Cantilevered over the high water mark with stunning views of the Hazards granite mountain range this unique and authentic building is a modern interpretation of the beachfront shacks for which Tasmania is famous.

In addition to the penguin colony there is prolific wildlife on and around the island, including sea eagles, shearwaters, dolphins, seals and whales.

The island is a short 10 minute trip from the picturesque Coles Bay township and the local water taxi can take you on tours around the Freycinet Peninsula. There are also many adventure activities available in the area including kayaking and quadbiking.

The island has an interesting history as a place convicts were sent to cut sandstone. One of these beautiful hand hewn blocks was discovered in the course of building the lodge and it now sits as a hearth under the suspended fireplace.

The flooring in the bedrooms is rough cut California redwood planks from a 98 year old tree from a local farm. Macracarpa and Tasmanian Oak timbers have been used elsewhere in the lodge.