PICNIC Island in Tasmania is the only place in the world where you can sleep within a penguin colony - and in comfort, too.
One of the few private freehold islands in Australia, the owner has recently built a copper-clad lodge to accommodate up to 10 people.
Cantilevered over the high water mark with stunning views of the Hazards granite mountain range, the building is a modern interpretation of the beachfront shacks for which Tasmania is famous.
There is prolific wildlife on and around the island, including sea eagles, shearwaters, dolphins, seals and whales.
The island is a 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 many adventure activities 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.
