For the fraction of the cost of a typical Aussie home, a slice of private island paradise is up for grabs off Tasmania for as little as $520,000.
Little Dog Island is among a small few islands with freehold titles off Flinders Island, and is part of the Furneaux Group of islands in Eastern Bass Strait.
Spanning 17.2ha of undulating land, Little Dog has two beaches and is accessible via a short boat ride from Lady Barron.
Access to Little Dog Island is via a flight to Flinders Island then across via boat. Picture: realestate.com.au
“There’s not many places you could travel for half an hour and be on a remote island where you’re not seeing anybody else – it’s a pretty exceptional experience,” a representative of the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told realcommercial.com.au
“It’s rare to get freehold beachfront land anywhere in Australia for under $1 million dollars.
“This would be ideal for people who are in a position where they want a second home and a getaway, but they want something a bit unusual, to be away from the crowds and have a really unique experience.”
The island is currently equipped for camping with two cedar huts, a deck and a composting toilet.
Other than a couple of cabins, the island is pretty much a blank slate. Picture: realestate.com.au
Future new owners could build their own private island beachfront holiday home, subject to planning approvals, or make use of the existing campsite facilities.
The remaining ownership of Little Dog Island includes two additional freehold titles and Crown Land.
Despite its remoteness, access to the island is quite straightforward, according to the representative
“You fly in from Melbourne or Launceston, with Sharp Airlines onto Flinders Island – and that’s a half hour flight from Launceston, or an hour flight from Melbourne – and then you can park your car at the airport for free,” they said.
Two private beaches await. Picture: realestate.com.au
“People could leave a car with a tinny on the back of a trailer, and you just fly in, go into the town, fill up with your supplies, and then drop your boat in the water and go out to your island.
“The benefit is you’re having an incredible experience in really wild nature.”
The vendor is also selling a 6.5ha freehold title on nearby Little Green Island, as an Expression of Interest campaign, with a reverse price of $330,000 as per its council valuation.
From eco-resorts to beachfront hideaways, here are some other private islands currently seeking new owners across Australia.
Luxury tourism freehold offering
A private South Australian island that has been developed into a premium luxury tourism destination has hit the market via an Expressions of Interest with a $30 million price guide.
Rumi on Louth, a luxury eco-resort is located on one of Australia’s few freehold private islands, and has approval in place for a significant accommodation expansion and associated tourism infrastructure.
Rumi on Louth in SA comes ready to go and with a freehold title to boot. Picture: realcommercial.com.au
Louth Island spans 135.16 ha and is set within Spencer Gulf, approximately 3km from the South Australian mainland at Louth Bay.
The island is the vision of entrepreneur and Uniti Group co-founder Che Metcalfe and his wife Natasha Metcalfe, who bought the property in 2021.
Since then, it has been transformed into a boutique luxury retreat comprising six premium guest suites, which has set the island amongst South Australia’s leading luxury tourism destinations.
Savills ANZ hotel capital markets managing director Nicholas Lower said competition among ultra-high-net-worth individuals for trophy lifestyle and hospitality assets has been intensifying, particularly for private islands in Australia.
The eco resort greets visitors with sapphire blue waters of the Spencer Gulf. Picture: realcommercial.com.au
“Most assets are structured as leasehold, making Louth Island distinct in offering freehold title at scale and proximity to the mainland,” Mr Lower said.
“With approvals already secured, the incoming purchaser will have a clear pathway to scale the asset and unlock long-term value,” Mr Lower said.
Rumi on Louth has become renowned for its acclaimed two-hatted Samphire Restaurant, which operates as a standalone destination dining experience.
The resort is supported by substantial off-grid infrastructure, including a 500kW solar power system, a desalination plant, as well as advanced waste management facilities and sewage treatment systems.
Rumi on Louth is one of the most compelling luxury destination resorts on the market right now. Picture: realcommercial.com.au
Queensland island with homestead
In Queensland, $12 million plus would secure a buyer Quail Island with a rolling long term lease.
Located about 2.5kms off Stanage Bay halfway between Rockhampton and Mackay, Quail Island boasts an 800m private beachfront and includes a renovated two-storey homestead, a newly built two bedroom steel framed manager’s residence, a machinery shed and two sets of cattle yards.
Quail Island, off the coast of central Queensland, is on the market for $12 million-plus. Picture: realestate.com.au
It also has an 800m earth/grass airstrip, pastures, dams, a freshwater well, as well as an untouched native forest.
Offers to purchase Quail Island close 22 October.
The latest commercial property news
Get the latest news and insights straight to you.