Satellite Island

Salmon-farming pioneer Ian Alstergren bought Satellite Island, in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel off south-east Tasmania, in the 1960s to write, paint and run sheep. Apparently, the landscape reminded him of his native Norway.

When he died, the island passed to his nephew Will Alstergren and his wife Kate, who’ve been sharing it with a few guests at a time since 2013. Accessible only by light aircraft or boat from Bruny Island, this 34-hectare isle combines simple luxury with wild Tassie beauty. It’s also exclusively yours for each stay – your own private island, with sleeping room for up to eight.

It’s one of the most extraordinary accommodation experiences in the country. Before you set off, Kate will share the best local places to stock up on supplies. Once you’ve loaded up, the island manager will meet you at a jetty on Bruny Island, in his tinnie, and zip you over to your island retreat.

There are a few sleeping options to choose from. You can stay in the Summer House, a cosy three-bedroom weatherboard up on a hill overlooking the water, or down on the jetty in the Boathouse, a stylish two-bedroom shack on the water. There’s also a bell tent pitched in the bushy surrounds. There are several picturesque walks around the island, and kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the water.

Guests have full access to a veggie patch and orchard, an abundant egg supply from resident free-range chickens and wild oysters straight off the rocks. There are fishing rods to cast lines off the jetty – local catches include flathead and rock cod – and in addition to any supplies brought from Bruny there’s a well-stocked spirits cabinet and a pantry packed with some of Tasmania’s best produce.

One of the best bits? You can arrange for a high-profile local chef to pop over to the island and cook that flathead you caught, over a fire.