A rare private island opportunity has emerged in Tasmania, with billionaire hotel developer James Koh listing Fulham Island for sale.
Located near Dunalley, in Tasmania’s south-east, Fulham Island is part of the Sloping Island Group and covers approximately 9.71 hectares of land. The island is being marketed as a unique lifestyle and investment opportunity, with interest expected from wealthy buyers in Australia and overseas.
James Koh, the owner of Singapore-listed Fragrance Group, purchased Fulham Island in 2016. He is known internationally for hotel and property developments, including major projects across Australia. The island was previously considered as a potential private retreat and development opportunity, but it is now being sold because other international interests have taken priority.
One of the key features of Fulham Island is its existing infrastructure, including a private jetty and boat ramp. Real estate agents say this makes the property particularly attractive because many private islands lack direct and convenient access from the mainland.
The island is accessible from Hobart by road and boat, or by helicopter, making it a potential luxury getaway location for a future owner. Dunalley itself is located around 56 kilometres from Hobart, providing relative convenience while still offering privacy and isolation.
The property is currently described as a “blank canvas”, with rural zoning. Any future development would require approval from local authorities and would need to consider environmental requirements. The island has significant ecological value, with native wildlife including little penguins, shearwaters and oystercatchers.
Environmental considerations are expected to be an important factor for any buyer. Tasmania’s private islands often contain sensitive habitats, meaning future owners must balance development plans with conservation obligations.
The sale highlights the growing interest in Tasmania’s exclusive island properties. Only a limited number of freehold islands are available in the state, making opportunities like Fulham Island extremely rare. Agents say the combination of privacy, natural beauty and existing access infrastructure could attract international attention.
Other Tasmanian private islands have also attracted strong market interest in recent years. Ram Island, located off Tasmania’s east coast, recently sold after attracting global attention, while other islands including Ninth Island and Puncheon Island have also been marketed.
The sale comes as Tasmania continues to gain popularity among luxury property buyers seeking unique coastal and wilderness locations. The state’s reputation for clean landscapes, tourism appeal and natural environments has increased demand for exclusive properties.
While the sale price for Fulham Island has not been publicly disclosed, agents expect interest from high-net-worth buyers looking for a private escape, conservation project or exclusive lifestyle property.
The sale represents a rare chance to own an entire Tasmanian island — complete with waterfront access, natural surroundings and proximity to one of Australia’s most scenic capital cities.
