Buy your own private island just 90 minutes from Canberra

A private island with 227 acres of pristine bushland, walking trails and secluded beaches is for sale just 90 minutes’ drive from Canberra.

To be auctioned on May 2, Wade Island is located beside the historic town of Wee Jasper and is expected to sell for a price within the budget of many Canberra home buyers.

Billed as providing the privacy you would normally only expect in remote parts of the world, Wade Island also boasts close proximity to “fabulous restaurants and local amenities”.

It already has development approval in place for self-sufficient holiday cabins for those interested in turning it into an eco-retreat but offers potential for other uses as well.

Listing agent Nic Salter-Harding from LJ Hooker Dickson said the private island is “something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the region”.

“Most people don’t even know that there is an island an hour-and-a-half from Canberra let alone that you can own it,” Mr Salter-Harding said.

“For something that is so secretive and hidden, it is massive.”

Mr Salter-Harding said the current owners bought the island for a price in the “high four-hundred thousands” around 10-12 years ago.

While Mr Salter-Harding couldn’t provide any price guide on what the island is likely to sell for, he indicated it would probably be less than people would anticipate for a private island.

“So far, from the enquiries I’ve had, it’s lower than what people seem to be thinking,” Mr Salter-Harding said.

“If you live in Canberra or Sydney then chances are this is within your budget based on the average price a house goes for.”

Mr Salter-Harding said there is abundant wildlife on the island, which is surrounded by “the clear fresh waters of Lake Burrinjuck”.

“When you’re there you feel completely removed from civilisation despite how close you really are,” Mr Salter-Harding said.

“The only residents you’ll be sharing it with are the kangaroos, wallabies, waterbirds and the many species of fish that have all chosen to make their home there.

“The current owners have dreamt of turning this paradise into an eco-friendly retreat with self-sufficient cabins that can be easily purchased and transported as kit homes.

“The DA approval is already in place – so if you want to make this dream your reality, all you have to do is build it.

“You and your guests won’t be short of ways to enjoy yourself either. Wade Island has its own private beaches and walking trails, there’s great fishing to be had, as well as watersports, camping and the nearby Carey’s Caves.”

Mr Salter-Harding said the development approval was secured some time ago when the island was zoned as a standard rural block and is still in place. However, since then the zoning has changed to Environmental 3, which means there are fewer restrictions and a wider variety of land uses are permitted.

Wade Island can be accessed by a land bridge when the water level is low enough but is normally accessed by boat from either Burrinjuck Waters State Park or Wee Jasper. At Wee Jasper, the access is via the Cooradigbee Homestead, which is home to the Duck’n Fishes Restaurant.

“Ian and Helen have been providing delicious meals for years and also offer a great selection of wines,” Mr Salter-Harding said.

“This is the perfect pit stop either to or from your private island.”

Wade Island will be auctioned at 6 pm on Wednesday, May 2 at Level 1, 182-200 City Walk, Canberra.

For more information or to arrange a private inspection contact Mr Salter-Harding on 0412 600 085 or click here for details.

Below is a short video of the island produced by Paul Chapman of Developing Agents.