Great Keppel Island is a true paradise and your perfect island getaway, offering an idyllic escape with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and endless opportunities for adventure. Its unspoiled landscapes, rich marine life and casual atmosphere make it a true gem of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

GETTING HERE

Your journey to Great Keppel Island begins in Yeppoon, a charming coastal town on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast. It’s definitely worth spending a couple of days exploring this beautiful region before heading out to the islands. Cool off in the Yeppoon Lagoon which overlooks the ocean or check out the cafes, restaurants and boutique shops on James Street. For nature lovers, there are scenic coastal walking tracks to discover, or venture a short drive to Byfield National Park. Here you can enjoy a refreshing dip in Stoney Creek after hiking through the rainforest, exploring the sand dunes at Five Rocks or having a peaceful picnic in the park.

To get to Great Keppel Island, hop on the Keppel Konnections transfer from Keppel Marina (bookings essential). To get there, take the first exit at the marina roundabout. Signage isn’t great and they can be tricky to find but look for blue shade sail and the small green demountable – this is where you check in. From there it’s just a short 35 minute ferry transfer to paradise.

WHERE TO STAY

You can enjoy Great Keppel Island as a day trip but to truely experience all of it’s magic, we recommend staying for at least three nights. For accommodation, we stay at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, which offers a range of affordable cabins and houses to suit singles, couples, families or large groups. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Great Keppel Island Holiday Village provides comfortable tent accommodation with bathroom and cooking facilities, or you can opt for one of the island’s beautiful beachfront holiday homes.

WHERE TO EAT

For a casual and delicious meals, visit The Bistro at Hideaway, which is open to guests and visitors and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. With stunning views from every seat, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing meal after a day of fun in the sun. If you’re in the mood for cocktails, head to Pipis Beach Club, located within Hideaway on Putney Beach. This is the ideal spot to unwind with a drink at sunset. For a laid-back bite check out Island Pizza, which opens on weekends, or Tropical Vibes which is perfect for mid-adventure burgers and ice creams.

ADVENTURES AWAIT

There are 17 stunning white sand beaches and 26kms of bushwalking trails to explore on Great Keppel Island. Putney Beach and Fishermans Beach are right at your doorstep and the most accessible. Shelving Monkey and Beaches are a short bushwalk away and offer incredible reefs, perfect for snorkelling. Here, you’re guaranteed to see an abundance of coral, reef fish, rays, giant clams and turtles. Venture further and you might be lucky enough to be rewarded with sights of dugongs at Svenden’s Beach and Manta Rays at Secret Bay. For diving, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkel hire or kayaking, visit Keppel Dive and Water Sports located in the blue dive shack at the front of Hideaway. Whether you’re an experienced diver or first-time snorkeller, the team can provide equipment rentals and guided tours to help your explore the island’s underwater wonders.

If relaxation is more your style, Keppel Dive also offers beachside relaxation packages. The team will drop you off at your beach of choice, set you up with a comfortable cabana, and pick you up when you’re ready to return. It’s the perfect way to unwind in paradise.