Visiting Great Keppel Island

Visiting GKI would have to be one of the best things to do when in Yeppoon.

Whether your visiting the island for the day or you stay for an extended period of time, GKI has everything you need.

Here is what you will find in this post;

1. Why Visit Great Keppel Island
2. How to get to GKI
3. How Far is Great Keppel Island from Yeppoon
4. How much does it cost to get to Great Keppel Island
5. What if I own my own boat
6. Other ways to get to Great Keppel Island
7. Things to do on Great Keppel Island
8. What you need to take to Great Keppel Island
9. Places to eat on Great Keppel Island
10. Places to stay on Great Keppel Island
11. Dangers on Great Keppel Island
12. FAQ

Why Visit Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island is located in the Keppel Group which is made up 18 Islands, with Great Keppel Island being the largest.

Great Keppel Island has 17 beaches of its own with fringing reefs that can be reached from the shoreline.

It is easily accessed from the mainland by a short ferry ride that takes about 30-40min.

There is plenty to do on and around the island depending if your are looking for adventure or whether you are looking to just relax, there is something for every. You can swim, snorkel, go hiking, hire water crafts, relax, drink and eat.

These are the reasons why you would and should go to Great Keppel Island

How to get to Great Keppel Island

There are a few different options to get out to Great Keppel Island, the main way is by Ferry.

Freedom Fast Cat and Keppel Konnections both have services daily to the island. Depending on the weather the ferry ride takes about 40min each way.

They vary in price between $40 - $60 each, one way.

Freedom Fast Cats

Fairs start with Freedom Fast Cats start from $45 per adult one way. Freedom Fast Cats provide an early bird special through the school holidays as well that is worth checking out.

Freedom Fast Cats departs from Pier 1 located on the eastern side of the Marina next to the Police and Maritime Services.

Check out Freedom Fast Cats latest pricing and services here!

Keppel Konnections

Keppel Konnections is another ferry servicing the island. Keppel Konnections fairs start from $25 per adult one way. Keppel Konnections also provide a school holiday special.

Keppel Konnections depart from the Marian side next to the Waterline Restaurant. This is where the private boats are moored.

Check out Keppel Konnections latest pricing and services here!

It is recommended that you leave yourself plenty of time to find the departure location whichever vessel you choose to travel on so you don't miss your boat to paradise.

How Far is Great Keppel Island from Yeppoon

Great Keppel Island is about 15km from Keppel Bay Marina, which it is about 7km from Yeppoon to Keppel Bay Marina along the coast road.

How much does it cost to get to Great Keppel Island

Fair to get to Great Keppel Island start form $25/adult one way up to $80/family (2 adults 2 children) one way.

Head to Freedom Fast Cats and Keppel Konnections for their latest prices.

What if I own my own boat

For those who have their own boat, you will be launching it in at Rosslyn Bay Harbour, where there is a public ramp.

There is a lot of parking for the trailers, but it must be said that when the weather is good, the carpark can fill up early with parking spilling out onto the adjoining streets.

Other ways to get to Great Keppel Island

Other ways to get to Great Keppel Island include;

Barges

Barges are not often thought of a way of transport to the islands but The Keppel Barge provide a drop off and pick up as part of their range of services. They also provide Sunset Cruises, Day Cruises and you can hire the barge for private parties.

Other services they provide is waste removal, recovery services and delivery services to the islands.

Plane

People often ask "Can you still fly to Great Keppel Island", well the answer is yes. The service departs from Rockhampton Airport and Peace Aviation are the ones who provide this service.

There are no real timetables so you need to contact them and arrange a time for departure.

If you are flying in from out of area into Rockhampton you can arrange to have them meet you on arrival and be transferred to their plane.

The flight is about 30min and they say they can have you on the island within an hour of landing in Rockhampton.

Helicopter

Rockhampton Helicopters provide joy flights and can also provide an Island Transfer service. Transfers are up to three passengers depending on weights and luggage.

The helicopter departs from along the Rockhampton Yeppoon road opposite Mt Jim Crow.

They can also provide the transfer service from Rockhampton Airport as well.

Visit their website Rockhampton Helicopters for further details.

Island Tour - Keppel Explorer have an Island tour where you can explore the islands which includes exploring the islands, island beaches, island reefs and includes lunch. The tour is between 9am and 2pm and departs from Keppel Bay Marina.

Depending on your budget and adventure desires there is something to cater for everyone.

Things to do on Great Keppel Island

Swim at Great Keppel Island

You can swim at Great Keppel Island all year round. The temperature ranges from 29 degrees in summer down to 20 degrees in winter.

Snorkelling at Great Keppel Island

With fringing coral reefs just off the beach, you can easily snorkel whatever your level of ability is

Hiking on Great Keppel Island

There are several walking trails that cover the island and you can select one that suites your fitness and adventure level.

One of the popular walks is the one to the Great Keppel Island Homestead, known as Leeke's Homestead.

It is located in the centre of the island and was the home to Michael and Lizzie O'Neill who grazed sheep at the property. During this time they built the Homestead.

In 1923 Mr O'Neill passed away and Lizzie remarried in 1924 to a man named Ralph.

Leaks Beach and Estuary are named after Lizzie and Ralph.

Lizzie stayed by herself on the island and ran the sheet after the marriage to Ralph ended. Lizzie left the island some time in early 1940's.

The Homestead is heritage listed with the Queensland Heritage Register.

There are more walks to choose from and they range from a relaxing stroll along Fisherman's beach or Putney beach, up to a 15km walk to the other side of the island to the light house.

All walks provide secluded beaches and spectacular views as you make your way along the soft sands or through the interconnecting walking tracks that cover the island.

Choose your adventure according to your ability and don't forget to take plenty of water, a hat and have good footwear depending on the trail you select.

Water sports on Great Keppel Island

There are several companies that offer different water sport activities from kayaking to jet skiing to scuba diving and whale watching when in season.

Great Keppel Island Water Sports and Activities provide scuba diving and other hire options and Keppel Water Sports have a range of hire equipment with water skiing and Jet Ski hire options.

Exploring the Keppel Islands by Boat

You can explore the island if you have your own boat and there are many beaches that you can find yourself being the only person on.

Relaxing on Great Keppel Island

When you think about an island escape, you picture yourself relaxing. Great Keppel Island is the ultimate place to relax.

Even during the busiest times you will be able to find yourself a section of the beach where you can set up for the day, soak up the sun, read your favourite book or listen to your favourite playlist or podcast.

Warning: You may even find yourself falling asleep.

Dining on Great Keppel Island

Whether you want to enjoy dinner and a drink while watching the sun go down at The Hideaway, or you grab one of the amazing burgers from Tropical Vibes for lunch, there is always something available to tantalise your taste buds.

What you need to take to Great Keppel Island

Hat

Water

Towel

Snorkelling gear, (pic below is the Full Face Snorkel by Ninja Shark)

Sunscreen

Swimmers, Togs, board shorts, rash vest, or whatever your swimming attire is,

Walking shoes (if you plan to go on a walk),

Book/s

Beach Shelter/Umbrella

Insect Repellent

Sense of adventure.

Places to eat on Great Keppel Island

There are several options on where to dine on Great Keppel Island. They are all located on the western side of the island close to where the boats drop passengers off on Fishermans Beach.

Half way down Fishermans Beach, there is a path that starts from behind Keppel Water Sports. As you walk North along the path you will find the places to eat; 1. Tropical Vibes, 2. Great Keppel Island Pizza, and 3. Great Keppel Island Hideaway.

Tropical Vibes Great Keppel Island

Tropical Vibes (formerly Rainbow Hut) is a food and souvenirs shop located behind the sharks mouth on Fishermans Beach.

Their burgers are the go to on their menu. They serve alcohol along with other refreshments, coffee and ice creams.

They are open 7-days a week.

Great Keppel Island Pizza

Great Keppel Island Pizza is only open on limited occasions so it is recommended that you call ahead to check when they are open.

To be perfectly honest, I have not eaten there myself so I am unable to give you my opinion, but what I have read from the reviews and what others have advised me, the pizzas are great. Sometimes there can be a wait, but it's worth it.

Phone - (07) 4939 4699

Great Keppel Island Hideaway (Bar and Bistro)

The Hideaway is located at the northern end of Fishermans Beach and Western End of Putney Beach where you can dine and watch the sun set over Yeppoon.

The Hideaways Bar and Bistro is open 7-days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. With their long timber tables it is ideal for large groups and they have arguably the best view on the island.

They do cocktails and also cater for functions and weddings.

Watching the sunset over Yeppoon while enjoying your favourite drink is a highlight.

Places to stay on Great Keppel Island

Day trips to the island is a great way to spend a day, but it will leave you wanting more.

There is nothing like extending the stay beyond the day and watching one of the amazing sunsets as the sun goes down behind the silhouette of Yeppoon.

Below are some of the places available to stay to enjoy a night or two and explore more of the beauty the island has to offer.

Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Great Keppel Island Hideaway has accommodation ranging from their Island Cabins located on the water front, Garden Rooms with ensuited cabins, Family Rooms with shared amenities, A Frame House and the Hideaway House.

The accommodation is simple, comfortable and relaxed making it easy to settle in and unwind.

You can self cater with some basic cooking items available, just check the website for what each style of accommodation provides.

Their rates vary depending on the time of year, so check out their website here for their latest prices and availability.

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village is set back a little from the water but still close enough that if you took a few steps and tripped over you will probably get wet.

The Holiday Village has a range of accommodation options that consist of the Dolphin Cottage, Cabins, Basic Family Rooms, Twin Rooms, Glamping Tents and Tent Sites.

The Basic Family Rooms, Twin Rooms, Glamping Tents and Tent Sites are serviced by a central toilet and shower area and they have access to a camp style kitchen.

Svendsen's Beach

Svendsen's Beach is an Eco-friendly accommodation located on Svendsen's Beach.

It is located a short boat trip around from the Fishermans Beach where the ferry drops you off, and the hosts come and collect you by boat.

At Svendsen's Beach you will need to bring all your food and drinks and they only take cash for payments.

This accommodation does not cater for kids under 14, so if it is a secluded and relaxing stay your after, then this might be the accommodation for you.

AirBnB and private Accommodation

Also on the island there are some options to rent out a house that are privately owned. These are located down the southern end of Fishermans beach.

They are generally booked privately or through AirBnB.

You will need to search online for the information and contact them directly.

I will get a list together when I am next out there and update this post once I have that information.

The view out the front of the "Island View Cabin" at the Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Dangers on Great Keppel Island

The island in general is a safe place as long as you don't do anything silly.

These are not to scare you in any way, but to just make you aware.

Some things to look out for and be aware of;

1. Goats - there are goats that roam the island, so you will need to be on the look out particularly when you go bush walking and hiking. Keeping your is recommended.
2. Stingers - fortunately there is rarely get a case of someone being stung by a stinger, whether a Box Jellyfish or an Irukandji. If it is something that worries you, then you can wear a stinger suite. It's not a must like it is when swimming further north.
3. Sharks - Again shark attacks are rare. Taking your normal precautions as you would swimming anywhere else
4. Large Tides - In central QLD the tides range between 4 - 4.5m. This can be an issue when you set up on the beach and tide comes in, you take a walk around the rocks and then on your way back the tide has cut off the path that you originally took. You may end up having to go for a swim. If you have your own boat you may also become beached.
5. Boats in the Water - when the weather is good there are a lot of people with boats that head out to the island and anchor just off the beach. Just be on the look out for boats moving, and even when anchored they can swing in the wind.

FAQ

Can you swim all year round at Great Keppel Island?

• Yes

How long does it take to get to Great Keppel Island?

• Great Keppel Island is 15km out from Rosslyn Bay Harbour and takes about 40min by ferry.

Can you Jetski to Great Keppel Island?

• Yes, and its a lot quicker than by boat but sometime a little more wet.

Can you 4WD on Great Keppel Island?

• There are minimal cars on Great Keppel Island and there is no need to take one. 4WD is not an activity on the island.

Can you take your own boat to Great Keppel Island?

• Definitely

Final Thought

Great Keppel Island has to be one of the most beautiful and accessible islands in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

People that travel up the coast on their boats often say that Great Keppel Island is one of their favourite islands along the Great Barrier Reef.

We here at Here In Yeppoon hope that you enjoy this amazing part of the world as much as we do.

If you would like to share you photos, please go to our Instagram page or tag @here_in_yeppoon #here_in_yeppoon when posting images.

Safe travels from the team at Here In Yeppoon