Great Keppel Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Great Keppel Island
Just shy of the Tropic of Capricorn, this leafy island has a string of white-sand beaches where you can snorkel amid coral reefs or hike into the bush.

Discover the natural beauty of Great Keppel Island, the largest of the islands in the Keppel Group. Also known as Ganumi Bara, the island has a rich cultural heritage belonging to the Ganumi and Woppaburra Aboriginal people. Choose from 17 spectacular beaches and explore the lushly vegetated interior of this pearl on the Capricorn Coast. Whether you’re adventuring in a kayak, bushwalking through native forest or lazing on the soft, white sand, you’ll feel a world away on Great Keppel Island.

Many visitors begin their trip to Great Keppel Island at the marina on the island’s west coast. From here, begin the tough task of picking your favorite from the island’s 17 beaches. There are 17.4 miles (28 kilometers) of beaches and bays on this paradise, many of which feature coral gardens around the headlands. Swim in the warm tropical waters of Putney Beach or put on your mask and snorkel to get a closer look at the vivid marine life below the surface. Protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the offshore reefs have a stunning diversity of marine life. Some of the island’s best snorkeling spots can be found at Monkey Point, Clam Bay and Shelving Beach.

Rent a kayak or a catamaran and explore the coastline. See aquamarine waters lapping at glowing white shores, which are backed by swaying palms and tropical foliage. Go bushwalking in this shady oasis to find a sanctuary for Central Queensland’s native flora and fauna. More than 100 species of bird can be found on Great Keppel Island, including laughing kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets and several types of seabird.

Great Keppel Island is 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from the coast of Yeppoon in Central Queensland. Reach the island by ferry or charter boat trip from Rosslyn Bay Harbour or Keppel Bay Marina. You can also fly to the island with a charter plane. Explore the island on a daytrip or book a longer stay. Rent a waterfront bungalow or indulge at the resort and wake up with paradise on your doorstep.

Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
2.5 out of 5
The Esplanade, Great Keppel Island, The Keppels, QLD
The price is NZ$155 per night from 16 May to 17 May
NZ$155
per night
16 May - 17 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in The Keppels. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Fishermans Beach and Putney Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (82 reviews)
"The time away was very relaxing. The room was great for the price."

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
3 out of 5
Lot 2 The Esplanade, Great Keppel Island, The Keppels, QLD
The price is NZ$175 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$175
per night
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in The Keppels. Enjoy a beach shuttle (surcharge), a garden, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Fishermans Beach and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"The clamping tent was spacious comfortable and set amongst tropical garden. Facilities easy to use. Walking distance to beautiful beaches marine life amazing. Staff at great keppel village were just great!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2023

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Bayview Tower
Bayview Tower
3.5 out of 5
4 Adelaide Street, Yeppoon, QLD
The price is NZ$192 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$192
per night
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Yeppoon. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Keppel Kraken and Main Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (593 reviews)
"Lovely and central apartment"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Bayview Tower
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rosslyn Bay Resort
Rosslyn Bay Resort
3.5 out of 5
Vin E. Jones Drive, Rosslyn, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Rosslyn. Enjoy a full-service spa, a business center, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (403 reviews)
"Very disappointed the restaurant and bar was closed Monday and Tuesday which was the whole purpose of booking a resort so that we didn't have t o drive. Also no lift in property which is not a problem generally but to be noted."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Rosslyn Bay Resort
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
3 out of 5
Lot 2 The Esplanade, Great Keppel Island, The Keppels, QLD
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in The Keppels. Enjoy a beach shuttle (surcharge), a garden, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Fishermans Beach and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"The clamping tent was spacious comfortable and set amongst tropical garden. Facilities easy to use. Walking distance to beautiful beaches marine life amazing. Staff at great keppel village were just great!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2023

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Echelon Apartments
Echelon Apartments
4 out of 5
18-22 Anzac Parade, Yeppoon, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Yeppoon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Keppel Kraken and Main Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (270 reviews)
"Location is the main reason we stayed there. The apartment itself was spacious and clean. It is a little dated and needs a review of the kitchen stock. There was only 1 frypan and it was very old so had uneven cooking surfaces, no oven mits and only one tea towell. A lot of the appliances were a ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2024

Echelon Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Great Keppel Island

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 20%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
8 Jan 2020

The two main beaches are average , area where sandbags are around hideaway is unsightly and should be communicated to holiday makers Well overpriced for such poor amenities

5/5 - Excellent

ChrisToohey
17 Mar 2019

FABULOUS beaches, and if you are a snorkeler - just get there!

5/5 - Excellent

Beccy
13 Feb 2019

Plan your trip to get the early ferry over and late ferry back no matter how many days you’re staying there for, you won’t want to leave.