Great Keppel Island

Travel Guide
Great Keppel Island showing a beach and a bay or harbor
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
3 out of 5
The Esplanade, Great Keppel Island, The Keppels, QLD
The price is RM336 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
RM336
RM370 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 3-star 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! (88 reviews)
"Was a wonderful place to propose to my partner"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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 RM411 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM411
RM411 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
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! (36 reviews)
"Like a tropical island , basic yet homely accommodation in the most beautiful island"

Reviewed on 2 Sep 2024

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Bayview Tower
Bayview Tower
3.5 out of 5
4 Adelaide Street, Yeppoon, QLD
The price is RM387 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
RM387
RM387 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Yeppoon. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (648 reviews)
"The room was very clean. A surprise was a full breakfast was included Monday to Friday."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 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.
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! (36 reviews)
"Like a tropical island , basic yet homely accommodation in the most beautiful island"

Reviewed on 2 Sep 2024

Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (435 reviews)
"Right in the middle of everything everything to do right there can’t beat it"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2024

Rosslyn Bay Resort
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! (280 reviews)
"Awesome view from apartment."

Reviewed on 3 Sep 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.

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Reviews of Great Keppel Island

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went on several walks. The beaches were stunning and the swimming was great. I am glad we took Geoff’s advice and took more food and less clothes, food shopping is limited. It’s a real get away from it all place and I hope to return.