Only 30 minutes drive from Rockhampton and a short boat ride from the beautiful Capricorn Coast lies Great Keppel Island.


A majestic mass of sand and sun, Great Keppel Island is home to a wide selection of native Australian wildlife. Eat lunch surrounded by dozens of beautiful, brightly coloured parrots and explore the island as the possums come out to play by night, scurrying close to you in the hope of a feed.

A range of accommodation is available on Great Keppel Island including a Contiki 18-35’s resort, cabins, camping, a youth hostel and beach houses.

On our most recent trip to Great Keppel Island we enjoyed exploring the 17 sandy white beaches by day, stopping during our walks to relax in the cool, clear waters of the ocean. Taking to the island’s walking tracks is a must do during your stay, with each track, all varying in difficulty, offering a unique perspective of the Island.

If you feel like getting your toes wet on one of Great Keppel Island’s two main beaches – Putney Beach and Fishermen’s Beach – a range of activities are available for your enjoyment including jet skiing, water skiing, tube rides, kayaking, surf skiing and snorkelling. If you want a bit more of an adrenalin rush why not try parasailing or a tandem sky dive?

Making the trip to Monkey Beach is well worth it if it’s coral viewing you’re after, or alternatively you can board the pontoon cruise which departs from Great Keppel Island most days.

By night Great Keppel Island is a place to party! If you feel like getting out there and letting loose put on your dancing shoes and head to The Waves Bar or Salt Nightclub at the Great Keppel Island Contiki 18-35’s resort. If a quiet drink in a relaxing background is more your style Keppel Haven is just a five minute walk from the resort and offers dining and a bar in a relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you want to relax, have a romantic weekend getaway or you want to party, if it’s sand and sun you’re after head to Great Keppel Island.