This guide details how to choose a ferry to Great Keppel Island. Along with outlining all the superb things to do while you are… The post The Ferry to Great Keppel Island (A Guide on How to Get There)...
This guide details how to choose a ferry to Great Keppel Island. Along with outlining all the superb things to do while you are there.
Great Keppel Island is the largest island in the Keppel Group. Located off the coast of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast this tropical island is easily accessible for a day trip or longer stay.
A natural lovers paradise Great Keppel has a plethora of beautiful sandy beaches and numerous walking trails to explore. The star attraction is the experiences you can encounter both above and under the turquoise waters surrounding the island.
Here’s how to get to Great Keppel Island and how to spend your day once you have arrived.
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Featured Image: Keppel Dive and Snorkel © Tourism and Events Queensland
How to Get to Great Keppel Island
Three services can take you to Great Keppel Island. Normally you would need to research each option individually (as I did) to make your decision on what charter is best for you. However, to make this decision easier, I created a guide that lists the details of each.
Tip: Even though Great Keppel Island is a short distance from the mainland the ferry will be travelling through open ocean water. Depending on the weather and wind you may experience anything from calm waters to larger swells. If you are prone to seasickness it may be worth investing in some travel sickness medication so it does not interfere with your day.
Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island
Conveniently located only 18 kilometres from the mainland off the Capricorn Coast, Great Keppel Island can be reached in a half-hour ferry ride from Yeppoon. The below options are available if you are travelling to and from Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island.
Choosing a Ferry to Great Keppel Island
Keppel Konnections
Keppel Konnections provides daily return transfers to and from Great Keppel Island. Keppel Konnections provides three to four transfer times during the day. In addition to the standard return transfers, Keppel Konnections offer packages that have bonus inclusions.
A Great Keppel Island day trip including lunch and snorkel hire. A Great Keppel Island day trip including lunchWe travelled to Great Keppel Island with Keppel Konnections and chose the package including lunch.
The package included choosing any option from the lunch menu at Great Keppel Island Hideaway and included a beverage. The meal was included for each paying person with a ferry pass. Kids 4 years old and under travel for free, but do not receive a meal (can be purchased separately). This lunch package is perfect if you are taking a day trip and only want to travel lightly.
Great Keppel Island Ferry Timetable
The general timetable of Keppel Konnections.
Keppel Konnection Timetable © Keppel Konnections Website
Timetables are subject to change pending weather and additional services.
Ferry Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance for Keppel Konnections is one suitcase or backpack, plus one small bag per person, plus one esky (maximum size 40L).
Practical Information: Larger eskies will not be accepted. Ensure everything you take is clearly labelled. Some packages are not available on Christmas Day and ferry times may also differ.
Great Keppel Island Ferry Price
Transfers (only) with Keppel Konnections
From $50 per adult round trip.
From $30 for children (5-14 years) round trip.
2 adults and 2 kids are from $140 round trip.
Address: 1 Waterline Way, Rosslyn. Departing from the RED JETTY.
Freedom Fast Cats
Freedom Fast Cat Cruises © Tourism and Events Queensland
Freedom Fast Cats is based in Rosslyn Bay Marina and offers daily return ferry services to Great Keppel Island. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday they offer two charters. On all other days, they offer one. The exception to this is during Queensland school holiday periods (excluding June/July) where they offer an additional early morning transfer from Rosslyn Bay Marina to Great Keppel Island.
Freedom Fast Cats also offer various cruise packages depending on your interests.
An adventure cruise including boomnetting and snorkelling Glass bottom boat viewing tour and snorkelling Glass bottom boat viewing tour with lunch supplied on the ferryIf you want to explore Great Keppel Island at your leisure then general island transfers would be the best option.
Great Keppel Island Ferry Timetable
The general timetable of Freedom Fast Cats.
Freedom Fast Cats Timetable © Freedom Fast Cats Website
Timetables are subject to change pending weather and additional services.
Ferry Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance for Freedom Fast Cats is one suitcase and one carry-on per person and one esky (maximum size 50L). Gazebos/Sunshades are also permitted and at no extra charge.
Practical Information: No ferry transfers are available on Christmas Day
Great Keppel Island Ferry Price
Transfers (only) with Freedom Fast Cats
From $55 per adult round trip.
From $38 for children (4-14 years) round trip.
2 adults and 2 kids are from $160 round trip.
Address: Pier One, John Howes Drive, Rosslyn Bay Harbour
Day Trip to Great Keppel Island
Keppel Explorer
Keppel Explorer © Tourism and Events Queensland
The Keppel Explorer is a top-rated tour where you can experience the best of what Great Keppel Island has to offer. It is also the only service that takes you island-hopping around the Keppels. The owner Scotty has a passion for tourism and a love for Great Keppel Island. When these passions blended, they created Keppel Explorer. The groups are kept small to offer a personalised and comprehensive experience.
Keppel Explorer Tour Details
The Keppel Explorer offers a 5-in-1 adventure tour daily. As the name suggests it includes 5 elements – Great Keppel Island, beaches, the reef, snorkelling and lunch. The tour is suitable for most ages, however, the recommended minimum age is 5 years old.
Location: Departing Keppel Bay Marina Time: 9 am – 2 pm (5-hour duration) Availability: 12 seats Highlights: up to 5 islands and 20 beaches, multiple snorkelling locations, secluded beaches and islands. Meals/drinks: a gourmet lunch provided at a secluded location, BYO water Price: From $180per personPractical Information: Find what to bring, important information, and FAQs on the Keppel Explorer website. The tour details and what is included is subject to change as weather dependant.
Booking Information: Due to the popularity of this tour and the group size it is recommended to book in advance otherwise you will miss out!
Car Parking at Keppel Bay Marina
Freedom Fast Cats
For any day trippers there is a car park across the road from the Pier One terminal.
Keppel Konnections and Keppel Explorer
You can unload close to the check-in area and then park free of charge in the marina’s main car park.
If you are staying overnight on Great Keppel Island, there is a security car park facility available at 422 Scenic Highway, Rosslyn Bay. Phone 0488 004 785 for bookings and prices.
How Long Do You Need on Great Keppel Island
There are many amazing things to do on Great Keppel Island. If you want to soak up some tropical relaxation vibes and explore all the beaches and walks on offer, you will need a few days. If you are short on time, then choose what you want to experience first and plan your day based on those activities.
Great Keppel Island Map
Download a copy of the Great Keppel Island map from the Visit Capricorn website to give you an idea of where the activities and landmarks are located.
Great Keppel Island Map © Visit Capricorn Website
Things to Do on Great Keppel Island
If you choose one of the ferry services above to explore the island (at your leisure), I have the below ideas for your visit.
Snorkel or Drive
Great Keppel Island has many sublime snorkelling areas with pristine coral reefs at its doorstep. If you are wanting to experience some snorkelling first hand then I recommend Great Keppel Island Watersports and Activities.
The dive hut is located close to the Hideaway Resort. There are options to partake in one of their private tours or hire some equipment and set off on your adventure.
We went on a ‘Guided Eco’ Snorkelling Tour as it allowed us to partake in a snorkelling activity.
Pros of the tour: Good value, a good amount of time in the water without taking the whole day, helpful and friendly staff
Practical Information: All tours are weather dependent and can be cancelled or changed. We did not experience the best weather so were only able to snorkel at a nearby location. It was still a good experience, gave us a taste of snorkelling at GKI and we respect the decision of safety first!
If you don’t fancy a tour there are two snorkelling locations in close distance to where the ferry arrives. Shelving Point Reef is the closest reef located off Shelving Beach. Monkey Beach Reef is situated in a protected bay and is one of the most popular places to snorkel with 38 coral species in this area.
Hiking
If you can muster up the energy to strap on a pair of walking shoes and leave the beach then you will find six walking trails over the island. The walks range from 1-hour walks to full-day trails. Most walks are moderate grade with some steep sections. If you only have one day at Great Keppel Island you may not be able to include a long walk into your itinerary.
A way to incorporate exploring some of the islands and add in some snorkelling is by taking the ‘Monkey Point’ walk including Long Beach. The two-hour circuit (so wearing appropriate shoes would be advised) takes you through native bushland where you will see evidence of Aboriginal heritage. The trail passes by Long Beach, which was ranked in the top 20 best beaches in Australia. If you take your snorkelling gear you can stop in at Monkey Beach on your way back.
Water Activities
Keppel Water Sports © Tourism and Events Queensland
There is an array of aquatic activities available on Great Keppel Island. You can hire gear at the Dive Hut to explore the glorious Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Hire a single or double kayak to cruise around the island discovering it from a boat’s perspective. If you want to know the best places to visit join a kayak tour with a local guide.
Another fun activity is stand-up paddle boarding. Choose your desired length of time and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the aquamarine waters.
To experience the underwater world up close, hire snorkelling or dive equipment and discover the pristine reefs that are located off the beaches. The protected waters around the island are teeming with marine life, and keep your eyes open for rays and turtles.
Beaches
Great Keppel Island has no shortage of beaches to explore, with 17 fringing the island.
Venture to the southern end of Fisherman’s Beach. This area is protected from the winds and is a great place to enjoy the ocean or snorkel around the rocks.
Putney Beach is close to the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Café and Bistro and easy to reach on foot. Backed by palm trees the long stretch of beach is spacious and a good choice if you want to be close to the café and facilities on the island.
Not all beaches are easily accessible. If there is a particular beach you want to visit, GKI Water Sports and Activities offer 11 different beach transfers around the island.
Where to Eat on Great Keppel Island
Great Keppel Island Hideaway © Tourism and Events Queensland
Stock your esky and take this with you on your trip or dine at the Great Keppel Hideaway Bar and Bistro. The alfresco-style dining offers views overlooking the crystal-clear waters. The café provides a relaxed atmosphere and casual dining. The menus are seasonal and there is also a kid’s menu.
Practical Information: Open daily for breakfast 7.30 – 10.30 am, lunch 11.30 am to 2.30 pm (3.30 pm school holidays and weekends) and dinner 5.30 pm – 8.00 pm.
Note: Every effort has been taken to ensure the above information is accurate at the time of publication. The information provided is subject to change and it is advised to check the individual website of the ferry or tour before booking.
I hope you enjoyed the above guide on what to do on Great Keppel Island! If you need further assistance with planning your Queensland holiday, make sure to check out our other articles as well. Below are some of our travel guides that may help.
The Most Amazing Stops on a Brisbane to Townsville Road Trip The absolute best things to do in Bargara Queensland The Perfect Cairns Itinerary (Ultimate Guide for 5 – 7 Days in Cairns) The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Palm CoveDo you have any unanswered questions? Let me know in the comments below!
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