Known by its Indigenous inhabitants as Wop-Pa, Great Keppel Island lies just off Queensland’s Capricorn Coast. It’s believed to have been inhabited for around 5,000 years prior to the arrival of European pastoralists in the late 19th century. In the wake of World War II, Great Keppel Island became a popular tourist destination with the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep.
Things to do in Great Keppel Island
Great Keppel Island is ringed by white sandy beaches such as Long Beach and Putney Beach, both of which offer safe swimming for families. You can come face-to-face with sea turtles, puffer fish and rays while snorkelling off the shores of Monkey Beach or book a day trip to dive some of the exceptional sites of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Sweeping coastal views are on offer from the 2.6-kilometre-long Lookout Trail, which begins at the water sports hut on Fisherman’s Beach. Slightly longer is the two-hour trail that connects to Monkey Point, which features an Indigenous shell midden and lush subtropical vegetation along the way. While hiking on Great Keppel Island, keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife and birds, such as honeyeaters, kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to Leeke Homestead, a heritage-listed property built in the 1920s for Lizzie Leeke. It’s perched on a hillside overlooking a beach and tidal mangrove forest where a woolshed is located. The homestead offers insight into the historic pastoral industry of Great Keppel Island.
Getting around Great Keppel Island
Regular ferries connect to Great Keppel Island from Rosslyn Bay, which is around 15 minutes’ drive from Yeppoon and about an hour from Rockhampton Airport. Most of Great Keppel Island’s attractions are accessible on foot or can be visited on day cruises from the mainland.