National park · Australia
Great Keppel Island
Visit Great Keppel Island: take the $20‑$50 ferry from Keppel Bay Marina, hike the 8 km (5 mi) coastal trail (2–3 h) in the cooler months Apr–Oct, and stay at the Holiday Village or Hideaway resort.Visit Great Keppel Island: take the $20‑$50 ferry from Keppel Bay Marina, hike the 5 mi (8 km) coastal trail (2–3 h) in the cooler months Apr–Oct, and stay at the Holiday Village or Hideaway resort.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
approximate
Established
2026
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 12
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
- Queensland ↗Marine stinger season runs November to May in tropical waters; swim inside stinger nets or in a protective suit.
- Queensland ↗Queensland keeps UTC+10 all year — no daylight saving. Clocks go back an hour crossing from New South Wales in summer.
- Central Queensland ↗A car is the practical default; without one, book buses (Greyhound/Premier) or fly between coastal airports.
- Central Queensland ↗Fuel up in towns before long inland legs; some stretches run 100 km+ between servos.
- Central Queensland ↗Tropical coast: marine stingers (box jellyfish, Irukandji) are a risk Nov–May — swim in netted enclosures or wear a stinger suit.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
- The island covers about 5 km² (check); figures vary slightly between sources.
- Established
- 2026
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Yeppoon
Great Keppel Island is a small tropical island off Yeppoon, Queensland, offering a short coastal walk, reef‑side watersports and modest resort accommodation. Access is by ferry from Keppel Bay Marina, with two operators charging AU$20–50 per person one‑way. No official camping is allowed beyond the Holiday Village site.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2026.
Size and age
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²) · national park since 2026
The island covers about 5 km² (check); figures vary slightly between sources.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Yeppoon.
Why go
- A small tropical island with easy coastal walks and clear waters.
- Resorts on the east side offer simple cabins and campsites.
- Boat‑based watersports and drop‑off services let you explore multiple beaches.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanSummer heat, 24‑30 °C (86 °F).Summer heat, 24‑86 °F (30 °C).
- FebHot, occasional storms.
- MarWarm, less rain.
- AprMild, dry.
- MayComfortable, low humidity.
- JunCooler, occasional rain.
- JulCool, dry.
- AugCool, dry.
- SepWarm, dry.
- OctWarm, low rain.
- NovIncreasing heat.
- DecSummer heat returns.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical birds, reef fishAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Yeppoon
Drive 15 km (9.3 mi) north to Keppel Bay Marina, then take ferry.Drive 9.3 mi (15 km) north to Keppel Bay Marina, then take ferry.
30 min drive + ferry
Open the page →
From Rockhampton
Drive 40 km (25 mi) north to Keppel Bay Marina, then ferry.Drive 25 mi (40 km) north to Keppel Bay Marina, then ferry.
45 min drive + ferry
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| East resorts | Holiday Village and Hideaway accommodations, beach access. | Open with ferry ticket; cabins need reservation. |
| Coastal trail | 8 km (5 mi) loop from east resorts to western lighthouse.5 mi (8 km) loop from east resorts to western lighthouse. | Open to walkers; no guide required. |
| Water sports area | Drop‑off points for boats, snorkelling, kayaking. | Paid services, e.g., GKI Watersports. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of Great Keppel Island.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Keppel Konnections) | AUD 50 (≈ US$35) | person | One‑way, 7 days a week. |
| Ferry (Freedom Fast Cats) | AUD 20 (≈ US$14) | person | One‑way, 7 days a week. |
| Holiday Village cabin | AUD 200 (≈ US$140) | night | Two‑person cabin, check availability. |
| Hideaway house | AUD 230 (≈ US$160) | night | 1‑4 person accommodation, check availability. |
| Camping at Holiday Village | AUD 30 (≈ US$20) | night | Minimum 3‑night stay. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Ferry ticket permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- A$50≈ US$35
- A$20≈ US$14
- A$200≈ US$140
- A$230≈ US$160
- A$30≈ US$20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed on the island.
- Camping
- Only at Holiday Village campsites; no free camping.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use provided BBQs where available.
Where to stay
In the park
Great Keppel Island Holiday Village
Cabins and campsites on the east side.
In the park
Great Keppel Island Hideaway
Self‑catering houses, 1‑4 people.
Safety
Heat medium
Boat conditions medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Resort areas have paved paths and short walks from the dock.
- Coastal trail includes some uneven sections; not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Use reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid littering.
- Support operators that follow the permitted boat routes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Great Keppel Island?
You need a ferry ticket: $20 AUD per person with Freedom Fast Cats or $50 AUD with Keppel Konnections (one‑way).
What are the best hikes in Great Keppel Island?
The main coastal trail runs about 8 km from the east resorts to the western lighthouse and takes 2–3 hours; it’s easy and suitable for most walkers.
When is the best time to visit Great Keppel Island?
April to October offers milder temperatures and lower rain, making walks and water activities more comfortable.
Are there any camping options?
Official camping is only at the Holiday Village campsite (AU$30 per night, minimum 3‑night stay). No free‑camping is permitted.
Can I bring a pet?
Pets are not allowed on the island.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Great Keppel Island
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