Keppel Islands
Learn MoreSO Many Islands!
18 Islands grace our shorelines. Most of which are completely deserted. Have your own boat? Pick & choose where your stay. No Boat? Get yourself to GKI.
The first resort on Great Keppel Island opened in 1967 but is now closed however there is still accommodation on Great Keppel Island which ranges from tents and cabins or even a private beach house on the water’s edge. Ferries depart most days to Great Keppel Island from Pier One, and the Marina cafe side, Rosslyn Bay. A number of charters, and full day cruises, sailing adventures, and extended tour options are also available from Keppel Bay Marina.
After purchasing the lease for the resort and that of Lot 21 which covers about 80% of the island, GKI Resort Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the privately owned Australian company Tower Holdings, closed the facility in 2008. They then unveiled a $1.15 billion revitalisation plan for the island. The plan, which has been declared a “significant project” by the Queensland Government, however, is did not have the support of the residents of Central Queensland or the Environment Department. The proposal was rejected by the Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett in October 2009 on the grounds that there would be ‘unacceptable’ impacts to the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef values of the island. Unfazed by the objections and in spite of several other Great Barrier Reef Island resorts closing Tower Holdings submitted a third proposal early in 2010. The federal Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, announced his support for Agnew’s proposal on 22 February 2012. The Island Resort lease was recently sold to the Singaporean/Taiwanese group Wei Chao and works are expected to take place on the new resort very soon.
The old resort has been demolished, but there are many other places to stay and the rest of the island is pretty cool. If all you want to do is lay on a beach all day, have a bit of a snorkel or walk the tracks around the island, it’s worth the trip.
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What about the other 17 islands?
Well, Keppel Bay Islands National Park has six of those 17 islands offering a range of camping opportunities. North Keppel Island and Humpy Island support camping in larger groups. The other small islands provide a more self-sufficient camping experience and are suitable for families and couples. There is no ferry service to any of the national park islands. Some charter operators service the area.
Camping permits are required and fees apply. National Parks want you to get your permit before setting up camp and attach it to your tent in a visible position. These are easily booked online.
The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage islands are among the most pest-free islands in the world. They need your help to stay this way.
For more information and bookings visit Department of National Parks n’
Our next website project is greatkeppelislandcapricorncoast.com.au but one foot in front of the other…
