An aerial view of a traveler walking along Long Beach on Great Keppel Island. — If you are looking for a Queensland island with white-sand beaches, shore snorkeling, scenic hiking trails, and dreamy blue water, Great Keppel Island is one you should not overlook. Just a quick 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon, GKI makes the perfect weekend getaway.
If you are wondering whether Great Keppel Island is worth visiting, I definitely think it is. While many travelers head to the Whitsundays, Great Keppel Island offers a more laid-back island experience with incredible beaches, easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, and everything from snorkeling and diving to kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
During my visit, I stayed at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, which was a great base thanks to its beachfront location, cozy glamping tents, and easy access to many of the island's top attractions.
In this guide, I will share my favorite things to do on Great Keppel Island, where to stay, where to eat, the best beaches and snorkeling spots, and everything else you need to know before planning your trip.

*Disclaimer: This post includes a hosted stay with Great Keppel Island Hideaway. All opinions are my own and reflect my honest experience.*

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12 Best Things to Do on Great Keppel Island

Table of Contents

Why Visit Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island Map

12 Best Things To Do on Great Keppel Island

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Visit Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island is one of the most accessible Great Barrier Reef islands in Queensland, located just off the Capricorn Coast near Yeppoon and only a quick 30–35 minute ferry ride from the mainland. It is so close that you can even do a day trip! However, I do highly recommend staying at least for a weekend to fully explore the island. While a day trip to Great Keppel Island is possible, staying overnight allows you to experience the island after the day trippers leave, enjoy quieter beaches, catch dreamy sunsets from the GKI Hideaway restaurant during dinner, and have more time for snorkeling, hiking, and exploring. Great Keppel Island Hideaway is my favorite place to stay, offering a variety of different rooms for all budgets. The Glamping Tents are a highlight on the island for me, adding to your nature escape. The glamping accommodation is a great option for travelers who want the feeling of camping surrounded by nature, but still want the comfort of a proper bed, nearby facilities, and easy access to the island’s main attractions.

GKI is 3500 acres, giving you plenty of land and beaches to explore amongst their walking tracks, with some unique wildlife along the way, including the adorable echidnas! The island is also home to a variety of birdlife, marine life, and native Australian wildlife, making it a great destination for nature lovers and photographers. Nearly all of the snorkeling and diving on the island is located right from the beach, meaning you do not even need to join a boat trip or hire a boat to visit the sites. Many snorkeling spots can be reached directly from shore, making Great Keppel Island a great choice for beginner snorkelers as well as experienced divers who want easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. GKI is the perfect weekend getaway for couples, families, and solo travelers, that won’t break the bank, and that will leave you with a memorable weekend away.

I have visited Great Keppel Island in both summer and winter, and I can honestly say that both seasons offer something special, whether you are looking for snorkeling, hiking, wildlife encounters, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Great Keppel Island Map

12 Best Things To Do on Great Keppel Island

#1: Go Snorkeling at Great Keppel Island

Snorkeling around Great Keppel Island is definitely one of the best things to do on the island. The best part is that many of the island’s best snorkeling spots can be accessed directly from the beach, meaning you do not need to join a boat tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater world. There are several beaches on the island you can walk to, to access reefs that are only around 50–100 meters offshore depending on the tide and conditions. From rocky island outcroppings filled with stingrays resting on the sand and schools of fish munching on algae, to long reef flats filled with life from fish, turtles, and epaulette sharks, there is so much to discover underwater. If you do not have your own gear, you can grab some snorkeling equipment right beside Great Keppel Island Hideaway at the marine center.

Some of the best snorkeling spots on Great Keppel Island (or at least my favorites) are Shelving Beach, Monkey Beach, and Putney Beach. Shelving Beach is the best reef overall, having a wide reef flat to explore with a small sloping reef into the deeper areas. Here, I have found epaulette sharks hunting, turtles, schools of fish cleaning the reef, rays, large cowries, and more. Monkey Beach is next in line, with a larger area and more wildlife to find. Here, I have found sharks, turtles, and a lot of different species of fish like pufferfish, stonefish, and more. Putney Beach is ideal for finding loads of stingrays lying on the sandy bottom. There are also plenty of parrotfish and surgeonfish schooling around. I even spotted a flathead and a stonefish here too, and have heard this is a favorite spot for dugongs!

Travel Tip: Before snorkeling, always check the tides and conditions, as visibility and access can change throughout the day. For Shelving Beach, high tide to mid tide is generally the best time to explore to avoid cutting yourself on the reach, while Monkey Beach is also best around high tide when you can comfortably swim over the reef and have enough water to access it.

If you want something more adventurous, you can find day trips out to further away islands for snorkeling, or use the marine shop’s boat taxi to bring you to snorkel spots further away around Keppel Island instead of hiking there.

#2: Stay in a Glamping Tent at Great Keppel Island Hideaway

Staying in one of Great Keppel Island Hideaway’s Glamping Tents is one of the best ways to experience the island. Great Keppel Island has so much natural beauty, and I think there is no better way to experience it than camping. For me, glamping is one of the best ways to experience being in nature while still having the comforts of a proper room.

Each tent is a large canopy with a front porch attached to it, which I found was my favorite spot to enjoy a snack, sip a cup of tea, and read my book while feeling at peace under the canopy of trees and fresh air. Another thing I really enjoy is that you can find bits of wildlife around every corner. While outside on my porch, I saw a small echidna crawling by, which was an adorable surprise.

You enter the tent through glass sliding doors and are welcomed by a cozy room with your bed, two side tables, a microwave, a dresser, a small fridge, a kettle, and all of the cutlery, plates, and everything you need for eating at home. There is a large fan and an air conditioning unit, should you need to cool the area down. You also have a bright white bathroom connected to your room with all of the essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash), a second bedroom with bunk beds, which I used as a storage space for my things, and a small back patio.

Outside, you can find a drying rack for your swimsuit and snorkel gear as well, which was a great little addition. At night, I was enveloped in darkness, making it super easy to sleep, whereas in the morning, I would open the glass door curtains and watch the skies change from deep blue to hues of pink as the sun rose. I then enjoyed my tea while I slowly woke up on my porch before getting dressed and heading on the 2-minute walk to breakfast.

It was such a peaceful way to start the day before heading out to snorkel, hike, or explore the island. If you want to feel like you are camping on Great Keppel Island without giving up the comforts of a proper room, I definitely recommend staying in one of the Glamping Tents.

#3: Go Scuba Diving on Great Keppel Island

Certified diver? Great Keppel Island has some pretty fun shallow shore diving spots that are easily accessible around the island. Great Keppel Island is a great option for divers who want to experience the Great Barrier Reef without needing to travel far offshore or join a liveaboard.

You can hire the taxi drop-off and pick-up service with the marine center and choose which shore dive sites you want to explore. Two of my favorites were Butterfish Bay and Secret Beach. We saw plenty of nudibranchs, wobbegongs resting under ledges, blue-spotted stingrays, and more.

I brought my own gear with me, but the marine center does offer gear hire, dive guides, and courses on the island. This makes Great Keppel Island a great option for both experienced divers and those looking to try scuba diving for the first time.

If you want a more adventurous dive, you can head out to iconic dive sites like Egg Rock or Man and Wife. Although I have not done these dives myself, I have been told Egg Rock is one of the best dive sites around, especially for seeing sea snakes.

#4: Relax on Putney Beach

Putney Beach is one of the best beaches on Great Keppel Island for relaxing and enjoying the island life. The beach is located right next to Great Keppel Island Hideaway, making it easily accessible right from your room. When you first walk onto the beach, you will see a section of trees that provides the perfect bit of shade throughout the day. They are also great for setting up hammocks or a sun cover. On the other end of the trees, you will find a cute little swing that is perfect for kids or taking scenic photos, as well as some slack lines.

The water at Putney Beach is mostly a sandy bottom, making it ideal for swimming. Just be mindful of the many stingrays that are sometimes relaxing in the sand. Shuffle your feet when entering the water, as the vibrations will alert them and they will likely swim away from you.

To the far right of the beach is a rocky outcropping, which is a fun little snorkel spot as mentioned before. Keep an eye out in the shallows, as Putney Beach is also known as a spot where dugongs are sometimes seen feeding. This beach really does have everything you need for a full day out, with shade, swimming, snorkeling, and the GKI Hideaway Bar & Bistro just steps away.

#5: Snorkel and Relax at Shelving Beach

Shelving Beach is one of the best beaches on Great Keppel Island for snorkeling and swimming. The key is heading here for mid to high tide, so there is plenty of water to swim and snorkel over the reef. The hike to Shelving Beach is around 1 km from Fisherman’s Beach, but it is quite steep on the way up and down. Along the way, you will find beautiful little openings between the trees with views overlooking the island and ocean. These are perfect spots to catch your breath and stop for a few photos.

Just before you descend down onto the beach, I recommend walking over to the viewpoint (see photo above) to take in the breathtaking views. From here, you can look out over the island’s cliffs, golden sand, and water that shifts from pale blue along the shore to bright turquoise before fading into a deeper blue further out. It is one of my favorite viewpoints on the island.

Although the beach is a smaller cove, you can find plenty of space to spread out either amongst the rocks or on the sand. The shade is limited here, so keep that in mind. If you are looking for the reef, you just need to swim out about 50–100 meters (depending on the tide) to the white triangle reef markers. You will find a nice reef flat with a sloping edge into the deeper water, giving you plenty to explore and look for small critters and fish. Snorkeling here, I have seen epaulette sharks, schooling fish, large cowries, turtles, and more! This beach is definitely one of my favorites on the island because I enjoy snorkeling the reef, and it is just a beautiful beach to take in.

Travel Tip: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear with you, as there are no facilities at Shelving Beach.

#6: Hike to Monkey Beach or Long Beach for Island Views

Sitting side by side, Monkey Beach and Long Beach are two amazing spots to find beautiful viewpoints over Great Keppel Island’s coastline. The hike is a bit longer to reach these beaches, around 4 miles round trip, but it is totally worth it. Aside from the ascent at the beginning of the trail, the hike is quite easy. Just be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for along the way, especially if you plan to spend some time at both beaches. I prefer to wear sneakers for this hike because of the rocky terrain along the way.

Long Beach is a long stretch of soft white sand and turquoise water, which is most ideal for a beach day. Think plenty of space for privacy, swimming, and sunbathing without seeing another person. There is no reef here, so the waters are perfect for long swims without worrying about what lies below you. It is also my top spot to simply lay out my towel, enjoy the scenery, and have some quiet time on the island.

Monkey Beach, on the other hand, has less of a sandy area to relax, but a beautiful reef to explore. I did have to swim a bit further out to reach it (depending on the tide, but high tide is best for snorkeling). The swim was totally worth it once I reached the reef; there was so much underwater life to discover around the rocks and reef.

The two beaches are so close to one another that I found it easy to relax at one and then quickly hop over to the other for some snorkeling exploration. If you are looking for one hike on Great Keppel Island that combines scenic island views, secluded beaches, swimming, and snorkeling, this is a great one to add to your itinerary.

#7: Watch the Sunrise From Leeke’s Beach

Looking for one of the best sunrises on Great Keppel Island? Leeke’s Beach is the spot! From the beach, you can watch the golden sunlight slowly peek over the island’s hills, lighting up the surrounding landscape and reflecting across the ocean. It is such a dreamy way to start your day before the island gets busy.

Wake up a little before sunrise and walk across Putney Beach before hiking approximately 15–20 minutes to reach this sunrise spot. The hike is relatively easy and doable for most fitness levels, but remember to bring your phone or a flashlight in case you cannot see well in the early morning light.

#8: Explore Great Keppel Island’s Walking Tracks

Hiking is one of the best things to do on Great Keppel Island, and is what sets it apart from many of its nearby islands like Heron Island or Lady Elliot. The walking tracks take you through the bush and along the coastline, with little openings along the way where you can stop and take in the views over the ocean and surrounding islands.

Some of my favorite walks were the hikes out to Monkey Beach, Long Beach, and Shelving Beach. While some of the trails have a few steep sections, most are quite easy to follow and well worth the effort for the beaches and viewpoints you find along the way. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, especially if you are planning to spend the day exploring.

If you want something even more challenging you can find hikes that are 4+ hours long around the entire island!

#9: Spot Wildlife on Great Keppel Island

One of my favorite things about Great Keppel Island is how easy it is to spot wildlife, and you do not even have to go far to find it. I saw so much wildlife right around my glamping tent at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, which made the stay feel even more like a true escape in nature.

One afternoon, while I was hanging my wetsuit, I spotted an adorable little echidna slowly crawling along the fence right next to my tent. I also saw plenty of curlews roaming around the island, especially near the Hideaway Bar & Bistro. One of my other favorite moments was spotting a possum with a little baby riding on its back in a nearby tree. Along the walking trails, you may also come across the island's goats roaming around, especially along the Shelving Beach to Long Beach trail.

The wildlife is not just limited to land, either. During summer, Great Keppel Island's beaches become nesting grounds for sea turtles, with hatchlings emerging later in the season. Nesting generally takes place from around October through the summer months, and hatchlings can be seen from around January through March. If you are lucky enough to see a nesting turtle or hatchling, remember to give them plenty of space and avoid using bright lights, as it will disturb and disorient them.

During winter, humpback whales pass by the island during their migration season (July - September), though I was not lucky enough to spot one. I did, however, see some dolphins right in front of Hideaway’s Bar & Bistro, while I was eating! Dugongs can also sometimes be spotted near Putney Beach during sunset time, where they come into the shallower waters to feed.

And, of course, there is the marine life. With Great Keppel Island's fringing reefs, snorkeling and diving give you the chance to see turtles, rays, sharks, colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, and so much more. For me, the combination of land and marine wildlife is one of the things that makes Great Keppel Island so special. You can spend the morning snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, a dolphin during lunch, and then walk back to your Glamping Tent and find an echidna walking by.

#10: Hire a Kayak or SUP and Explore the Coastline

Hiring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard is a great way to explore more of Great Keppel Island’s coastline and reach some of the farther-away beaches that are harder to access on foot. It is also a fun way to explore the nearby islands at your own pace while enjoying the clear water and beautiful hilly scenery.

Some visitors have even been lucky enough to spot whales, dolphins, and dugongs while out on the water. Just be mindful of the tides and currents before heading out, and always check the conditions to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable paddle.

#11: Watch the Sunset with Dinner or a Drink at GKI Hideaway’s Bar & Bistro

What better way to end the day than watching the skies change from orange and yellow to pinks and purples over the ocean? My favorite place to watch the sunset on Great Keppel Island is from GKI Hideaway’s Bar & Bistro. The small hill in front of the restaurant provides the perfect elevated view to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon. Plus, you can enjoy it with a beverage or even dinner while taking in the views. Just be sure to arrive a little early to grab the best seats!

I was lucky enough to catch some dolphins swimming by during sunset one night, so you never know what you might see passing by.

Some other good sunset spots would be Putney Beach or Fisherman’s beach since they are both facing the same direction as the restaurant.

#12: Relax with a Beachfront Massage at Great Keppel Island Hideaway

After a day of hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island, a massage is the perfect way to slow down and relax. The massage area is tucked atop a small elevated section within Great Keppel Island Hideaway, creating a peaceful setting where you can enjoy your treatment while listening to the ocean waves crashing nearby. With the fresh island air, tropical surroundings, and calming views, it is a beautiful way to add a little extra relaxation to your Great Keppel Island getaway.

How to Get to Great Keppel Island

Getting to Great Keppel Island is super easy. In fact, being located just off the coast of Yeppoon, Great Keppel Island is one of the easiest Great Barrier Reef islands to access from mainland Queensland. The easiest way to reach Great Keppel Island is by taking the 30-minute Keppel Konnections ferry from Keppel Bay Marina (Rosslyn Bay) near Yeppoon. The ferries run daily with plenty of options for those staying overnight and those just visiting for the day. I recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting on weekends, school holidays, or during high season. For the ferry times and details, you can find them here.

Ferry tickets with Keppel Konnections cost 55 AUD per adult return. Children (ages 4–14) are 30 AUD return, while infants under 4 travel free.

My favorite part about heading to GKI is that there is free parking available at Keppel Bay Marina, right where you hop onto the ferry. You only need to arrive about 30 minutes before departure and head over to the small yellow shack near the water to check in. The ferry has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose whether you want to enjoy the fresh air or stay inside and keep warm.

Keep in mind that if you sit outside, you may get wet, so I recommend leaving your carry-on bags inside. With the ferry being so quick, I have never had any issues with seasickness, even on choppy days. However, if you are prone to seasickness, it is always best to take proper precautions so you can start your day feeling your best.

The ferry arrives directly onto Fisherman’s Beach, with a gangway that inclines down to the beach from the boat. Your feet will likely get wet at the bottom, so flip-flops or shoes you don’t mind getting wet are best. If you are staying overnight, the crew will bring your suitcase to the baggage drop at Great Keppel Island Hideaway for you.

The Hideaway is only a quick 5-minute walk across the sand, making it one of the easiest accommodation options to access from the ferry. Remember, there are no cars or roads on the island, so everything is explored on foot. I recommend handing over your larger bags to the baggage crew and only bringing what you need for the day in a smaller bag until check-in.

If you are flying in, the closest airport is Rockhampton Airport, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Keppel Bay Marina. This makes Great Keppel Island a convenient Queensland island getaway for travelers visiting the Capricorn Coast.

Although the Great Keppel Island ferry makes the island an easy day trip from Yeppoon, staying overnight allows you more time to explore the beaches, snorkeling spots, and hiking trails.

Freedom Fast Cats also offers ferry transfers to Great Keppel Island. Their boats are larger and can be a more comfortable option for travelers who prefer a bigger vessel, although they are slightly more expensive.

Where to Stay on Great Keppel Island

The best place to stay on Great Keppel Island is Great Keppel Island Hideaway. The Hideaway sits beachfront and is central to everything you need for your holiday including the ferry port, the main beaches, the best restaurant on the island, and the only dive shop on the island. If you are looking for beachfront accommodation on Great Keppel Island with easy access to snorkeling, diving, dining, and the ferry, I do not think there is a more convenient place to stay. They offer a variety of Great Keppel Island accommodation options for different budgets and groups, including families, couples, and solo travelers.

I have stayed at GKI Hideaway twice now because of its ease of access to everything you need. I love that I can walk out of my room and the beach, massages, food, diving, the ferry, day trips, and more are all just a few minutes from my doorstep. Another thing I really enjoy is that you can still find bits of wildlife around every corner. If you are thinking of staying here, I recommend opting for the Glamping Tent. Great Keppel Island has so much natural beauty, and I think there is no better way to experience it than camping. For me, glamping is one of the best ways to experience a Great Barrier Reef island while still having the comforts of a proper room. Each room is a large canopy with a front porch attached to it, which I found was my favorite spot to enjoy a snack, sip a cup of tea, and read my book while feeling at peace under the canopy of trees and fresh air. While reading, I even saw a small echidna crawling by, which was an adorable surprise.

You enter the tent through glass sliding doors and are welcomed by a cozy room with your bed, two side tables, a microwave, a dresser, a small fridge, a kettle, and all of the cutlery, plates, and everything you need for eating at home. There is a large fan and an air conditioning unit, should you need to cool the area down. You also have a bright white bathroom connected to your room with all of the essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash), a second bedroom with bunk beds, which I used as a storage space for my things, and a small back patio. Outside, you can find a drying rack for your swimsuit and snorkel gear as well, which was a great little addition. At night, I was enveloped in darkness, making it super easy to sleep, whereas in the morning, I would open the glass door curtains and watch the skies change from deep blue to hues of pink as the sun rose. I then enjoyed my tea while I slowly woke up on my porch before getting dressed and heading on the 2-minute walk to breakfast. It was such a peaceful way to start the day before heading out to snorkel, hike, or explore the island.

I think this stay is perfect for solo travelers who want to feel like they are camping on Great Keppel Island, families with young children, thanks to the attached bunk room, couples, and really anyone who wants to experience glamping on the island.

Booking Tip: If you are planning to visit during school holidays or long weekends, definitely book your accommodation in advance, especially if you have your heart set on one of the Glamping Tents. You can book your room here.

Where to Eat on Great Keppel Island

The best place to eat on Great Keppel Island is GKI Hideaway’s Bar & Bistro, the island’s main beachfront restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout the day. Not only is the food yummy, but the restaurant sits oceanfront, giving you a beautiful view overlooking the coastline, Yeppoon, and the nearby islands. You can enjoy the sunrise at breakfast, the sunset at dinner, or, if you are lucky, spot a dolphin or whale swimming by. I did see a few dolphins during my meals, but sadly no whales for me.

I loved the Great Keppel Island Hideaway menu because it had so many gluten-free and dairy-free options for me, while also having a few vegetarian options for my partner. If you are staying at the resort, you can even purchase meal packages with your stay. I enjoyed the breakfast and dinner package because I knew I would likely be out exploring during lunchtime and instead packed a lunch with me! Some of my favorite meals included the Big Veg Breakfast, The Veg Burger, Veg Korma Curry, and the Southeast Asian Salad Bowl with Prawns.

GKI Hideaway also has a small cafe offering coffee beverages, smoothie bowls, protein shakes, and other items throughout the day. Since dining options are limited on Great Keppel Island, GKI Hideaway is a convenient choice whether you are staying overnight or visiting for a day trip.

There are limited food options on Great Keppel Island, so I recommend planning ahead, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or are heading out for a full day of hiking and snorkeling around the island.

GKI Hideaway Bar & Bistro Hours: Monday to Sunday

Breakfast: 7 AM to 10 AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (3:30 PM during school holidays and on Fridays and Saturdays)
Dinner: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Travel Tip: I recommend bringing along some snacks from the mainland to pack for your days of hiking and snorkeling around the island. While GKI Hideaway offers great dining options, having extra snacks is helpful when you are spending the whole day exploring.

Best 1-Day Itinerary

If you only have one day on Great Keppel Island, this itinerary covers the island's highlights while giving you plenty of time to snorkel, hike, and relax.

Watch the sunrise from Leeke Beach.
Enjoy breakfast at the Hideaway’s Bar and Bistro.
Hike to Monkey Beach for a morning snorkel (be sure to watch the tides, high tide is best).
Wander over to Long Beach to enjoy a picnic on the beach and some relaxing time.
Hike to Shelving Beach for a mid-afternoon snorkel (high to mid tide is best).
Head to the Hideaway’s Bar and Bistro for dinner and sunset.
Want more snorkeling? Try Putney Beach for your chance at spotting a dugong right before sunset time.

Short on time? This Great Keppel Island day trip lets you experience the island’s best beaches, snorkeling, and scenery in one easy day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Great Keppel Island without a car?

Yes, you can visit Great Keppel Island without a car. In fact, there are no roads on the island, and everything is walkable. Most beaches, snorkeling spots, and walking tracks can be reached on foot, making it an easy island getaway without needing to worry about transportation.

How many days do you need on Great Keppel Island?

I suggest planning to spend a weekend on Great Keppel Island to give you plenty of time to explore. This allows you to hike to Monkey Beach, snorkel Shelving Beach, relax on Putney or Long Beach, and enjoy the island fully.

What is the best time to visit Great Keppel Island?

The best time to visit Great Keppel Island depends on your preferences. If you want warmer water and sunny days for swimming and relaxing on the beach, then I suggest visiting during the summer. If you prefer cooler temperatures and a chance to see migrating whales, winter is a great time to visit.
I have visited Great Keppel Island during both summer and winter and found both seasons enjoyable for different reasons. Summer has warmer water temperatures, making it more comfortable for swimming and snorkeling, while winter’s cooler weather makes it the best time to hike around the island and explore the walking tracks.