"Great Keppel Island" a Great Keppel Island Travel Page by Jez79

Located about 8.5 hours north of Brisbane on the central Queensland coast is Great Keppel Island. GKI is a superbly beautiful place, with good facilities, stunning beaches, excellent hiking and great water sports. The island is easily accessable by ferry from Rosslyyn Bay, a short detour from the Bruce Highway en route to North Queensland or Brisbane (onr anywhere in between!).

Despite it's convenience, GKI maintains a sleepy island feel (except at the Contiki resort), and is great for a relaxing holiday away. Those that choose to stay at the Contiki resort (for 18-35s) tend to have a bit more action, but the island somehow manages to cater for all types without loosing its character.

Most of the infrastructure on the island is centred around Fisherman's and Putney beach, with the rest of the island largely bushland and secluded beaches, with reasonably well maintained tracks allowing easy access.

Accommodation on the island caters to all budgets and includes tents, dorms, cabins, private houses and the resort. There is limited shops, so if you not staying at the Contiki resort it's advisable to bring most of your food. There is a good pizza place and a nice restaurant at Keppel Haven, a couple of bars, and a nightclub at Contiki (sometimes closed to non resort patrons).

Activities include anything from lazing on the beach, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking, to sky diving, jet skiing and parasailing. Do as little or as much as you like, but make sure you get away from the main area and experience true Australian island bushland. Very impressive indeed!!!