The Great Keppel Island, traditionally known as Wop Pa, is the largest of the eighteen islands in the Keppel Group and spans over 1,300 hectares. Sitting just off Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, this tropical getaway is home to vibrant reefs, bushlands, and 17 pristine beaches. The island attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year, making it one of the top 10 must-visit Islands in Australia.
There are a wide range of activities to do and places to explore, but nothing compares to the Great Keppel Island snorkelling experience. The teeming marine life, accessible reefs and secluded beaches make it a perfect destination for snorkelling enthusiasts and water lovers alike.
Beach-Hopping & Snorkelling Paradise
Great Keppel Island boasts seventeen stunning beaches, each offering something unique and distinct.
Ferries to Great Keppel Island arrive at Fisherman’s Beach, the island’s main entry point, where visitors step straight onto the sand since there are no docks. It’s the Central Hub with accommodations, casual cafes and gear hire nearby, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring.
Only a short walk from Fisherman’s Beach, Putney is the island’s most accessible spot. The 800-metre stroll takes less than 15 minutes and leads to a calm crescent of sand shaded by trees. With its family-friendly shallows and beautiful sunsets, it is perfect for both a quick swim and a quiet evening by the water.
Stretching for two kilometres, Long Beach lives up to its name. It’s the island’s longest and one of the most secluded beaches, often feeling like a private coastline even on busy days. The untouched setting is perfect for long walks or uninterrupted sunbathing.
On the quieter southwest side of the island, Shelving Beach is a favourite for snorkelling adventures. You can reach it with an easy 10–15 minute bush walk from Fisherman’s Beach, or by a short boat transfer from other points around the island. Swim with colourful fish, stingrays, and turtles. You can bring your own gear or rent some on the island.
Sharing the same reef, Monkey Beach sits adjacent to Shelving Beach. This snorkelling spot offers great visibility due to the clear shallow waters. The beach is also part of the coastline, shaped like a whale’s tail, giving the area a distinctive natural charm.
If you think Great Keppel Island is only about snorkelling & swimming, think again. A glass-bottom boat tour lets you stay dry while coral gardens and colourful marine life pass beneath your feet. It’s a perfect choice for families, non-swimmers or anyone who prefers a slower pace.
From Sand to Summit
The island isn't just about sandy shores. With six major trails through the region, it’s a haven for hikers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
If you're after a short, scenic walk to ease into the day, the Lookout Trail is a perfect choice. This 2.6-kilometre return walk begins at Fisherman’s Beach and gently climbs a ridge above the trees. From the top, you’ll be able to see the mainland, with views of Yeppoon, Keppel Bay, and the Capricorn Coast.
For a mix of culture and nature, take the Monkey Point Trail. This two-hour hike passes through an Aboriginal shell midden and ends at Monkey Beach. The well-maintained boardwalk protects the culturally significant land, and you're likely to spot parrots and seabirds along the way.
Leeke’s Beach Circuit is a 3.8 kilometre trail that winds through quiet bushland before opening up to a wide, untouched stretch of sand. It’s the kind of place that feels completely hidden, perfect for anyone chasing that off-the-map, private beach vibe.
Up for a challenge? The Mount Wyndham Circuit is a three-hour trek that includes steep climbs and uneven bush tracks. The viewpoint rewards you with 360-degree views of the island, from its rugged hills to the stretch of Wyndham Cove below. For a longer trek, choose the Clam Bay Trail, which is 10.6 kilometres long and takes about four hours, guiding you through changing landscapes that show off the island’s wild side.
Last but not least, the Lighthouse Trek is one of the Island’s most demanding hikes. Stretching 15.4 kilometres, it includes steep climbs, sweeping views and takes you deep into Great Keppel’s more rugged terrain.
Great Keppel Island isn’t a ‘been there, done that’ kind of place. The laid-back atmosphere invites you to relax and discover more with each beach or trek you explore.
There are a wide range of activities to do and places to explore, but nothing compares to the Great Keppel Island snorkelling experience. The teeming marine life, accessible reefs and secluded beaches make it a perfect destination for snorkelling enthusiasts and water lovers alike.
Beach-Hopping & Snorkelling Paradise
Great Keppel Island boasts seventeen stunning beaches, each offering something unique and distinct.
Ferries to Great Keppel Island arrive at Fisherman’s Beach, the island’s main entry point, where visitors step straight onto the sand since there are no docks. It’s the Central Hub with accommodations, casual cafes and gear hire nearby, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring.
Only a short walk from Fisherman’s Beach, Putney is the island’s most accessible spot. The 800-metre stroll takes less than 15 minutes and leads to a calm crescent of sand shaded by trees. With its family-friendly shallows and beautiful sunsets, it is perfect for both a quick swim and a quiet evening by the water.
Stretching for two kilometres, Long Beach lives up to its name. It’s the island’s longest and one of the most secluded beaches, often feeling like a private coastline even on busy days. The untouched setting is perfect for long walks or uninterrupted sunbathing.
On the quieter southwest side of the island, Shelving Beach is a favourite for snorkelling adventures. You can reach it with an easy 10–15 minute bush walk from Fisherman’s Beach, or by a short boat transfer from other points around the island. Swim with colourful fish, stingrays, and turtles. You can bring your own gear or rent some on the island.
Sharing the same reef, Monkey Beach sits adjacent to Shelving Beach. This snorkelling spot offers great visibility due to the clear shallow waters. The beach is also part of the coastline, shaped like a whale’s tail, giving the area a distinctive natural charm.
If you think Great Keppel Island is only about snorkelling & swimming, think again. A glass-bottom boat tour lets you stay dry while coral gardens and colourful marine life pass beneath your feet. It’s a perfect choice for families, non-swimmers or anyone who prefers a slower pace.
From Sand to Summit
The island isn't just about sandy shores. With six major trails through the region, it’s a haven for hikers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
If you're after a short, scenic walk to ease into the day, the Lookout Trail is a perfect choice. This 2.6-kilometre return walk begins at Fisherman’s Beach and gently climbs a ridge above the trees. From the top, you’ll be able to see the mainland, with views of Yeppoon, Keppel Bay, and the Capricorn Coast.
For a mix of culture and nature, take the Monkey Point Trail. This two-hour hike passes through an Aboriginal shell midden and ends at Monkey Beach. The well-maintained boardwalk protects the culturally significant land, and you're likely to spot parrots and seabirds along the way.
Leeke’s Beach Circuit is a 3.8 kilometre trail that winds through quiet bushland before opening up to a wide, untouched stretch of sand. It’s the kind of place that feels completely hidden, perfect for anyone chasing that off-the-map, private beach vibe.
Up for a challenge? The Mount Wyndham Circuit is a three-hour trek that includes steep climbs and uneven bush tracks. The viewpoint rewards you with 360-degree views of the island, from its rugged hills to the stretch of Wyndham Cove below. For a longer trek, choose the Clam Bay Trail, which is 10.6 kilometres long and takes about four hours, guiding you through changing landscapes that show off the island’s wild side.
Last but not least, the Lighthouse Trek is one of the Island’s most demanding hikes. Stretching 15.4 kilometres, it includes steep climbs, sweeping views and takes you deep into Great Keppel’s more rugged terrain.
Great Keppel Island isn’t a ‘been there, done that’ kind of place. The laid-back atmosphere invites you to relax and discover more with each beach or trek you explore.
