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Keppel Bay Islands National Park

Park alerts and park summary

Getting there and getting around

Keppel Bay is a broad sweep of water off the central Queensland coast from Curtis Island to Corio Bay. The picturesque Capricorn Coast, with its townships of Yeppoon, Emu Park and Keppel Sands, fronts the bay.

Access to the islands is by boat only. Boat launch facilities and charters are available from Rosslyn Bay Harbour with secure parking available nearby. It is also possible to arrange transport to camping islands from Great Keppel Island. See the tourism information links for more information.

Access to Barren and Peak islands is restricted due to their scientific values.

Flat and Perforated islands are isolated rocky islands with no practical access.

Wheelchair accessibility

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on any islands in Keppel Bay Islands National Park.

Park features

Keppel Bay is studded with islands. The two largest islands, Great Keppel (1454ha) and North Keppel (627ha), are surrounded by 16 smaller islands and several prominent rocky outcrops. Keppel Bay Islands National Park includes 15 islands, although it does not include Great Keppel Island. Steep hills and cliffs, which plunge into the sea, are features of the islands but there are also sheltered bays and quiet sandy beaches. Vegetation ranges from open grassland and heathland to tall, shady forests and dense, low rainforests.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park surrounds the Keppel Bay islands. Together they form part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the world's largest reef and island system. It is of exceptional beauty and biological diversity, protecting many endangered animals and plants.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is allowed on the seven islands described below. Campers are required to notify the QPWS Rosslyn Bay office immediately before departing for an island. You will need to obtain a permit and fees apply. There are penalties for camping without a permit.

North Keppel Island (627ha)

North Keppel Island is the national park's largest island. Fringing reefs, nine beaches and a varied landscape of rugged cliffs, steep grass-clad hills, windswept shrublands, woodland and palm groves cater for a range of bushwalking and nature appreciation activities.

A campground with picnic tables and composting toilets is located at the southern end of Considine Beach. The anchorage off Considine Beach is sheltered from all but westerly winds.

Up to 75 people are permitted to camp on the island at any one time. Group size is unrestricted.

Livistona palms and other small trees are scattered through the campground but shade is limited. Sandflies and mosquitoes can be prolific so an ample supply of insect repellent is essential. Brushtail possums are common around the campground. Please secure your food well and do not feed the possums.

Air tank compressors are restricted to the campground's southern end.

Humpy Island (65ha)

Humpy Island lies just south of Great Keppel Island and is the national park's most popular island for camping. Steep slopes, covered mostly in grassland or stunted heath and shrubland, descend to rugged rocky headlands along the southern shore. A beautiful beach frames the western and northern sides and offers easy access to diverse fringing coral reefs for snorkelling.

The camping area along the northern beach is sheltered from the sun and wind by casuarina groves. Taps throughout the camping area provide bore water, which is only suitable for washing. Always bring your own drinking water.

Up to 60 people are permitted to camp on the island at any one time. Group size is restricted to 18. Picnic tables, toilets and bush showers are provided.

Middle Island (65ha)

Middle Island lies just north-west of Great Keppel Island, which shelters it from the prevailing south-easterly winds. Heath and shrubland cover the slopes. Beaches border both sides of the island between rocky headlands.

Reefs at Olive Point headland in the north-east are good for snorkelling and diving. The area is particularly vibrant and is protected from all but northerly winds. Fish life here has been protected by a marine park green zone since 1988 and is more diverse and abundant than at any other shallow fringing reef in Keppel Bay.

Eighteen people are permitted to camp at any one time on this island. Group size is restricted to six. Picnic tables are the only facilities provided.

Miall Island (40ha)

Miall Island lies north-west of Middle Island and is covered in heath and shrubland. Fringing reefs on the south-eastern and northern sides of the island are very good for diving and snorkelling. The camping area is behind the small beach and foredune to the south-west.

Up to six people are permitted to camp on this island at any one time. Picnic tables are the only facilities provided.

Conical Island (7ha)

This attractive, cone-shaped island rises to about 30m. Its small size together with its stunning land and sea views makes this island popular with couples and small family groups.

Up to six people are allowed to camp on this island at any one time. Picnic tables are provided.

A picturesque, sandy beach on the southern side complements the rugged, rocky platforms on the more exposed northern and western sides. There are large coral bommies to the island's west and within easy snorkelling distance from the beach.

Divided Island (8ha)

This inner island consists of two humps of rock with grassland and a few she-oaks. A beach on the western side is a good picnic and beachcombing area but sediment-loaded water from the Fitzroy River inhibits coral growth, making it less favourable for snorkelling.

Camping is restricted to six people on the island at any one time. There are no facilities.

Pelican Island (8ha)

Pelican Island is close to the coast near Emu Park. Grassland and low vine thicket cover the island. Beachcombing on the western side is interesting but coral growth around the island is limited due to sediment in the water.

Camping is restricted to six people on the island at any one time. No facilities are provided.

Other accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Emu Park. For more information see the tourism information links below.

Things to do

Walking

North Keppel Island

Three walks on North Keppel allow you to discover wildlife and spectacular views of Keppel Bay and surrounding islands. All walks depart from the information shelter at Considine Beach's southern end.

Mazie Bay track — 3.5km return (Allow 1.5 hours) Grade: Easy

A gently-sloping walking track winds past mangrove forests through a variety of woodland types to Mazie Bay, once an Aboriginal campsite.

Keppel Bay lookout track — 3.1km return (Allow 1.5 hours) Grade: Moderate

For views of the island, Mazie Bay and other northern islands, turn left 700m along the Mazie Bay track to take a short 850m walk uphill to the Keppel Bay lookout.

Island Hilltop track — 3.5km one way (Allow 2 hours) Grade: Moderate

To be adventurous, walk past the Keppel lookout to continue on the island circuit. This bush track winds through pockets of Banks' grevillea (Grevillea banksii) and grass-cloaked hilltops on the eastern side of the island and offers spectacular views of the ocean, islands and coast.

Humpy Island

Ridgetop trail — 1.9km (Allow 1 hour) Grade: Easy

This track leaves from the campground and takes you through the island's different habitat types. Views from the island's high points are spectacular. Don't forget to look for marine life such as whales, dolphins and large fish in the surrounding waters. Looking north from the ridge top you will see Halfway Island and Cathedral Rock between Humpy and Great Keppel islands. The rugged outline of North Keppel Island stands out on the distant horizon.

Reef walking

The fringing reefs at Mazie Bay are exposed at very low tides and are accessible to reef walkers. Although coral growth on these reefs is less diverse and luxuriant than on coral reefs further from the mainland, they support a variety of fish, invertebrate and plant life.

You can also go reef walking at Olive Point headland (Middle Island), and at Humpy and Miall islands.

If reef walking please remember:


Guided tours and talks

During busy periods, rangers sometimes provide extra services such as guided walks or audiovisual displays to help campers further enjoy the islands. These services depend on ranger availability and weather conditions. Contact QPWS Rosslyn Bay for details.

Education Queensland operates an environmental education centre on a lease at North Keppel Island. Access to the centre is by appointment only. For further information, contact the centre on (07) 4939 2510.

Picnic and day use areas

The following Keppel Bay islands are open for picnics and day use.


Boating and fishing

Boating and fishing are popular activities for visitors to Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Boat launch facilities and charters are available from Rosslyn Bay Harbour.

The Keppel Bay islands and surrounding reefs are important sea turtle habitat. Be vigilant when out on the water to avoid injuring turtles and marine life.

Conditions on the bay can be extremely dangerous. Always file a trip sheet with the Australian Volunteer Coastguard. Please take note of the advice given in Staying safe.

When boating remember:

If fishing:


Viewing wildlife

Birds of prey are often seen above the bay and beaches, and some nest on the islands. Terns and cormorants hunt for fish at sea, while waders such as pied oystercatchers and beach thick-knees forage along the beaches and small estuaries. Many land birds including honeyeaters, rainbow bee-eaters, pheasant coucals and friarbirds are permanent residents of the islands’ woodlands and heaths.

Sea turtles, which are vulnerable to extinction, breed and feed in the waters around the Keppel Bay islands. Flatback turtles migrate from as far as Torres Strait to nest on Peak Island beaches — the most important breeding rookery for these turtles on Australia's east coast. When out on the water, keep your eyes open for green turtles popping up for air while feeding over seagrass areas.

Diving and snorkelling

Diving and snorkelling are popular in this area. You can snorkel on the fringing reefs at Mazie Bay (North Keppel), Olive Point headland (Middle Island), Humpy Island or Miall Island. Diving is particularly good on reefs surrounding North Keppel, Middle, Miall and Conical islands. Please take care not to damage the fragile coral.

You must be either a certified diver or under instruction with a registered diving company to dive on the Keppel Bay reefs.

When diving please remember:

See Looking after the park for more information.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bring

Opening hours

The islands are open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, the islands may be closed and campers evacuated if a cyclone is imminent.

Permits and fees

Camping permits

Each group of campers must obtain a national park camping permit. Fees must be paid to reserve a place. School and public holidays are usually busy, so it is wise to book ahead or try to avoid these periods.

Campers are required to notify the QPWS Rosslyn Bay office immediately before departing for an island.

Other permits

Commercial photography permits are required if you intend to sell any photographs taken of Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Group activity permits are required for organised group activities that may interfere with general public use. Contact QPWS Rockhampton for details.

You will require a Marine Parks permit, available from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, to conduct reef walking as part of a tourist program.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted on any islands in the park.

Climate and weather

Apart from a hot summer period from December to February, temperatures are generally mild with maximum temperatures of 21-28 degrees Celsius. Most rain falls during summer but can occur at other times of the year. Cyclones are more likely between December and April. See the tourism information links for more information.

Fuel and supplies

You will need to be self-sufficient during your visit to Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Remember, fires and ash-producing fuels are not permitted. The nearest shop and fuel are in Rosslyn Bay.

Staying safe

The islands are isolated so you need to plan your camping and communication requirements carefully.

In particular please remember:

Local weather reports are broadcast on VHF channel 21 at 0705, 0920, 1205 and 1705 hours. You can also access weather reports by calling 1300 360 426.

In case of emergency

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Looking after the park

Parks and forests protect Queensland's wonderful natural diversity and scenery. Please help keep these places special by following the rules when visiting.

When snorkelling or diving please observe the following:

See Caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

Keppel Bay Islands National Park forms part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Its exceptional natural beauty and the presence of rare and endangered species contributed to its World Heritage listing.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages the marine park and islands in conjunction with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park zoning plan has been introduced to manage the waters and coastline not covered under Commonwealth legislation. Where fishing is permitted, Queensland fisheries legislation applies.

A management plan for the Keppel Bay Islands National Park will be developed in the future.

Tourist information links

Capricorn Coast Information Centre
Capricorn Tourism Information Centre

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

Further information

QPWS Rockhampton
  • Cnr Norman and Yeppoon Roads, Parkhurst
  • PO Box 3130
  • Rockhampton Shopping Fair, North Rockhampton QLD 4701
  • ph (07) 4936 0511
  • fax (07) 4936 2212
QPWS Rosslyn Bay
  • John Howes Drive, Rosslyn Bay
  • PO Box 770, Yeppoon QLD 4703
  • ph (07) 4933 6595
  • fax (07) 4933 6199
Marine zoning and fishing
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Qld Boating and Fisheries Patrol — Yeppoon

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Last updated: 12 May 2006