Great Keppel Island Things to Do

A very nice walk and one of the shortest ones you can do from the resort is up and over the Shelving Beach, the next one around from Fisherman's Beach. Go to the activities centre and grab yourself an Island map and then head back out to the beach, turn left and continue to the track at the end. It is then a short but steep walk up over the headland and down to the small Shelving beach.

Make sure you pick up a snorkel and mask from the watersports hut on Fishermans beach before you go as there is some great snorkeling here! We saw small stingrays and lots of fish. There are a couple of reefs at each end of the beach.

By the time you walk back over to Fisherman's Beach you may need another swim if it is a hot day...but then.... why not! the water is so inviting anyway!

Exchange your towel token at the Activities Centre, grab some sunscreen and a good book and make your way down to Fisherman's Beach. Along most of the beach in front of the Beachfront Rooms is a wonderful lawn with a row of palm trees at the front. Towel down, sunnies on, into the book and occasionally glance up to take in the blue water, yellow sand and think about writing those "Wish you were here" postcards.

It's funny that I should write a tip like thins but I have found that with so much to do you can easily spend your day running around trying to fit everything in. Make sure you leave a day (or at least a morning) set aside for absolutely nothing...rechardge the batteries and really feel like you've had a holiday!

If you're looking to get away from the main beaches on Great Keppel, a good choice is to walk around to Svensen's beach, to the north of the homestead. The walk takes about 2.5 hours (return), with some interesting scenery along the way. Second beach, just around from Sevnsen's, is also lovely. When the wind is blowing south easterly's, these beaches can be a nice refuge from the wind, and you'll often find boats moored here. The snorkelling here isn't so good, but they are nice quiet beaches to relax on. There is also an Artist's Studio near Svensen's, which offers classes to the public. the signs along the way tell you the operating times. If you do this walk, bring water, sunscreen and mosquito repellant.

Great Keppel has a number of different walks you can do, ranging from simple to moderately advanced. I have included pictures and a map in my travelogue that you can check out. We did a few of hikes, one from Fisherman's beach to the homestead and then around to Butterfish bay, which took the best part of 8 hours, including quite a few stops. There are longer walks you can do to the mountain or light house on the other side of the island, or shorter ones to any of the beaches. The viewpoints offer some great views over the island, the beaches offer a great spot or relax, swim or snorkel, and you can even try your luck at fishing. If you do a hike, make sure you tell someone you're going, and take a hat, sunscreen and lots of water. The Australian sun is really nasty and even in the cooler months it's easy to dehydrate. Having said that, have a fantastic time!

after youve explored the main island go and see the rest. dotted around great keppel are a number of smaller but just as beatifull islands. they are completely uninhabited and well within reach. best to ask at the backpackers (geffs place), pub or anyone else on the island about getting someone to show you around the islands or private boat hire. they ll all be more than happy to help