Great Keppel Island

My feet sink ever so lightly into the sand beneath; the sun warms my body like a treasured blanket while my hair blows so perfectly off my face. This could possibly be the setting for a fabulous fashion shoot with an equally fabulous model but reality bites and you have me. While I’m no model the setting is every bit as desirable as a Victoria Secret show. The smell of sweet, sugar cocktails lingers in the air inviting you to indulge in this luxury even though it is well before 10am. Great Keppel Island is a sub-tropical oasis wrapped in turquoise, clear waters. The perfect place to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in living life by ‘island time.’

Palms graze low over the white sand beaches while the Pacific sea is like crystal waiting to be broken by your touch. Temperatures over the summer reach above 30 degrees yet the water stays refreshing and cool. Diving in, expect to see tropical fish swimming in schools below, sting rays nestling in the sand and if you’re lucky a sea turtle floating by. As Keppel is located up north visitors must be wary of the stinger season, which include Irukandji Jellyfish and Box Jellyfish. Stinger suits are provided for this season, which runs from October through to May. I have always travelled around the late September to November period and have not worn a suit once nor witnessed anyone being stung. Maybe I live life on the edge or maybe it’s the infectious calm feeling island life brings.

Great Keppel Island is a 28km shoreline of pure bliss. It has 17 white-sandy beaches and most of them are secluded, this allows for some topless sunbaking away from prying eyes. Staying at the resort permits access to free activities such as golfing, snorkelling, kayaking and other beach activities but really I wasn’t going to replace my already busy schedule with another. If you are into activities galore then Keppel is the place for you but if like me your idea of a holiday is waking up at 10am, lazily wandering to your spot on the beach, cocktail in hand while you read your romance novel only to fall asleep 20 minutes later, this island will suit you fine as well.

Places to eat on the island are scarce but you will still find variety. The resort has its own buffet meals and a burger store. The island also has its own pizza place while the pub up the road offers you all you would expect whilst gourmet offerings as well. If you prefer to cook yourself there are two local stores located at each end of the island. However, expect prices to be more expensive due to extra shipping, so try to pack all you will need (no one likes paying $5 for butter). The cocktail menu is all you will need to be acquainted with on this holiday. Expect a different delicious, slice of life cocktail to be served each morning as you drift to the beach. Keppel has it all from the fruity Cointreau twists to the decadent Baileys chocolate cocktails.

Accommodation on the island is varied to suit a range of tastes. Ulrika Richards who has been travelling to the island for 15 years said, “Keppel has also been my desired destination as it has been able to suit each different stage in my life, from when I was married, with my kids, and when I was looking for some fun.” The island boasts its own 3.5 star resort which hosts water and garden view rooms and hillside villas. It has five swimming pools and two spas, all with the necessary waterside bar. The resort will suit both families and couples seeking a relaxing getaway. Yet if you’re a couple seeking some time away from the kids plan your trip outside of school holidays. During my trip I stayed in the garden view room, which costs around $145 a night depending on the season. The rooms are not spectacular but they are clean and spacious. Rooms consist of usually two double beds, a balcony, TV, phone, fridge and large cupboards. The bathrooms are basic yet kept clean. The rooms don’t scream luxury but when you’re on a tropical island who spends any time in their room anyway?

The island has numerous beach houses that can be rented for visitors. The houses can occupy four people and up to 20 in the Keppel Lodge for $440 a night. “These are great for group getaways,” said frequent traveller Marilyn Sneyd, “they are central to everything and a big money saver as you can bring all your own food.” The north end of the island also has its own camping ground, which is perfect for students and the younger crowd as it is allocated right behind the island pub. The pub is a must when at Keppel. It is the hub of the island where you can meet true locals, staff and people looking for a good time. It buzzes with a relaxed energy that is refreshing. Where else can you lay back, beer in hand with Crowded House sweeping through your ears while a goanna lurks in the sand? Tents can be rented from $33 per night, which includes all linen, kitchen wear and snorkelling gear. Yet if choosing this option be very wary of the goannas, it’s a face you defiantly don’t want to be waking up too.

Great Keppel Island is located 15km off the Capricorn coast near Rockhampton. Flights between Brisbane and Rockhampton take one hour and cost around $90 depending on the season. To reach the island you can take a 20min flight from Rockhampton airport for $70, which allows you to take in the breathtaking aerial views. Otherwise, a catamaran charters from Rosslyn Bay, which is allocated about half an hour from the airport by bus. The ferry costs $30 and takes 30min in good weather. This form of transport is a great way to unwind and lie back whilst watching the mainland get smaller and more insignificant. However, not recommended if you get sea sick, as trips can be quiet bumpy.

At the end of a long day lazing by the beach there is nothing better to do then to go to the sunset lounge. It is breath-taking watching the crimson colours melt into the Capricorn Coast and life on the mainland seems like such a distant memory. The sky swims in oranges, reds, whites and blues like an undiluted oil painting. Sipping your chocolate island dream cocktail drowning in the fading light, you wonder if anyone would really notice if you never went back. Could you turn your back on the mainland forever and live in complete paradise? The life of a scuba diving instructor continues to become ever more alluring.