Is Great Keppel Island Worth Visiting with Kids? Here’s What We Found

Why Great Keppel Island is a family favourite

Imagine 17 beaches and the only crowds you’ll see are sand crabs and the occasional wild goat. Welcome to Great Keppel Island – one of the most laid-back, family-friendly getaways on Queensland’s Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Whether your idea of bliss is doing absolutely nothing or squeezing in every outdoor adventure possible, Great Keppel Island delivers both. And somehow, it manages to feel like a secret… even when you’re not the only ones there.

Our family stay at Great Keppel Island Holiday Village

“We work on an honesty system,” said Geoff, the long-time manager of Great Keppel Island Holiday Village. Translation: you grab what you need from the reception shop, pop the cash in a toolbox, and sort it out later if you’re short. A wild concept, but it works – and it sets the tone for the whole experience here.

We stayed in a cabin fronting a giant sandpit, hammocks, and a climbing tree. Cricket bats and sand toys were free to borrow, and the communal kitchen was close enough that we could cook dinner while the kids played nearby.

It was one of the few holidays where we truly got to relax while the kids entertained themselves. Geoff, if you’re reading this – you’re a legend.

Things to do on Great Keppel Island with kids

Swim, snorkel, snooze, repeat

If there’s one thing Great Keppel Island does well, it’s slowing you down. Most families fall into the rhythm of beach-hopping in the morning, then chilling in the shade in the arvo.

You can swim at calm beaches like Putney and Fisherman’s, or explore snorkel spots at Monkey and Shelving Beaches, where you might spot turtles, clownfish, and giant clams. Best of all? The reef is just metres from the beach – no boat needed.

Choose your own adventure

• Bushwalks: Climb up Mt. Wyndham for epic views of Long Beach or hike through bush trails to secluded coves.
• Keppel Explorer boat tour: Circumnavigate the island and access harder-to-reach snorkelling gems.
• Water sports: Hire paddleboards, kayaks or even jet skis right off the beach.
• Sunset watching: Grab a drink and head to Putney Beach for one of the best sunset shows in Queensland.

Accommodation: What’s it like to stay on the island?

We stayed at the Great Keppel Island Holiday Village, which has a mix of cabins, glamping tents, budget family rooms, and even camping sites for tents. Options include:

• Cabins (sleeps 4): Great for families, with a queen + singles and private amenities.
• Glamping Tents: Cosy, elevated tents with a real bush-vibe.
• Family Room: A room in the main building, good if you want easy access to facilities.
• Camping Sites: Bring your own tent and use the communal kitchen and showers.

The vibe is eco-friendly, relaxed, and completely unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you’ll be barefoot half the time.

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Getting to Great Keppel Island

You’ll need to catch a ferry from Rosslyn Bay Harbour (Yeppoon, QLD). Options include:

• Freedom Fast Cats
• Keppel Konnections

It’s about a 30-minute trip, and family return fares are around $196. Check online for current schedules and availability.

What Does It Cost?

• Accommodation: Under $300/night for a family of four.
• Ferry: Approx $196 return for a family.
• Food: BYO groceries for the communal kitchen. Meals at the Great Keppel Island Hideaway Café are tasty but a bit on the pricier side – think $70+ for a casual lunch for a family.
• Activities: Walking and swimming are free. Equipment like snorkels and kayaks is available for hire (free snorkel hire for in-house guests at the Holiday Village).

Is Great Keppel Island worth it for families?

Absolutely. If you’re after somewhere laid-back, naturally beautiful, and easy to enjoy with kids, this island ticks every box. It’s not overdeveloped. There are no cars. And you’ll be making real memories – not queuing for overpriced theme park food. It’s also an amazing opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef without heading all the way up to Cairns.

Bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks), and you’ll find Great Keppel Island might just become your new favourite family spot.

FAQs: Great Keppel Island with kids

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Where to next?

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