Things to do in Capricorn Coast

Begin your Great Keppel Island adventure with a 30-minute ferry transfer departing from Rosslyn Bay Harbour, just 10 minutes from Yeppoon. Check in at the Freedom Fast Cats terminal before boarding your spacious vessel bound for one of Queensland’s most loved island escapes. The ferry drops you directly onto the beach—no jetties required—so be prepared to step ashore barefoot. Once you arrive, the day is yours to enjoy. Wander across 17 sandy beaches, explore over 1,400 hectares of island bushland, or simply relax with a swim in the clear turquoise waters. Hire your snorkelling gear, kayaks, or paddleboards from the local watersports operator and head straight off the beach into the island’s clear, sheltered waters. If hiking’s not your thing, the island shuttle can take you to more remote beaches and scenic spots without the trek. Prefer to explore on foot? Walking trails lead to panoramic lookouts, secluded bays, and untouched stretches of coastline. There are three licensed venues on the island where you can enjoy lunch and a cold drink, or feel free to bring your own picnic. Great Keppel Island is also pet-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your dog along for the day. Return ferries depart from the same beach you arrived on, with departure times varying by day and season. Please note that this transfer includes ferry transport only—any meals, gear hire, or activities on the island are at your own expense. Departure point: Freedom Fast Cats, Pier One Ferry Terminal, Rosslyn Bay Harbour, Rosslyn Bay Return info: Return ferries depart from the same beach you arrived on; however, the exact location may vary slightly depending on tidal conditions. Return times vary by day and season—book in advance to secure your preferred departure. What to bring: Towel, swimwear, sun protection, water bottle, shoes suitable for walking, and a change of clothes if needed Good to know: This transfer includes ferry transport only. Activities, gear hire, and meals are at your own expense. The beach landing means your footwear may get wet. Pet-friendly. Accessibility: Please contact us ahead of time if you have mobility concerns—we’ll do our best to assist.

Discover the beauty of the Keppel Islands with this premier sailing and cruising charter service. This is the only all-inclusive full-day trip on the Capricorn Coast. Snorkel, hike, swim, or relax on the catamaran deck and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while your professional crew guides you through some of the most pristine waters and islands on the Queensland Coast. The Keppels are bleesed with and abundance of marine life and you might even see a whale during their annual migration from late August to October. Visibility for snorkeling is usually very good in the region but can be impacted by weather conditions and tides so some days will be better than others. Snorkeling gear is provided and the crew will point you in the right direction for the best and safest snorkeling on the day. Alcohol and Light refreshments are BYO. You are welcome to bring alcohol in moderation but this is restricted to beer, wine, and premix drinks. No bottled spirits are permitted. There are large eskies (coolers) on board with ice for your cold drinks and snacks. In accordance with safety recommendations, no alcohol can be consumed before snorkeling, and alcohol consumption during the day cruise must be in keeping with safe boating and swimming guidelines.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to enchanting Great Keppel Island, where the freedom to explore beckons at your leisure! Join their daily ferry transfers, whisking you away from Yeppoon on a swift 30-minute voyage, a mere 18 kilometres off the Capricorn Coast. As you step ashore from their spacious vessels, the pristine beauty of this "Barefoot Island Paradise" unfolds before you, inviting immersion in its unrivalled allure. Dive into adventure with this exclusive package; upon arrival at Fisherman’s Beach, your Glass Bottom Boat tour awaits for you to board. Let their exceptional local crew, including a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide, guide you through a magical journey, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without dipping your toes. Enriched by expert commentary, this experience sets the stage for an extraordinary day. The rest of your day unfolds on this island oasis for you to explore on your own, a haven boasting 1454 hectares of land and 17 pristine, sandy beaches, drawing hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Explore secluded coves and fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling and swimming. For bird watchers, the island is a paradise with over 90 species to discover, while lookout points offer breathtaking vistas. Hiking trails vary in duration and difficulty, from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks. Before you embark, stop by reception for a detailed hiking adventure map. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island beckon, inviting leisurely swims or engaging in various water sports. Snorkelling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are readily available for rent from two local businesses on the island. Explore underwater wonders with snorkelling adventures directly from the beaches, uncovering vibrant marine life. Head to beautiful Shelving Beach (a 25-minute hike) or Monkey’s Beach (a 45-minute hike) for some of the best spots on the island. Alternatively, experience the reef's beauty with ease by arranging a beach drop-off through a local island company, ensuring accessibility without the need for extensive hikes (advance booking recommended). As hunger strikes, the island presents two licensed venue options for delightful meals with a view. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy under the shade of a silky oak tree. As your day of exploration concludes on Great Keppel Island, meet the ferry on Fisherman’s Beach for your return to the mainland. Bid farewell to the island, savouring a refreshing drink from the vessel's licensed bar, and relish the views as the island fades into the horizon. Our schedule is varying, offering earlier return times on select days. Consider taking advantage of an early morning departure during Queensland School Holidays (excluding June/July) for extended exploration —just inform reception. Tuesday and Friday offer a 2.30pm departure from the island Rest of the week is 3.45pm departure

Your day tour begins with a swift 30-minute ferry transfer to stunning Great Keppel Island, featuring a delightful morning tea to set the stage for an unforgettable day. A glass bottom boat is your gateway to a coral-viewing tour, guided by an expert local crew, including a marine biologist. After the boat ride, you have around an hour to explore island trails, pristine beaches, and hidden village gems, or simply bask in the pristine waters of Keppel. Lunchtime treats you to a hearty Aussie-style meal with steak, sausages, bread buns, salads, coleslaw, and various fruits, all enjoyed onboard a catamaran as you float over the Great Barrier Reef. After lunch, dive into the marine world at Keppel's prime snorkeling spot, handpicked by the expert crew. Experience the Great Barrier Reef's colorful corals reefs and fish as you snorkel along the water's surface. Discover the vibrant underwater life with high-quality snorkeling gear, including wet suits, stinger suits, and floatation devices if needed. Your attentive crew is nearby in the motorized tender, ready to assist and ensure you don't miss a thing in the crystal-clear waters. Prepare for the exhilaration of boom netting, a unique oceanic adventure that guarantees excitement and laughter. Imagine being gently pulled by a net and dragged behind the vessel, creating thrilling and unforgettable moments. After working up an appetite, savor afternoon tea before boarding the ferry for your 30-minute return journey back to the mainland. Complimentary tea, coffee, cordial, and water are provided throughout your Great Keppel Island tour.

Imagine the thrill of skimming across the azure waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the breathtaking beauty of the Keppel Islands on the horizon. This is no ordinary boat trip; it’s a quick and comfortable adventure that takes you deep into the heart of one of Australia’s most stunning archipelagos, less than an hour from Rockhampton and only minutes from Yeppoon, on the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland. As your Funtastic Cruises fast boat, "The Kraken" slices through the waves, you’ll marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours beneath you - from the deep blues of the sea to the vibrant hues of the coral reefs. The Keppel Islands, a cluster of 15 islands and islets, emerge like emerald jewels, their lush vegetation, and white sandy beaches a stark contrast to the surrounding sea. Weave through narrow channels, past secluded bays and pristine beaches. Every turn reveals a new vista, each more breathtaking than the last. You’ll spot marine life - dolphins leaping in your wake, turtles surfacing for air, and if you’re lucky, whales or manta rays gliding effortlessly beneath your boat. As you easily disembark on a white sandy beach, the islands offer a wealth of experiences - from hiking trails that lead to panoramic views to paddle boarding and snorkeling spots teeming with tropical fish, or just relax on the brilliant white sands of a secluded beach while your crew prepare a fresh & delicious cold buffet picnic on the beach. As we make our way back to the mainland, you’ll be left with memories of an exhilarating full day tour and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of the Keppel Islands. Funtastic Cruises' Kraken Experience is more than just a journey; it’s an adventure that stirs the soul and ignites a sense of wonder