Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the island are accessible by walking trails or dinghy (which you can rent). The
shallow waters and fringing reef make the island a good choice for beginner
divers; experienced divers will see corals, sea snakes, turtles, and rays. If you stay
overnight, you will most likely be rewarded with one of the spectacular sunsets
for which the island is famous.
GETTING THERE
Launches operated by
Keppel Tourist Services
(
&
07/
4933 6744
) and
Freedom Fast Ferries
(
&
07/4933 6244
) each make the
30-minute crossing from Rosslyn Bay Harbour, approximately 55km (34 miles)
east of Rockhampton, three times daily. The return trip costs about A$31
(US$20) adults, A$16 (US$10) children 5 to 15, and A$78 (US$51) families of
four.
From Rockhampton, take the Capricorn Coast scenic drive Route 10 to Emu
Park and follow the signs to Rosslyn Bay Harbour. If you're coming to Rock-
hampton from the north, the scenic drive turnoff is just north of the city, and from
there it's 46km (29 miles) to the harbor. You can leave your car in undercover
storage at
Great Keppel Island Security Car Park
(
&
07/4933 6670
) at 422
Scenic Hwy., near the harbor, for A$6.50 to A$8 (US$4.20-US$5.20) per day.
Rothery's Coaches
(
&
07/4922 4320
) runs a daily service from Kern Arcade
on Bolsover Street in Rockhampton to Rosslyn Bay Harbour and back, three times
a day. You can request a free pickup from the airport, train station, or your hotel.
Round-trip fares from town are A$14 (US$9.10) for adults, A$11 (US$7.15)
for seniors and students, A$7 (US$4.55) for children 5 to 14. The round-trip
fare to/from the airport is A$28 (US$18) for adults, A$22 (US$14) for seniors
and students, A$14 (US$9.10) for children, and A$69 (US$45) for families.
Guests at Contiki Resort Great Keppel Island can fly from Rockhampton on
a light plane, which takes about 15 minutes and costs A$149 (US$97) round-
trip. Book through the resort (see below).
VISITOR INFORMATION
The
Great Keppel Island Information Centre,
at the ferry terminal at Rosslyn Bay Harbour (
&
1800/774 488
in Australia),
dispenses information about activities and accommodations.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
Contiki Resort Great Keppel Island
I can't tell you what it is like to stay
at this resort, because I'm too old. But the word is out: If you're a young adult
looking for a very good time, this is the resort for you. Following the old adage
“If you can't beat 'em, join 'em,” the new owners and managers of this popular
30-year-old resort have closed the doors to everyone outside the ages of 18 to
35. Great Keppel made its name in Australia in the '70s with an advertising cam-
paign that it has never managed to shake. “Get wrecked!” it screamed and they
came in droves for sex, sun, and good times. Firmly stuck with an image that it
later didn't deserve—for my money in recent years it has been one of the best
places to take a family—this resort is reverting to what made its name and was
relaunched in April 2002 as Australia's first Contiki Resort. About 70 water- and
land-based sports are offered, and many, including catamarans, paddle-skis, and
Windsurfers, are free. Activities that cost extra include scuba diving, tandem sky
diving, parasailing, guided snorkeling safaris, jet-skiing, sunset champagne sails,
and reef-fishing trips, to name only a few. There are three types of accommoda-
tions: Hillside Villas with sea or bush views, garden rooms, or beachfront
units—my pick because of their location. If you're traveling alone, they'll even
fix you up with a same-sex roommate. The whole resort was given a A$3 mil-
lion (US$1.95 million) face-lift in 2001.
