Our guide for travelling with a dog (Our Ozzy) to Great Keppel Island

We have arrived in Yeppoon at the Poinciana Tourist Park around lunchtime, checked-in and have set up our campsite. Like most caravan parks there is not much room but it is close to a dog friendly beach and central to Yeppoon township. So, after we have settled in, we were heading to the Cooee Bay beach and had an awesome time playing with Ozzy.

The next day we were heading over to Great Keppel Island. We have booked our Ferry tickets well in advance and it costs us $50 per person (www.keppelkonnections.com.au), Ozzy was free to travel on the ferry. Yes, you heard it right the Ferry over to Great Keppel Island and the island itself is dog friendly.

The next morning we were up bright and early and ready to spent the day on Great Keppel Island. It took us about 30 minutes from the Poinciana Tourist Park to get to the Keppel Bay Marina for our 7 am departure with the Keppel Konnections Ferry. By that time the wind had picked up quite dramatically. The 30 minutes crossing over to the Island turned out to be very rough ride. We got thrown from side to side, it lifted us up from our seats and even the fire extinguishers fell from the walls. We were a bit worried with Ozzy but he took it in his straight and acted as if that was all normal.

We arrived at great Keppel Island and walked straight from the boat onto the beach. It is fair to say that we were very happy to have some solid ground under our feet again. Straight up we did the Lookout Trail while it still was a bit cool in the morning. This is a scenic bush walking track with amazingly beautiful views on different lookouts along the way.

Below, we have listed some of the walking trails you can do whilst on the island:

1. The Lookout Trail This is a 2.6 km moderate walk and it will take you approximately one hour. The walk commences at the water sports hut on Fisherman‘s Beach and takes you to the ridge top shelter where you will experience excellent views to the West. ​ 2. Monkey Point This 2-hour hike will pass you through a historic shell midden left by our Aboriginal ancestors. Admire the lush sub-tropical vegetation of the beach and keep a lookout for parrots and seabirds. ​ 3. Leeke’s Beach Circuit This is a 3.8 km return walk through beautiful bushland and beaches. Leeke’s Beach is one of the more spectacular and larger beaches on the island. ​ 4. Mount Wyndham Circuit Mount Wyndham is the highest point on the island and on top you have an amazing 360 degree view over the island. The trail can be steep in places, and it takes about 3.5 hours return. ​ 5. Clam Bay Trail Is a 10.6 km return trail (4 hours) and it incorporates flat and easy walking, along with some steep inclines and descents to and from the lookout. ​ 6. The Lighthouse For this one you need to set aside a whole day. This trail is a 15.4 km return trip and features steep elevations with spectacular lookouts. After our Lookout hike we walked along the Fisherman’s Beach to Monkey Point where we had some picnic lunch with a beautiful view and snorkel at the southern Great Barrier Reef. That’s when we decided to also walk to Shelving Beach and enjoy snorkelling the reef in the crystal-clear water. We did see an abundance of different species of fish, stingrays and even a green turtle crossing our way. We brought our own snorkelling gear with us, but you also can hire equipment on the island as well. The island has about 17 pristine beaches to choose from. To explore these you need more than one day time or a boat as the distance is quiet far. Monkey Point Beach and Shelving Beach are great for snorkelling and close enough if you are on foot and only on the island for a day. You also have the option to go on a charter boats tour and see a bit more of the island. Wherever your journey leads, exploring the stunning landscape via foot is an ideal way to enjoy the views, nature, and local attractions. We had absolutely a wonderful day on Great Keppel Island with Ozzy. Ozzy had an absolute ball on the walking trails, running around on the different beaches and also having a swim in between to cool down. We will come back and stay for at least one night on the island so that we can do the walking trail to the lighthouse.

This is a must visit if you are in the area. This is paradise for humans and dogs. Our tip: Take enough water with you (For yourself and your dog). Water seems to be hard to find on the island. If you want to have a more detailed view of our adventure on Great Keppel Island