Great Keppel Island Hideaway

When visiting Great Keppel Island, everyone gravitates towards the Hideaway Bar & Bistro. This open-air beachside restaurant is a true reflection of island life - you can sit in your swimmers with sand still on your feet and no one bats an eye.

The bistro’s open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the food’s exactly what you want on an island holiday - generous and freshly made without being too fancy. 

We started our morning with a strong but delicious cappuccino and Eggs Benedict for breakfast. After a morning of snorkelling, we shared some pork, fish and prawn tacos. Dinner was well-earned after a long bush walk on one of the many walking trails on this blissfully car-free island.  The surprising variety of the dinner menu is one thing we enjoyed - from fresh fried Barramundi and chips to mushroom risotto. 

Staying at the Great Keppel Hideaway means you can take advantage of their meal packages ($55 per adult) which allows you to get 2 main meals per day at the sea-view bistro (choose from Breakfast/Dinner or Lunch/Dinner). One child under 12 eats for free per paying adult in a cabin/room, 

The meal packages are a good option as there’s no camp kitchen here. If you’re planning to self-cater make sure you check the kitchen facilities of your accommodation before booking. If you’re bringing your own food, bring everything - there’s no general store on the island. Reception does sell the basics like bread, milk and a few toiletries, but anything more than that needs to come over with you on the ferry.

The bistro’s a huge part of what makes the island feel like a real escape. You can sit under the big timber hut with a cold drink, watch the water and not need to move until dinner. Happy Hour available daily from 3pm - 5pm.

Snorkelling and Reef Exploration: The reefs around the Island are teeming with marine life, and with a bit of luck, you’ll spot turtles gliding through the water. 

Hiking Trails and Stunning Views: The island boasts a network of walking trails that cater to all fitness levels. I've enjoyed the hike up to Mount Wyndham, the island's highest point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and islands. Another favorite is the trail to Leekes Beach, a secluded spot perfect for a quiet swim.

Beaches: With 17 pristine beaches, all accessible via walking tracks, beach hopping is a must. Each beach has its unique charm. For instance, Putney Beach is a great family swimming spot, while Monkey Beach offers a more secluded experience and is well protected for snorkelling.

Getting to Great Keppel Island Hideaway from Rockhampton: Drive 40 mins to Rosslyn Bay Harbour, then hop on a 30-minute ferry to the island. Keppel Konnections and Freedom Fast Cats run multiple daily services, but it’s smart to book ahead, especially in peak season. The island’s car-free, so pack light and wear your walking shoes.

Eskies over 40L will not be accepted due to the manual loading and unloading off the Ferry.