Tropical Coast of Queensland

Rosslyn Bay



Protected from the elements behind an enormous volcanic outcrop, Rosslyn Bay is just seven minutes drive south of Yeppoon on the beautiful Capricorn Coast. The steep volcanic outcrop that shelters the bay was formed over 70 million years ago and is one of the most fascinating geological formations in the area. A short, but vigorous walk to the summit reveals magnificent views of the Keppel Islands, the surrounding coastline and volcanic formations.

Rosslyn Bay Harbour is a hive of activity with ferries regularly departing for Great Keppel Island, along with Keppel Bay cruises, local fishing trawlers, bareboat charters and recreational fishing cruises.



North Queensland's largest marina, Keppel Bay Marina, is also located at Rosslyn Bay, boasting 400 berths. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the Marina cafe as you look out over the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Nearby Statue Bay and Double Head are renowned fishing destinations where you'll find Black Jewfish, Cod, Tuna and Mackerel. Most local shore fishers use the Rosslyn Bay boat harbour breakwaters, while you can also fish from the several rocky points at high tide.

Bedrock reaches the coast at Ross Creek and dominates much of the coast between here and Cocoanut Point, 17 km to the south. The main Emu Park Road runs close to the coast and provides good access to all the beaches. Between Statue Bay and Double Head lies Rosslyn Bay which, prior to development in the 1970's, was a 500 m long beach. The bay has now been developed as a boat harbour, with breakwaters and boating facilities replacing most of the beach. All that remains is a 30 m long pocket of sand wedged in beside the large boat ramp. The most popular swimming beaches are Cooee Bay and Lammermoor Beach, with rocks dominating Wave Point and Statue Bay, while Rosslyn Bay is given over to boating activities.

The largely cleared, steep sided Double Head is now a national park and forms the northern boundary of 2 km long Kemp Beach, while 100 metre high Bluff Point, also a small national park, forms the southern boundary. The beach is backed by the main Emu Park Road. There is car parking right along the back of the beach, together with amenities and two shady picnic areas. Kemp and Mulambin are two relatively popular and very accessible beaches. Their usually low waves and very low gradients also provide relatively safe swimming.



Great Keppel Island
Step onto an island paradise at one of the Keppel Islands. With 20 islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef boasting the best of reef, pristine white sand beaches and sparkling blue sea - you'll be begging to get castaway!

With the protection of a fringing reef, the waters surrounding the Keppels are amazingly calm, making it perfect for all types of water sports such as snorkeling, sea kayaking, water-skiing and tubing. An abundance of tropical fish, and colourful coral fills the water only a short swim away. Accommodation on Great Keppel Island ranges from tents and cabins or even a private beach house on the water's edge. The island is approximately 240 hectares in size and is home to 17 pristine white-sand beaches and an interior rich with native flora and fauna, all waiting for you to explore. Take a short beach walk or two hour hike up to the island's lighthouse.


Pumpkin Island
For those looking for a unique island experience, Pumpkin Island offers an island getaway with a difference. With only five eco-friendly cottages on the island, privacy and relaxation are assured, whilst visitors can enjoy a range of activities. Camping is allowed in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park of North Keppel Island, Humpy Island, Miall Island, Middle Island, Divided Island and Pelican Island. Visitors must bring their own drinking water and campers require a camping permit. Details and bookings can be made through the National Parks.

Pumpkin Island has a proprietary launch service, offering transfers to the island which take 45 minutes. The boat seats up to 36 passengers and is called Pumpkin Xpress. Transfers to Pumpkin Island leave from Yeppoon s Keppel Bay Marina, which is situated at 1 Waterline Way, Yeppoon.







Kemp Beach