Remember this photo I showed looking out to the islands from Yeppoon?
Well, the largest of those islands is Great Keppel Island. Despite visiting the area many times, we have never managed to visit. The weather had either not been cooperating or we haven’t had the time. This time we were making a point of visiting.
It used to be a very popular holiday resort island, but the resort is now defunct. However, there is still a small amount of accommodation, a couple of shop/cafes and that’s about it. There are a few permanent residents. You can also take day trips, which is what we did.
We caught the ferry out, and it was the perfect day. I’m not a good traveler, but I had no trouble at all. The weather on the days before and after weren’t nearly as good, so we were blessed.
When you reach the island the boat just runs up to the beach and you disembark down a ramp onto the sand.
We then boarded another, smaller, glass bottomed boat to do a tour of the coral, as this area is at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
We were all rather intent on looking down into the water.
It was hard to photograph, but we saw a variety of corals, some giant clams and various fish.
This is a Barracuda. We also saw one small shark and a stingray, among others.
The hexagonal structures have been put in place to give the coral something to grow back on after storm damage. Apparently, it is working well.
The island had been battered by cyclones in recent years, causing a large amount of beach erosion. These giant sand bags are now stabilising the worst affected areas.
Now, isn’t that the idyllic tropical island beach.
The tide was low, so we could see all the little shell inhabiting creatures crawling around the rocks and sand. Intriguing to watch.
Yes, I picked up a few more shells and took their photo.
Someone had done a rather clever drawing in the sand. Not us, we just got it admire it.
Mick and I had a play with our shadows.
And then, before we knew it, it was time to return to the mainland, enjoying seeing the hazy light on the other islands as we went. A rather lovely way to spend the day.
11 comments:
Being on the water is usually peaceful....fortunately we've been lucky with our various water trips over the years and never had a rough one!
We went to Great Keppel while on our honeymoon 43 years ago. It was very touristy and as a day visitor you did not have access to many of the places to see, shops or activities and the bars were closed until later in the day. So all you could really do was sit on the beach and relax in the su.
janice, janice, janice! how will i ever get anything done if you keep these lovely interesting posts???? LOL....i love every one and are with you vicariously every moment!! the very best kind of travelogue...with a friend!
There is something special about visiting an island. A world alone, reached by traveling in on a boat, away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Bliss!
another lovely spot to see
Hugz
Love the shadow you two.
a blast from the past! It was quite a destination island in the eighties. I remember hubby went there with a friend before we got serious lol definitely lucky with the weather.
Fantastic day out Janice, thank you for sharing. I remember when it was a popular holiday resort.
Oh, you're off adventuring again. Enjoy.
I am just catching up on your last few posts. Looks like you had glorious weather for the latter part of your Qld trip. Some lovely old buildings Rockhampton. That wax statue is certainly different.
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