Appreciate The Natural Wonders Of Keswick Island
This southern-most Whitsunday Island is a wonderful, unique place to visit to escape the hustle & bustle of city life. Relax & breathe the fresh air while you unwind & ground yourself.
Surrounded by sparkling clear azure waters in the Coral Sea and fringed by stunning coral reefs forming the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, luxuriate as you immerse yourself in the peaceful, serene atmosphere that is the “Spirit of Keswick.”
Take time out to de-stress and appreciate all that this tiny island community has to offer. Eye-popping views of the surrounding islands and Coral Sea. Hilly terrain covered in natural bushland and rainforest. White sandy beaches for safe swimming, snorkeling and kayaking — where you could be the only people on the beach. Warm, clean water and shady grassed areas to enjoy the laid back simple life. Plenty of fishing opportunities – in or out of the water. You’ll find a plethora of marvelous photo opportunities to make your friends jealous with abundant native flora and fauna to spot.
If you truly want to getaway from the rat race, Keswick Island is the ultimate place to visit to ease your worries away. Come and meet the friendly locals as you walk along the pristine bays beach combing or cooling off in the water.
If you’re a shopaholic who likes to spend each morning at cafes, then Keswick isn’t for you just yet… You can bring your own coffee, but there are no shops open to the public at this time. We expect improvements in the coming years and our blog will publish updates. We look forward to meeting you in the future!
📸 Mark Fitz Photography
Who would have thought that such an amazing phenomenon could result from a cyclone? (Apart from plentiful water). Under certain post-cyclone conditions, we welcome millions of butterflies to Keswick Island. Enjoy the splendour of seeing skies and trees full of Blue Tigers, Swallowtails & more. (It’s the closest things to feeling like a child a in fairy wonderland.)
Say Hello to Basil Bay
Our favourite place for beach activities like swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding or simply spending the whole day reading a book, it’s a 3 minute buggy drive from any house. (Sometimes it’s like a private infinity pool.) Safe waters, white sand, shady seating, sand monitors, turtles, birds, rays… Seriously, what’s not to love?
🎥 Andrew Gregory Photography
Tidal Days
It’s not surprising that everything revolves around the tides on Keswick with a 6 hour turnaround up to 6m in summer.
Low tide is a great time to slip on your reef walkers and walk around the foreshore of Egremont Passage or out from Basil Bay. You’ll see exposed coral, plants and marine life in the shallow rock pools.
A photographer’s dream — there’s always something to snap with your camera. The Arthur Bay walk starts from Basil Bay and across the rainforested headland, then back via the beach for a cooling swim. It takes about an hour to complete.
Native Fauna
Keswick is abundant with a broad range of animals including more than 60 bird species. You can’t help but watch them as they fly by and listen to their calls by day and night.
Keswick Island is home to disease-free Caucasian bees and the two hive sites are an interesting spot to visit and learn about their importance in our world.
Enjoy snorkelling to view and photograph the coral reefs & marine life surrounding Keswick Island. Coral Gardens and the northern end of Egremont Passage are good spots. Bring your snorkelling gear, sunscreen and insect repellent with you.
Hiking
For the fit and adventuous there are seven walking trails on Keswick that you can explore. With a hilly terrain, morning is the best time to hike unless you have a golf buggy. Some of the trails are off-road so water and sun protection are required.
View the walking trails map here >>
Connie Bay, Langton Point Lookout past Horseshoe Bay Lookout and the hilltop are the furthest distance to walk, but worth every step. Eagle View Place Lookout is the best location for sunset photos or a game of boules or Finska. Basil Bay beach or green are also good spots for a game of cricket or frisbee.
Whale Watching
Experience the spectacle during July-September every year & view mothers with their calves frolicking nearby!How To Get To Keswick Island
Make sure to read the latest articles on island transfers here »
A charter ferry service on Keswick Explorer operates from Mackay Marina Gate C to Keswick Island on most Mondays & Fridays depending on the weather. It’s a pleasant trip taking ~1 hour.
The fare is $80/each way which includes up to 20kg of luggage. Up to 20kg of boxed or bagged freight can also be brought over per person @ $10/bag and $15/box.
As there is only room for 12 passengers, it is recommended you book your trip well in advance here »
Horizon Airways offers a flight service to Keswick Island. Transfers are $310 each way when there are passengers on both legs or $620 to charter one way. Their Cessna 172 carries 3 passengers and 10kg of freight is allowed. Additional cargo is $2/kg and $80/hr for pilot waiting time after 30 minutes. The scenic trip takes ~12 minutes.
Passengers need to provide personal weight and bookings can be made by emailing reception@horizonairways.com or calling (07) 4957 2446.
The cheapest way to reach Keswick is by private boat. The trip from Mackay can range from 45 minutes in a motorised vessel to several hours via yacht. There are six moorings located in Horseshoe Bay and several more free moorings in Homestead Bay on neighbouring St Bees Island.
Basil Bay on the southern side of Keswick Island has a sandy beach where catamarans can safely anchor.
Always check the tides before you come and especially when planning holidays. You don’t really want to be caught in hot weather when the tides are out every day (each fortnight)…
From 1 December 2021 Red Cat Adventures are offering fully inclusive island day trips on the purpose-built catamaran “Wildcat” for $189. This is terrific value and well worth the day out.
They are reserving ten seats for island transfers to and from Keswick Island, depending on the weather and tides. The price for passengers is $80 each way. A rubber tender must be available to pick you up or drop you off at Keswick Island. If you need a pickup from Island Management’s tender, the cost is $10/pp & may be arranged by emailing office@keswickisland.com.au.
For more information, please email book@redcatadventures.com.au, visit www.wildcatmackay.com.au, or call 4946 4444 .
Flyon offers helicopter charter flights to Keswick Island. Five passengers can fit on one leg. Freight space is limited up to 25kg per person. This equates to one soft-sided carry on bag for luggage and 2-3 shopping bags for groceries. Charter flights include both legs of the flight to Keswick Island and back, so the cost can be split amongst the passengers.
Payment can be made on the day of departure. Bookings can be made by emailing Lorraine Caruana at operations@flyon.com.au or calling (07) 4953 0148 or 0437 279 861.
Where To Stay On Keswick Island
Read the full article on where to stay here »
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