Pelican Island is a secluded 20-hectare coral cay in Keppel Bay, part of the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, 5 km east of Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast. This remote island is surrounded by fringing coral reefs that offer excellent snorkelling right from the beach. The island features a western-facing shingle beach used for camping, and its sheltered waters harbour vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and the occasional turtle. Accessible only by boat, it offers a true private-island escape with some of the best snorkelling in Keppel Bay.
Pelican Island
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in Keppel Bay waters during the warmer months (October to May).
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Strong tidal flows can develop in the channels between Keppel Bay islands, particularly during outgoing tides.
Low risk: Remote location – no facilities
The island is remote with no facilities; any injury or emergency requires self-rescue or radio contact.
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Getting in
Pelican Island is located 5 km east of Emu Park and 11 km east of Rosslyn Bay Harbour on the Capricorn Coast. Access is by private boat or charter only. Boat launch facilities are available at Rosslyn Bay Harbour.
Secure parking available at Rosslyn Bay Harbour.
Camping permits required via Queensland Parks. No ferry service — private/charter boat only.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.