Shelving Point Reef (also called Point Reef) sits within a protected bay on Great Keppel Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This fringing reef slopes gently from the sandy shore of Shelving Beach, making it the closest snorkel site to island accommodation. The calm, shallow waters offer excellent visibility over patches of hard and soft coral where colourful reef fish, anemones, and occasional turtles can be spotted. Its sheltered position and easy shore entry make it a favourite for families and first-time snorkelers wanting a safe, reef-rich experience without the need for a boat.
Point Reef
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 3.3 sWind Speed 1.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tide-dependent visibility
The reef is best snorkelled at mid-to-low tide. At high tide the water deepens and the reef edge is further from shore, making it harder to see the coral.
Low risk: Afternoon wind chop
Though generally sheltered, afternoon sea breezes can create choppy surface conditions that affect visibility and swimming comfort.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocks
Like all reef environments, sharp coral and rocky outcrops near the shoreline can cause cuts or stings if stepped on.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Catch a 30-minute passenger ferry from Yeppoon (near Rockhampton) to Great Keppel Island. From Fisherman's Beach on the island, walk around to Shelving Beach — Shelving Point Reef is directly accessible from the shore at the point.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Yeppoon ferry terminal (paid parking available). On Great Keppel Island, there is no vehicle access — walking only.
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Ferry transfer from Yeppoon costs approx. AUD 50–70 return. No additional fee for beach access.
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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.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports