Pumpkin Island is a secluded 6-hectare private island in the Keppel Group of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, 14 km off Yeppoon. The western side offers a gently sloping sandy beach with crystal-clear water, making for excellent off-beach snorkelling straight from the shore. Healthy fringing reefs teem with colourful fish, stingrays, and sea life, and the sheltered coves provide calm conditions ideal for beginners and young snorkellers. With no jetty, no shops, and a wild natural setting, the island feels like a true private paradise where the underwater world is just steps from your accommodation.
Pumpkin Island Reefs
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Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 2.5 sWind Speed 5.9 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) may be present in Queensland coastal waters during warmer months.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (seasonal)
Stinger jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) may be present in warmer coastal waters from October to May.
Moderate risk: Stinger season (marine stingers)
Marine stingers including box jellyfish may be present in warmer months. Stinger suits recommended.
Low risk: Tide-dependent landing
Pumpkin Island has no jetty; landing is only possible during mid-to-high tide. Departure times are scheduled around the tide window.
Low risk: Weather-dependent transfers
The ferry and boat transfers are subject to weather conditions; rough seas can cause cancellations or delays.
Low risk: Tidal currents in Keppel Bay
The area can experience strong tidal currents moving through Keppel Bay, particularly around the island's rocky outcrops.
Low risk: Whale migration season
Winter (June–November) brings humpback whale migration through the region; boat traffic and whale activity increase.
Low risk: Outgoing tide currents
Tidal currents around the island can strengthen on an outgoing tide, especially near reef channels. Swimmers should be tide-aware.
Low risk: Tide-dependent access
The island has no jetty — access is only possible during mid-high tide. The ferry schedule depends on tidal conditions.
Low risk: Weather-dependent ferry schedule
The ferry operates on specific days (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) for single-cottage bookings and is weather-dependent. Delays or cancellations can occur due to weather.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Pumpkin Island is a private island 30 minutes by boat from Keppel Bay Marina, Rosslyn Bay on the Capricorn Coast. Access is via private boat, water taxi, or charter. The resort offers transfers for guests with accommodation bookings.
Parking & facilities
Park at Keppel Bay Marina (Rosslyn Bay) which has secure long-term parking for island guests.
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Private island resort — access requires accommodation booking. Day-tripping is not generally available. Boat transfers arranged through the resort.
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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