Activities

Pumpkin Island provides a great playground for visitors as it is surrounded by beautiful clean aquamarine water and the island offers a few options to take advantage of these delights.

Mostly Pumpkin Island is about enjoying nature, relaxation and making memories – so spend your days watching the turtles float by under your glass-bottomed kayak, enjoy the sunrise from your SUP (Stand Up Paddle), fish abundantly, walk along the beautiful rock formations at low tide or simply sit around the bonfire under stars sharing stories with other guests.

It is important to note that doing nothing is considered an activity on Pumpkin Island and our large, comfortable hammocks have been known to keep visitors busy for hours on end…

Given its small size, most of the activities on Pumpkin Island are easily accessible from the beaches or island shore:

  • Swimming and Beach Lounging
    A safe, sandy beach on the western side of the island is perfect for swimming and beach lounging and also the location of the activities hut with kayaks, stand up paddle boards and life jackets.
  • Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
    The island affords great off-beach snorkeling given the gently sloping beach bottom, clear water, and abundance of colourful fish, sea creatures, and plant-life close to the beach; also perfect for inexperienced or young snorkelers. Snorkelling gear available for guests to use.
  • Scuba diving the Keppels is possible with two great operators called Keppel Dive and Barry's Dive.
  • To contact Keppel Dive visit their website, Facebook page or call. Prices for our guests for a double dive with full gear hire comes to $220 per person (minimum 2 people)
  •  To contact Barry's Dive call 0467 097 420 or email Barry directly to organise your dive trip. Visit their Facebook page Barry's Dive.
  • Island Hopping Tour - Keppel Explorer                                                                                                       An exhilarating, scenic day tour island hopping around the The Keppel Islands; departing the mainland to collect Pumpkin Island passengers, on to Conical & Corroboree Islands, circumnavigate North Keppel Island, then on to Miall & Middle Islands before circumnavigating Great Keppel Island, Humpy & Halfway Islands. See pristine, secluded beaches and uninhabited islands with stunning natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life…and of course sea caves!
  • Fishing
    A wide variety of fishing experiences are available around the island – both shoreline and deep-sea fishing – given the diverse coral reefs, Rocky headlands, sheltered bays, and open seas. Refer to our Nature Calendar for details on what species of fish you are most likely to catch during your visit. A couple of fishing charters operate out of Keppel Bay Marina depending on the weather & availability. Visit Keppel Bay Marina for more info.
  • Marine Animal Watching
    Dolphins, turtles, and whale sightings are to be expected in season. Refer to our Nature Calendar for details on what to expect during your visit.

  • Wilderness Walking & Bird watching
    Walk along the island & Little Pumpkin (joins main Pumpkin during a low-tide)  to various look out points. Spot the Nankeen Kestrel hunting lizards, the Ospreys diving for their lunch, Sooty and Pied Oyster Catchers walking along the oyster rocks and resident Beach Stone Curlews hiding away in the daytime.

  • Explore North Keppel Island
    Three walks on nearby North Keppel Island, with optional return segments, allow you to discover the island's diverse plant communities, wildlife and spectacular views of Keppel Bay and surrounding islands. All walks depart from the Considine Beach camping area. Tracks are posted with directional and information signs. Speak to the island staff for more information.

  •  Glass bottom Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boards
    Paddle around the island or view unique coral from the paddle boats, kayaks or SUP boards. Provided to all guests free of charge. Please note that we also have a very unique completely see through glass kayak for hire. Please contact management for more information.                 
                                                                                                
  • Kite-Surfing or Windsurfing
    Wind surfing and kite surfing can be done from the main beach area on the western side of the island. Guest would need to bring their own equipment.

  • Library & Board Games Corner
    Books and board games are available in the Sunset Lounge for guests to enjoy during their stay.

    To ensure that you get the most out of your visit, be sure to check out Pumpkin Island’s Nature Calendar, so that you can time your vacation to suit your interests – from sea turtle sightings, large-catch fishing, to bird-watching.

    Off the island: If you have a few days to spare in Yeppoon, just across the water, you are a short drive away from Australia's best amenities: unrivalled coastal scenery, walking, climbing, horse riding, fishing, sailing, beaches, golf courses, bird watching, whale watching, kayaking, and canoeing. Yeppoon, Emu Park, Byfields and Rockhampton boast golf courses, day spa’s, sailing clubs,  as well as award-winning restaurants and pubs. Check out the Capricorn Coast Bucket List for some ideas of what is available around the area.