Pumpkin Island
One of Australia's best-kept secrets, Pumpkin Island is nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Group of islands 14 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon. The Island is the ultimate ‘get away from it all’ for couples, family groups or larger parties undertaking special celebrations.
This tiny gem – just 15 acres in total – offers you eco-friendly accommodation for up to 34 guests in 7 self-cat ...
One of Australia's best-kept secrets, Pumpkin Island is nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Group of islands 14 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon. The Island is the ultimate ‘get away from it all’ for couples, family groups or larger parties undertaking special celebrations.
This tiny gem – just 15 acres in total – offers you eco-friendly accommodation for up to 34 guests in 7 self-catering units that are powered by the wind and the sun. All offer private decks and barbeques overlooking the sunset.
There is so much to do on this little island treasure. The wildlife will delight you; see dolphins, turtles and whales in season. Fish the rich waters, snorkel or experience the coral reefs from a glass bottom kayak or stand up paddle board, harvest your own oysters off the rocks or simply wander the secluded beaches.
Your hosts, Wayne and Laureth, look forward to welcoming you to their island home and hope you enjoy your stay.
Island 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), hike up one of three peaks for unrivalled views of the surrounding islands and reefs, fish abundantly, walk along the beautiful rock formations at low tide or simply sit around the bonfire under stars sharing stories with other guests.
Fish for your own dinner within the shallow waters of the reef, or dine from our pre-order gourmet meals menu. Guests can self-cater or pre-order gourmet meals along with Australian wines, from the award winning Waterline Restaurant, at Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon. Meals and drinks are collected on the day of departure. The island will enchant all who choose Pumpkin Island for their self catering holidays in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
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
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.
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. Fishing charters can be arranged by the island staff depending on the weather & availability.
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.
Paddle-boating, Sea 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 at http://www.pumpkinisland.com.au/nature-calendar.html - so that you can time your vacation to suit your interests – from sea turtle sightings, large-catch fishing, to bird-watching.
One of Australia's best-kept secrets, Pumpkin Island is nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Group of islands 14 kilometres off the coast of Yeppoon. The Island is the ultimate ‘get away from it all’ for couples, family groups or larger parties undertaking special celebrations.
This tiny gem – just 15 acres in total – offers you eco-friendly accommodation for up to 34 guests in 7 self-catering units that are powered by the wind and the sun. All offer private decks and barbeques overlooking the sunset.
There is so much to do on this little island treasure. The wildlife will delight you; see dolphins, turtles and whales in season. Fish the rich waters, snorkel or experience the coral reefs from a glass bottom kayak or stand up paddle board, harvest your own oysters off the rocks or simply wander the secluded beaches.
Your hosts, Wayne and Laureth, look forward to welcoming you to their island home and hope you enjoy your stay.
Island 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), hike up one of three peaks for unrivalled views of the surrounding islands and reefs, fish abundantly, walk along the beautiful rock formations at low tide or simply sit around the bonfire under stars sharing stories with other guests.
Fish for your own dinner within the shallow waters of the reef, or dine from our pre-order gourmet meals menu. Guests can self-cater or pre-order gourmet meals along with Australian wines, from the award winning Waterline Restaurant, at Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon. Meals and drinks are collected on the day of departure. The island will enchant all who choose Pumpkin Island for their self catering holidays in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
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
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.
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. Fishing charters can be arranged by the island staff depending on the weather & availability.
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.
Paddle-boating, Sea 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 at http://www.pumpkinisland.com.au/nature-calendar.html - so that you can time your vacation to suit your interests – from sea turtle sightings, large-catch fishing, to bird-watching.
