Profile of a Marina- Keppel Bay

by Fiona Harper, Australian Marinas Guide on 17 Nov 2008 Cruising the Qld coast it's easy to become complacent about your next overnight stop as you cruise inside the swell-free waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Indeed it's far different from cruising the bar-strewn waters of NSW, or the remote, uninhabited waters of WA. Which makes cruising the Capricorn Coast an absolute delight.

Short day sails are possible, with each anchorage offering something a little different, including island bays, expansive inlets and delightful coves. With so many safe anchorages, it would be easy to overlook Keppel Bay Marina. But don't!

Indeed, many did in the past, choosing instead to anchor in one of the many bays of Great Keppel Island, less than 10nm off Yeppoon.

With the closing of the Gt Keppel Resort early this year, plans are afoot for this beautiful, laid back island to undergo a controversial transformation. Hopefully sense will prevail and this island wont go the way of some, though nothing is certain at the time of writing. This potential environmental disaster has however allowed cruising yachties to look for alternatives, and Keppel Bay Marina at nearby Rosslyn Bay is a great choice.

Billing themselves as the 'friendliest marina', docking here is a little like checking into a boutique hotel. The staff are so damm happy you start to wonder if there's something in the water.

Nothing is too much trouble, with a welcome pack presented to new arrivals. For a start, why not ask to book the courtesy car to re-provision your boat? It's absolutely free, gratis, no-charge! The marina even pays for the fuel, though contributions are welcome to keep this unique service operating. It's the only marina I know who offers a free courtesy car, and it's definitely worth car-less yachties visiting just to take advantage of this opportunity. Alternatively, there's a regular bus service that stops right at the marina office door.

Another unique feature is the 'ensuite' type bathrooms, which although appearing at first glance to be a transportable donga, are actually one of the roomiest bathrooms a yachty is likely to find. Great for saving water and showering with a friend!

Keppel Bay Marina recently extended their docks with over 100 new berths created just for visiting boaties. Plans are also afoot to extend the residential villas on the northern side, plus further development is planned for a low-key resort, south of the marina office. Overall it's a dynamic marina environment with a terrific ‘hands on’ management approach that focuses on customer service.

The team in the marina office are also keen to share their local attractions and will arrange visits to all the 'must sees' in the area. It's worth hiring a car from Budget at Capricorn Resort and heading into the hinterland of Byfield. You'll find rainforest, walk trails, home-style restaurants serving the freshest food at Ferns Hideaway. For something a little different visit Koorana Crocodile Farm, the first croc farm to set up in Qld.

If you're looking for a romantic dinner, look no further than the marina waterfront. Award winning Waterline Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Expect to be tantalised with stunning local produce like Banana Station beef and Keppel Bay bugs, prawns and scallops. Dining is alfresco, with tables delightfully positioned amongst the stunning tropical gardens overlooking the marina. Don't miss Sunday afternoons on the lawn with live music beneath the pandanus palms.

They just seem to get everything right for boaties at Keppel Bay Marina. It's definitely worth dropping in for a night or two on your next cruise through the Capricorn Coast.


Keppel Bay Marina
LAT 23°09:60S LONG 150°47:30E
Waterline Way, Rosslyn Bay
Capricorn Coast 4703

Phone free: 1800 336 244 Fax: +61 7 4933 6770
Website: www.keppelbaymarina.com.au

For the best information about marinas in Australia consult the online resource Australian Marinas Guide