Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
WHERE TO STAY
Keppel Haven Not far from the ferry drop-off point at the beach is this campground-style
enclave of humble but pretty cabins and tents, which is a good
choice for families. Renovated in 1998, the cabins have terra-cotta–look floors,
bright new kitchenettes, a small double bedroom, four bunks in the living/dining
area for the kids, fans, and a little porch. The permanent tents come with twin
or double beds, four bunks separated by a canvas partition, and electricity. Catamarans,
windsurfers, fishing tackle, snorkel gear, and dinghies are available for
hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. There’s a general store selling basic groceries, and
three communal kitchens and barbecues. The front desk has hair dryers; BYO
towels or hire them (towels in cabins).
Great Keppel Island via Rockhampton, QLD 4700. & 1800/35 6744 in Australia, or 07/4933 6744. Fax 07
/4933 6429. ktsgki@networx.com.au. 40 permanent tents, none with bathroom; 6 family tents (double bed and
3 single beds); 12 cabins (each sleeps 6), all with bathroom (shower only); 12 bunkhouses (with 1 bathroom
per 2 rooms). A$18 (US$12) tent per person triple or quad share; A$20 (US$13) per person twin/double; A$28
(US$18) single. A$120 (US$78) cabins twin or double. Extra person A$20 (US$13). A$80 (US$52) bunkhouses
double/twin; A$25 (US$16) quad share. A$20 (US$13) family tents per adult, A$12 (US$7.80) children 5–14.
Free for children under 5. A$5 (US$3.25) per person linen for duration of stay for tents. Cabins and bunkhouses
have linen supplied. Ask about 3-day, 2-night packages with Keppel Tourist Services that include ferry transfers
and a 1 ⁄2-day snorkeling or boom-netting cruise. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; tour desk; coin-op laundry.
Keppel Kampout The tents here are closer to permanent rooms: they have
raised floors, little verandas, twin beds, cupboards and linen, and electricity.
They’re on a landscaped patch next door to Keppel Haven and a short walk from
Contiki Great Keppel Island Resort and the beach. Catamarans, windsurfers,
fishing tackle, snorkeling trips, and boom netting cruises are all free, and all your
meals (even wine at dinner) are included in the one low price! All that is asked
is that you wash your own dishes. BYO towels; they provide hair dryers.
Great Keppel Island via Rockhampton, QLD 4700. & 1800/35 6744 in Australia, or 07/4933 6744. Fax 07/
4933 6429. ktsgki@networx.com.au. 23 permanent tents, none with bathroom. A$66 (US$43) per person,
shared accommodation. Standby rate A$60 (US$39) per person. Rates include 3 meals a day, watersports, and
snorkeling and boom-netting tours. Ask about 2-night packages for added savings. MC, V.
Super-Cheap Sleeps
YHA Backpackers Village This self-contained village of cabins and permanent
safari tents adjoins Keppel Haven Resort, and if you stay here, you have
access to all the resort’s facilities and budget meal packages, a bar, barbecue,
boat/canoes, cafe, general store, Internet and e-mail access, and a tour desk
which provides information on activities including hiking, diving, fishing,
snorkeling, and windsurfing. The village also offers a package which includes 1
night’s accommodation in Rockhampton, return bus and boat transfers, and 2
nights on the island for A$110 (US$72) per person quad share or A$119
(US$77) per person double or twin, or A$146 (US$95) per person double or
twin with en suite bathroom.
Great Keppel Island, P.O. Box 571, Yeppoon, QLD 4703. & 07/4933 6416 (7:30am–5pm). www.yha.org.au.
31 units, 9 with bathroom. 10 rooms are quad share, 19 are doubles, and 2 are family rooms. A$18 (US$12)
Value Saving Money on the Trip to Keppel
Keppel Tourist Services provides discounted round-trip transfers from the
mainland for A$30 (US$20) per adult for guests of YHA Backpackers Village,
Keppel Kampout, and Keppel Haven.