Photo: LBM1948 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Rosslyn Bay is a tranquil harbour village on the Capricorn Coast of Queensland, serving as the main gateway to the stunning Great Keppel Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef. With its sheltered marina, family-friendly beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect base for reef adventures, coastal walks, and soaking up the subtropical sunshine.
Highlights & What to See
- Ferry to Great Keppel Island – The main reason to visit: catch a quick ferry to this island paradise with white-sand beaches, snorkelling, and bushwalks.
- Rosslyn Bay Marina – A vibrant hub with cafes, a fish co-op, and boat charters for reef fishing, scuba diving, and sunset cruises.
- Kinka Beach – A long, uncrowded stretch of sand perfect for swimming, beachcombing, and watching the waves roll in.
- Bluff Point Lookout – A short walk from the marina offering panoramic views over the bay and out to the Keppel islands.
- Coorooman Creek – A peaceful waterway ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or spotting birdlife in the mangroves.
Suggested Time to Spend
Spend at least a full day to take a ferry to Great Keppel Island and explore its beaches and trails. If you have two days, add a morning at Kinka Beach and an afternoon kayaking on Coorooman Creek. Rosslyn Bay itself is compact; most visitors use it as a launchpad for island adventures, so plan your schedule around ferry timetables.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Yeppoon – The lively main town of the Capricorn Coast, with restaurants, shops, and the scenic Yeppoon Lagoon.
- Rockhampton – A historic inland city with heritage architecture, the Great Western Hotel, and the gateway to the Gemfields.
- Byfield National Park – A rugged park with rainforest, sandy tracks, and the chance to see the rare Byfield fern.
- Great Keppel Island – The star attraction, with multiple beaches, a resort, and walking trails to the summit.
- Emu Park – A charming seaside town with the iconic Singing Ship monument and a patrolled beach.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.