The Keppel Islands are the traditional lands of the Woppaburra people, who inhabited Wop-pa (Great Keppel), Konomie (North Keppel) and Burye (Humpy) islands, living off the marine life of the fringing reefs and ocean.

The islands were given their European name by Captain James Cook (after Admiral Augustus Keppel RN) during his voyage north along the east coast of Australia in 1770. Beyond the larger inhabited islands of Great and North Keppel are more than a dozen smaller islands and rock formations, most with fringing coral reefs. I have dived at over 20 unique sites in the Keppels, and the list is slowly expanding through exploration dives.

The best way to dive the Keppels is with local PADI operator Keppel Dive, based on Great Keppel Island close to the ferry landing on Fisherman’s Beach. Keppel Dive have two boats, the largest of which (Genesis) can carry up to 9 divers. The prevailing wind is from the SE, so sites along the north of Great Keppel Island are a common destination. If tide and swell allow, longer excursions to the outer rocks and islands are possible, such as to my favourite Barren island, as well as Egg, Man and Wife and Outer Rocks.