MOTELS KESWICK ISLAND

Keswick Island is home to thriving hives of purebred Caucasian bees. Unlike bees on the Australian mainland, these bees are free of many other diseases and are sometimes used as breeding stock for the mainland colonies. The bees were brought to the island in 1986. The bees are supported by aparists, John and Des Covey and Keswick Developments encourages this operation as a means of preserving a valuable part of the natural ecosystem. The Bee Hives can be found on the walking trails towards Langton Point and Connie Bay. Keswick Island honey is available to purchase at the Keswick Island Kiosk, the Mackay Visitor Information Centre and at other stores stocking local produce around the Mackay Region. ...

The Great Barrier Reef coral fringes Keswick and provides magnificent snorkelling, especially at Connie Bay and Coral Gardens. Keswick's coral reef offers something for everyone, from swim-through caves and deep canyons to wide shallows, teeming with marine life. Green, Hawksbill, Flatback and Loggerhead turtles can be found in the waters around Keswick Island and these are also home to some of the most exciting, exotic and rare marine life in the world. Whilst snorkelling, spotting a manta ray is an unforgettable experience. These gentle giants, measuring up to four metres wide, are at times found swimming gracefully around Keswick. Snorkelling equipment (snorkel, mask, fins and stinger suit) available for hire Saturdays and Sundays. ...

The Singapore was bound for Sydney from Hong Kong when she struck what is now called 'Singapore Rock' sometime in January 1877. Fortunately, no lives were lost. The Singapore was a 964 ton single screw steamer with a length of 87 metres and a width of 10 metres. Despite its size, the ship had not been seen for decades until recently when it was dived on for the first time. Singapore Rock is just off beautiful Singapore Bay, on Keswick Island. This area is a designated Marine Park Green Zone and is home to an array of turtles and magnificent fish. This wreck site provides amazing diving and all are within a short distance from Keswick Island, and with relatively few divers having accessed this site, the coral formations and variety of marine life is outstanding. Diving tours and training are available through Keswick Island Day Trips or Megaforce Charters. ...

The beautiful Basil Bay is Keswick Island's prime swimming beach. Located on the western side of the island, Basil Bay boasts crystal clear water at high tide, crisp white sand and gentle shade trees - making it an idyllic spot to enjoy your quintessential island adventure. Popular with swimmers, snorkelers and walkers. Beginner scuba divers also use the protected waters for introductory dives. At low tide, the fringing reef makes an appearance, which is popular for beachcombers, who enjoy the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Arthur Bay on foot. The Basil Bay Hut facility provides visitors with barbecue facilities and picnic tables, a toilet, change room and beach shower. The area is easily accessible on foot of by golf buggy. Basil Bay is a perfect place to relax with family and friends....

Humpback Whales can be frequently seen around Keswick Island during their annual migration through the Whitsundays between the months of July to September. Seeing the whales frolicking nearby, or guiding a newborn calf through the protected waters of Egremont Passage, is a truly magical experience. There are many spots on Keswick from which you can watch the whales - be it from the deck of the Keswick Kiosk, from Basil Bay beach or from any of the prominent headlands. If you are watching whales from your boat, be sure to comply with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching....

Most visitors to Mackay are surprised to learn that one of the southern-most Whitsunday Islands can be visited directly from the Mackay coast. Keswick Island is situated 32 kilometres from Mackay and is accessible via the water from the Mackay Marina, or by air. Keswick Island has a privately owned airstrip, so it is possible to arrive by plane or helicopter direct from Mackay. Enjoy a day on the tropical island or choose to stay on the island at a welcoming guesthouse. A spectacular jewel in the Coral Sea, Keswick Island is truly a tropical paradise. Most of the island is national park and sub-tropical rainforest, therefore is home to an abundance of colourful flora and fauna. Many bush walks throughout the island provide the opportunity to gain spectacular views across the Whitsunday water. The island is fringed by white sandy shorelines, with coral reefs within swimming distance, perfect for snorkelling. The nearby reefs are teeming with marine life, including vibrantly colourful coral gardens. Keswick Island also offers divers a unique experience, as there are three shipwreck sites all from within half an hour of the island to explore. These wrecks are a fascinating piece of the region's history. Meals and basic grocery needs can be purchased on the island and golf buggies, kayaks and snorkelling equipment are also available for hire. Humpback whales can be frequently seen around Keswick Island during their annual migration through the Whitsundays between the months of July to September. ...

At the far north end of Keswick Island, Connie Bay is a secluded beach of sweeping white sand, turquoise water and fringing coral. Connie Bay boasts uninterrupted views towards the northern Whitsunday islands. The large tides bring uniqueness to the beach, and surrounding areas. The waters around Connie Bay are known for good diving, and great swimming at high tide. The beach is quite secluded, which has made it a favourable area for nesting turtles. And nearby the majestic melaleuca wood is a point of interest for many visitors, especially when the swarms of vibrant blue butterflies are in residence. Connie Bay can be accessed via boat, or on foot via Keswick Island walking trails. ...

Experience camping and glamping on a natural Whitsunday island. Keswick Island is a truly natural wonderland, and there is no better way to experience the wonders of this magical island than to camp under the stars. Nestled on a leafy hillside, just a stroll from the tranquil waters of Basil Bay, the Keswick campground provides guests with a few of life's little comforts while still being immersed in nature. By day, you can explore beautiful Keswick Island. By night, simply relax and unwind - sit around the camp fire, soak up the night air, roast marshmallows and marvel at the stars. Come and experience the freedom, on Keswick!...