Great Barrier Reef - Great Keppel Island

Pick a beach, any beach. There is no shortage of beaches on Great Keppel Island. As the largest of the 18 islands in the Keppel Group, it is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches and the bluest and most transparent waters.

The island's indigenous name is Woppaburra, meaning 'People belonging to the island.' Its traditional owners are the Woppaburra people, who inhabited the island until colonial settlers forcibly relocated them to the mainland in the early 20th century. Nearly 120 years later, the Woppaburra people were recognised as native titleholders of Great Keppel Island.

The Woppaburra people are from a wider Whale Dreaming Indigenous Community to whom the Mugga Mugga (humpback whale) is a sacred spiritual totem. They believe it is their responsibility to protect the whales and the environment they live in. As such, in 2007, they joined forces with environmentalists and governments by writing an open letter asking Japan to cease killing 50 humpback whales for "scientific purposes." The letter described in detail the spiritual significance of the humpback whale to their culture and the importance to "respect and honour all living things, in the circle of life." Following significant global pressure, Japan cancelled its plans.

Protecting the whales has had a positive impact as their population has grown. It is estimated that 15,000 whales migrate north each year to breed, nearly double when compared to the 8,000 in 2006.

Great Keppel Island has many water-based activities, from snorkelling to diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding to swimming in pristine waters. However, I chose to strap on my runners and head out on the island’s most challenging trail crossing it from west to east. The hike started as a leisurely walk on a flat trail when I reached the First Lookout with a few narrow views to the west.

Continuing, I kept an eye out for blue-tongue lizards and goannas basking in the sun. The trail passed the historical Leeke Homestead. It was built in the 1920s for Lizzie Leeke and her then-husband, who took over a grazing lease to raise sheep. When her husband left, she stayed until the mid-1940s, when she sold the property. Today, it is listed on Queensland's Heritage Register.

As I trekked through the bush and slowly climbed up the hill, the trail plateaued on a ridge. Heading to Bald Rock Point, the last section was devoid of vegetation. Feeling the blustering wind, I picked up the pace to reach the small lighthouse at the end of the point. Here I enjoyed views of the nearby islands, and I could just make out some of the Capricorn Group islands far off in the distance.

After a rest and a snack, I’ll start my journey back to the resort for a relaxing swim.



PS. Experience our virtual challenges in real life - The Conqueror Adventures

The team at The Conqueror Challenges
https://www.theconqueror.events