A little-known island off the coast of Queensland has been dubbed Australia’s answer to the Maldives.
Sitting just a few kilometres from Hervey Bay, Pelican Banks is arguably one of the country’s most spectacular sights, captivating tourists and fishermen with its pure white sand and crystal clear, turquoise water.
The tiny stretch in the Great Sandy Straits has captured attention on Instagram, where travellers describe it as ‘paradise’ and ‘heaven on Earth’.
Bloggers Luke and Jess, who run the As We Wander travel page, said they were stunned to find the breathtaking island on a jet ski ride along the Fraser Coast.
This little-known island off the coast of Queensland has been dubbed Australia’s answer to the Maldives
Sitting just a few kilometres from Hervey Bay, Pelican Banks pictured) is arguably one Australia’s most spectacular sights
Pelican Banks, off the coast of Hervey Bay, Queensland
Photos of the beach sparked delighted responses, with many saying they would visit as soon as lockdown is lifted across New South Wales and Victoria.
‘Wow, what a place! Will definitely be visiting soon!’ one person wrote.
Another added: ‘Seriously need to get their somehow.’
A post on the official account of the Fraser Coast urged followers to make the Banks their next bucket list destination.
The island captivates tourists and fishermen with its pure white sand and crystal clear, turquoise water
The tiny stretch in the Great Sandy Straits has captured attention on Instagram, where travellers describe it as ‘paradise’ and ‘heaven on Earth’
Photos of the beach sparked delighted responses, with many saying they would visit as soon as lockdown is lifted across New South Wales and Victoria
‘Maldives schmaldives! Why would you want to go anywhere else when you have THIS in your backyard?’ it said.
It’s the latest location in the Sunshine State to be compared to a tropical holiday spot.
Seasoned travellers recently hailed a remote island in Central Queensland one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday spots – and you’ve probably never heard of it.
Sitting 15 kilometres from the town of Yeppoon on the idyllic Capricorn Coast, Great Keppel Island is one of the country’s last hidden gems, inspiring visitors with rolling turquoise waves and long stretches of gleaming white sand.
Seasoned travellers have hailed this remote island in Central Queensland one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday spots – and you’ve probably never heard of it
The island captivates visitors with rolling turquoise waves and long stretches of gleaming white sand
Great Keppel Island, 15km from Yeppoon on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast
The 1,308 hectare island, the largest of 18 islands in the Keppel Group, is described as ‘one of the best getaways’ on the Southern Great Barrier Reef thanks to its world-class snorkelling and spectacular sunsets.
Great Keppel boasts 17 breathtaking beaches and rugged hiking trails where you’re likely to spot colourful native animals including bright rainbow lorikeets, blue-tongued lizards and jewel-hued butterflies.
Much of the Maldives-like island is so untouched that you ‘might be the only one leaving footprints in the sand’, according to the Australian tourism website.
The island can be reached by catching a 30-minute ferry from Rosslyn Bay Harbour in Yeppoon, either at Pier One or Keppel Bay Marina.
Great Keppel boasts 17 breathtaking beaches and rugged hiking trails where you’re likely to spot colourful native animals including bright rainbow lorikeets and jewel-hued butterflies
Boats leave twice daily on weekdays and three times a day on weekends.
While there are plans to build a major resort on Great Keppel, the existing accommodation options are pretty basic.
Beachfront cabins start from $153 a night, while more adventurous visitors can choose from a range of glamping and eco-sensitive safari tents on the quiet side of the island.
Travellers have called the island their ‘favourite place in Queensland’
Van life bloggers Jimmy and Sarah, aka ‘The Sandy Van’, called it their ‘favourite place in Queensland so far’.
‘We explored the island for two days – bay hopping, snorkelling and soaking up the sun. We had some beaches all to ourselves and saw the best sunset that we can remember,’ Sarah wrote in an Instagram post.
Bloggers Alex and James, who post as Twosome Travellers, added: ‘Until a few weeks ago, we never knew this place even existed. Now we can’t stop thinking about it.’
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