The volunteer run Keppel Turtle Fund, which operates from Great Keppel Island has proudly unveiled a fabulous new educational attraction which will greatly support environmental and ecological aspects of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Great Keppel Island is a short half hour ferry ride from the Capricorn Coast mainland, which is a 40-minute drive from the Central Queensland town of Rockhampton. 

Stage 1 of the Great Keppel Island Marine Environmental Awareness/Education Trail (promoted as the GKI Sea Way Trail) has now been installed and is open to the public.

The new trail, which runs for approximately 300 metres, starts on the lawns overlooking 'The Spit' at Fisherman's Beach on GKI, follows a boardwalk meandering throughout Great Keppel Island Hideaway's grounds and features 15 beautifully sculptured information panels. 

The trail tells of our impressive marine life. Each sculpture is in a local marine shape - starfish, dugong, hard and soft coral, jellyfish, turtles and hatchlings, butterflyfish, coral cod, giant clam, shark, whale, dolphin, seahorse, and a snorkeler over a reef.

The colourful panels highlight marine facts, values, and conservation. QR codes are utilised to link visitors directly to further information and ways for people to get involved to help protect the marine environment.

Keppel Turtle Fund Chair Denise Weisse believes the trail will overcome an educational gap and lead to greater respect of the Keppel Bay Islands, Southern Great Barrier Reef land and water eco-systems.

“Awareness and respect of our unique reef including all of the marine life within is a critical factor for our future, and the GKI Sea Way Trail will take a further step in the right direction to make sure visitors and locals understand and appreciate the environment on which we call home,” Denise said.

“Caring for the reef and it's many miraculous creatures is everyone's responsibility, and the Keppel Turtle Fund remains committed to protecting and preserving it as best we can so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do.” 

The GKI Sea Way Trail was developed in conjunction with community representatives, local marine biologist Dr Alison Jones, Gordon La Praik and established tourism operators including Capricorn Enterprise along with staff from the local Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, to ensure that the project delivered the best outcomes.

The GKI Sea Way Trail is a fabulous addition to Great Keppel Island's diverse offerings. Locals and holiday makers are encouraged to take a trip 'overseas' and check out the new attraction.

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