North Keppel Island Hilltop Trail is located on North Keppel Island within Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Steep hills and cliffs, which plunge into the sea, are features of the islands but there are also sheltered bays and quiet sandy beaches.
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
Closest towns to this walk: Emu Park, Great Keppel Island, North Keppel Island, Rosslyn Bay, Yeppoon
About the region
Keppel Bay Islands are part of both a national park and a scientific national park in Queensland, Australia, respectively 538 km and 518 km northwest of Brisbane. The islands are positioned in Keppel Bay, off the coast of Yeppoon and Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast. The largest island and a popular tourist attraction is Great Keppel Island.
From the early 1950s to about 1994, a small resort of about twelve cabins on North Keppel Island was operated by old Mr Walls, a former train driver. Old Mr Walls was assisted by his daughter, Geraldine, and her husband, who also lived on the island. His son Tim Walls operated the boat service to the Island, firstly in a boat called the Somerset, out of Ross Creek, Yeppoon, then in a larger boat called the Keppel Star, out of the Roslyn Bay Boat Harbour.
More recently the island has been run by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Camping, reef walking, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, diving and snorkelling are all popular activities within the park.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Keppel Bay Islands National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.