Pumpkin Island
Property Information
Property Locality: Keppel Bay, Capricorn Coast off Yeppoon
Type of Property: Island Retreat with self-contained Eco Beach Cottages and Campground
Maximum Persons: 30 guests
Children: suitable for children
Rates (per cottage per night)
Price Range: from $255 to $480 for 4 guests - please enquire for whole island booking.
Rates decrease according to number of nights booked
Special Conditions: surcharge of $50.00 per night applies to each additional guest when sleeping above 4.
Minimum stay of 2 nights - three nights in school holidays.
Child policy, free of charge 0-3 years of age inclusive
Whole island may be booked from $1479 per night
Rates are inclusive of GST and are subject to change without notice.
Property Description
One of Australia's hidden gems and best-kept island secrets, Pumpkin Island is nestled in the Keppel Group of islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef and located 13.8 kilometres off the coast from Yeppoon. A holiday on Pumpkin Island offers a blissful escape to a tropical haven and a chance to unwind in pristine nature. Easily accessible by private boat or the Pumpkin Xpress, from the Yeppoon Marina
This little private island of only 6.1 hectares is a quaint piece of paradise where you will find just five very stylish, eco-friendly self-catering cottages powered by wind and sun, overlooking a crystalline beach. Each accommodates between four and six guests. There is a unique feel to each of the comfortable, nature-inspired cottages, only a step away from the ocean’s edge. Each has a special name, colourful decor and a view of the Pacific Ocean. All cottages are self-contained andhave their own private bathrooms, with large decks and outdoor BBQ’s overlooking seclusion and freedom, enjoying some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever witness. The whole island can be rented out exclusively and will accommodate up to 30 guests.
All cottages have solar powered lights and ceiling fans, drinkable rain water, hot water showers, stove & oven, tea & coffee making facilities, gas refrigerator/freezer and a BBQ on the deck.
Pumpkin Island is wonderful for families, utterly romantic for couples and a hoot for a group of friends.
Island Wildlife
Pumpkin Island is home to a great variety of bird-life including the rare Peregrine Falcon. Turtles, whales (in season) and dolphins abound on the reefs surrounding the island. Giant clams, clown fish colonies and colourful reef fish populate the coral gardens.
Island Dining/ Catering
Fish for your own dinner within the shallow waters of the reef, or dine from our pre-order gourmet meals menu. Guests can self-cater or pre-order gourmet meals along with Australian wines, from the award winning Waterline Restaurant, at Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon. Meals and drinks are collected on the day of departure.
Arrangements can be made to end your evening with a beach bonfire and scrumptious marshmallows.
Island Camping
Pumpkin Island also has a beautiful campground to the north western side, which is well protected and simply stunning. The campground can facilitate up to 12 guests and includes a cold water shower, a toilet, dishwashing facility, and two gas BBQ’s. The campground costs $20 per adult per night and $15 per child (12 years and younger) per night. Please contact management to arrange bookings.
Island Activities
Experience the Great Barrier Reef as you never have before; fish and dive the surrounding waters, lounge on the beach, take a nap in one of the hammocks, read a book, go bird watching, float in the water or delve into the adventurous side of Pumpkin Island.
-Explore the largest reef in the world, either with a scuba tank* or without.
-Practice your casting at the famous Giant Trevally cove.
-Test your wits against the Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout and Black Kingfish out in the deep sea*.
-Or simply take a leisurely day exploring adjoining Little Pumpkin and its natural wonders with a glass bottom kayak on an island tour watching the graceful turtles and dolphins or spotting a whale or two in the distance.
-Hike up one of three peaks for unrivaled views of the surrounding islands and reefs.
-Take a swim at mid tide around the island's own coral lagoon and see a multitude of colourful coral, giant clams and fish. *Snorkeling equipment as well as glass bottom sea kayaks are provided for your use.
*Professional diving or fishing tours can also be arranged.
Environmental Initiatives:
The staff and management of Pumpkin Island are fully committed to operate as green an operation as possible, saving water, power and emissions and thus minimising their ecological footprint. Pumpkin Island was awarded the Advance Eco Tourism certification in November 2009.
Energy Management: The Island is off the grid and functions completely with only natural energy of sun and wind. Solar reflective paint have been used on all cottages’ roofs, ensuring cooler spaces during tropical summer months, ensuring energy savings, when ceiling fans are used less often as a result. Since the introduction of 12V fluorescent and LED lighting there has been a substantial reduction in power consumption. However our aim is for the island to run solely off LED lighting. We found that LED lighting has a 240% energy saving compared to fluorescent lights.
The solar powered swimming pool pump runs for an hour a day regulated by a timer to save energy.
Solar hot water have been installed in one of the cottages so far, and are part of the goals for all the other cottages too.
Water: The water supply at Pumpkin Island is pure rain water, filtered and drinkable. No chlorine is used. The installation of low flow taps and aerated tap filters in all guest and staff accommodation has reduced the daily water consumption.
Waste Management: Pumpkin Island has its own septic tank system for each cottage which is fed by natural enzymes.
Guests are encouraged to take their rubbish with them on departure from the island, with recyclable and general waste bins provided upon arrival at the marina on the mainland. Staff recycles and minimise general waste as much as possible.
Chemical Use: Only environmentally friendly, phosphate free, cleaning products are used.
Local Community: Pumpkin Island strives to contribute to the local community in a loving and giving manner, by purchasing and supporting local businesses, tradesmen and services as much as possible ensuring that eco tourism benefits the whole community.
“Carbon Neutral”: Pumpkin Island uses a carbon calculator to determine the total amount of carbon dioxide released yearly into the atmosphere due to activities on the island, in order to calculate the amount of trees that should be planted to be “Carbon Neutral” The staff plants double for good measure.
Land Management and Conservation: Pumpkin Island understands the necessity of maintaining and upgrading current conservation standards. When landscaping is undertaken around the island, only naturally occurring native plant species are used. This serves to provide food for birds and other wildlife; attract butterflies; re-establish rare and/or endangered species; and illustrate the benefits of natural vegetation to guests Any development initiated by the island involves minimal clearing of native vegetation. Trails are kept to a minimum around the island.
Continued monitoring of all island property to ensure any problem areas are identified early and rectified using the most suitable methods. Replacement of any non-native plants are part of the ongoing landscape maintenance. Implementation of weed identification and control systems Monitoring of island to identify any new erosion problems and take appropriate action to rectify these problems. A hydroponics vegetable, fruit & herb garden has been established on the island to supplement food supply.
Environmental Education: Guests are provided with informative materials on arrival to their rooms and a quick explanation of island’s energy, water and delicate surrounding reefs by staff. The education process continues throughout their stay on the island through various signs. Pumpkin Island strives to inform guests, staff, suppliers and contractors about all the various measures undertaken to reduce impacts, minimise energy and resource use, and reduce wastes in the day-to-day operation of the island.
Contact Details
Host: Wayne and Laureth
Address: Pumpkin Island, Keppel Bay
environmentally friendly accommodation, ecotourism, green travel
