At the northern end of Keppel Bay, 10 km or so offshore – reached by ferry from Rosslyn Bay. In all there are 18 islands in the group, some of which are national parks. By far the biggest and most popular is Great Keppel Island, and it is the only one where you’ll find provisions. You can camp on some of the others, but you’ll need a permit (see http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au).

Great Keppel Island covers 14 square km and has a dozen fine beaches, which occupy more than 20 km of the island’s twisting coastline. Once upon a time a local bright spark who hoped to entice visitors here coined the slogan: ‘Get wrecked on Keppel Island.’ The idea quickly caught on – and plenty of people did just that. Fortunately, nowadays the island’s popularity has spread well beyond those for whom enjoyment equals alcohol. Today if you want to get bombed here, it’ll cost you a bomb: the beer isn’t cheap. Even so, Great Keppel Island is one of the least expensive of the Queensland offshore holiday spots, and remains one of the best.