Keswick Island facts for kids
Basil Bay
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Coral Sea |
| Archipelago | Cumberland Islands |
| Total islands | 70 |
| Area | 5.3 km2 (2.0 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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| State | Queensland |
| Local government area | Whitsunday Regional Council |
| Capital city | Basil Bay |
| Largest settlement | Basil Bay (pop. 80) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 96 (2014) |
| Pop. density | 18.11 /km2 (46.9 /sq mi) |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | http://www.keswickisland.com.au/ |
Keswick Island is a beautiful island located in the southern part of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia. It's about 34 kilometres (21 miles) north-east of the city of Mackay. Keswick Island is part of the Cumberland Islands group. These islands are protected within the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
A small number of people live on Keswick Island. It's a popular place for tourists, and there are plans for more development. Visitors can stay in different types of holiday homes. The island has its own airstrip, making it easy to get there by plane from Mackay Airport. You can also reach it by private boat.
In 2020, there were some disagreements about access to the island. There were also concerns about building work near the shoreline during the time when turtles lay their eggs.
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Where Did the Name Keswick Island Come From?
Captain James Cook first saw the Cumberland Isles Group in 1770. Later, in 1802, Lieutenant Matthew Flinders named Keswick Island and nearby St Bees Island together as 'L1 Island'.
In 1879, Keswick Island got its own name. It was named after the town of Keswick in England. This town is famous for its beautiful Lake District.
What's Around Keswick Island?
Keswick Island is quite large, covering about 530 hectares (1,300 acres). Most of the island is a national park, which means it's a protected natural area. It's part of the lovely Cumberland Group of islands. This group includes St Bees Island, Aspatria Island, Scawfell Island, Calder Island, Wigton Island, and Cockermouth Island.
Keswick Island is very close to St Bees Island, separated by a narrow channel called Egremont Passage. St Bees Island has eucalypt forests where a healthy group of koalas live. Scientists from Queensland universities are studying these koalas to understand how they live in their environment.
The island is located about 360 kilometres (224 miles) north of the Tropic of Capricorn. This means it has a warm climate. In winter, temperatures are usually between 17°C and 24°C (63°F to 75°F). The ocean water stays around 20°C (68°F). In summer, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and the water is a steady 26°C (79°F).
Island Development and Future Plans
The area set aside for development on Keswick Island is about 117 hectares (289 acres). This land stretches along more than 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) of oceanfront. There are plans to build resorts and homes for tourists and residents.
The island already has some important facilities. These include an airstrip, paved roads, and communication services. Because Keswick Island is in a World Heritage Site and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, all building work must follow strict environmental rules. This helps make sure that any new development is eco-friendly and doesn't harm the natural beauty.
Building on the Whitsunday Islands is limited to protect the environment. Keswick Island is still mostly undeveloped. There are already more than 100 land lots that have been leased for 99 years, until 2096. This means the number of residents and tourists is expected to grow as the island develops.
Fun Activities on Keswick Island
Visitors to Keswick Island can enjoy many exciting activities. You can go swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the clear waters. It's also a great place for fishing and beachcombing. If you like exploring, there are narrow walking tracks in the National Park. These paths wind through tropical rainforests and lead to beautiful beaches.
The island is surrounded by colourful coral reefs and lots of marine life. This makes it perfect for diving or snorkeling, especially when the tide is not too high or too low. You can also visit three shipwreck sites nearby. These include the historic wrecks of The Singapore and The Llewellyn, which are just a few minutes away by boat.
If you visit between July and September, you might even see whales! They often swim around the island during their yearly migration through the Whitsundays.
Getting To and Around the Island
The closest main transport hub is the city of Mackay. Keswick Island has its own paved airstrip. You can take a short 10-minute flight from Mackay Airport to the island.
You can also get to Keswick Island from Mackay Harbour by a chartered or private boat. There are places to moor your boat when you arrive. Once you're on the island, transport is limited to electric and petrol golf buggies.
Accommodation Options
If you want to stay on Keswick Island, you can rent self-catered holiday homes. These are available for short visits.
Future Plans for the Island
Most of Keswick Island is a National Park. However, a large part of the island (117 hectares) is leased for development. In January 2008, this main lease was sold to a group of property developers.
The new owners have plans to develop the island's potential for homes and eco-tourism. This means they want to build villas, apartments, cafes, and shops. They also plan to improve the jetty and boat ramps to make it easier to access the island. All these plans aim to be sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Images for kids
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Residential Precinct
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Connie Bay
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Basil Bay
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Basil Bay
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Residential Precinct
