Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay on the Capricorn Coast in Queensland is located just 10nm from the cruising grounds of the Keppel Islands. In fact there’s scores of islands within easy reach of Keppel Bay Marina. To the southeast lay Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef Islands of Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot. To the north lay the Percy Isles, and beyond them the much heralded Whitsunday Islands.

Positioned on the Tropic of Capricorn, the region boasts a balmy climate that hovers somewhere between the warmth of the tropics and the southern temperate zone. Moderate to fresh southeasterly winds tend to blow consistently between March and October, making this the best time for yachtsmen to visit.

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Reasons to Linger

Proclaiming itself to be the friendliest marina on the coast, checking into the Keppel Bay Marina is a little like checking into a boutique hotel. As the tantalising aromas from the Waterline Restaurant waft across the deck, marina guests are handed a welcome pack full of essential local information. The marina expanded in 2008 and now has 400 berths, many of them dedicated to visiting vessels. Future expansion plans include further waterfront villas and resort development.

In keeping with their welcoming approach to visiting yachtsmen, Keppel Bay Marina offers a complimentary courtesy car for marina guests. It’s a remarkably generous service with the marina even picking up the tab for fuel, though contributions are most welcome to keep this service operating. It allows boat owners to do provisioning or other essential shopping with ease. And for those who prefer to allow others do the driving, there is also a good bus service that stops at the marina, with buses running regularly between Rockhampton Airport and Yeppoon.

Onsite there’s a laundry, chandlery and boat broker as well the multi award winning Waterline Restaurant. Don’t miss Sunday afternoons with live music amidst the lush gardens on the lawn. The Capricorn Cruising Yacht Club is nearby, plus there’s a fishmonger selling direct to the public.

Locate Keppel Bay Marina on Queensland marinas map

Local Essentials

Shopping in Yeppoon has been greatly improved with the opening of Central Shopping Plaza in 2008. There’s a major supermarket, speciality shops and the regions first McDonalds. Nearby is the light industrial area with hardware and other similar services.

Growers markets are held each Saturday at the Showgrounds (get an early start on the 0545 bus), plus there’s a fortnightly outdoor market at nearby Emu Park.

Maintenance & Repairs

The Boatyard has a 40 tonne travel lift with hardstand area and floating dock. Most trades are either on site or nearby. Though the yard appears somewhat neglected with a dirt hardstand area, don’t be fooled into thinking rates will reflect the simple nature of the yard. ‘Big city pricing’ has made its way here with rates that would make Sydney based Engineers blush.

Events

Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race is held each August with arrival festivities managed by Keppel Bay Marina.

Fact File

Waterline Way, Rosslyn Bay, Yeppoon QLD 4703
Ph 1800 336 244
www.kepelbaymarina.com.au
Lat 23° 09:60S  Long 150° 47:30E

Wet Berths – 400
Dry Berths – 15
Max Berth Length – 35m
Fuel – Yes
LPG – Yes
Bar – Waterline Restaurant (with a terrific lawn area amidst lush gardens with live music Sunday afternoons overlooking the docks)
Restaurant – Waterline Restaurant
Haul out – Yes 40t travelift
Monitor VHF – Yes, Ch 21
Chandlery – Yes
Coastguard – VMR Yeppoon Ph 07 4933 6600
Wifi Internet -    Yes (Marinanet)

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