Keswick Island opens for business with new website launch

A new caretaker is working with residents and tourism bodies to boost visitor numbers after a key change in philosophy. How you can explore the tropical paradise.

A change in philosophy has triggered eased access to controversial Keswick Island with regular visitors set to return after more than a year of issues.

Keswick Island is shedding its locked-down image after discussions with Mackay Isaac Tourism about a number of concerns residents had in the past.

New island caretaker Scott Wilkinson said several steps had been taken to address different aspects to help improve relations.

“I think it’s a passage of 20 years for head leaseholders (that caused the concerns), but it’s about the future now and what happens now moving forward,” he said.

“The situation (surrounding the boat ramp) has been resolved and the barge ramp is open to the public as well.

“We’ve got a good rapport with the residents, we had a sit down and a listen and had steps in place to move forward.”

Keswick Island caretaker Scott Wilkinson ahead of new access to the island for Mackay tourists, September 28, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tas Webber said more open lines of communication made the additional access easier.

“A better working relationship between the caretaker and the owners of the island (has led to increased access),” he said.

“Scott (new island caretaker) has a lot of island experience where he’s been on Daydream Island and other islands up and down the coast, and he’s been able to bring that expertise to the island.

“The island itself is stunning, it’s a real jewel in the crown and we know for a fact we’ll be able to get greater visitation through it.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tas Webber ahead of new access to the island for Mackay tourists, September 28, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Mackay Isaac Tourism and Keswick Island will today launch the site in a major move toward building overnight and day trippers to the destination at the southern end of the Whitsunday islands.

The Chinese-owned island was the centre of controversy and subject to a flotilla protest earlier this year as boaties rallied against access issues and what they and residents claimed was longstanding mismanagement.

Residents had concerns about a poorly constructed makeshift boat ramp installed on the island, as well a past approach to turtle habitats on the island.

Mr Webber said the island management was correctly caring for the turtle habitats in Basil Bay.

“Knowing they already have in their lease how they manage turtle habitats is definitely being utilised in the correct way,” he said.

“I know for a fact, with Scotty on board, we’re seeing that happen.”

Boats on Keswick Island for the Australia Day protest.

Mackay Isaac Tourism and Keswick Island today launched a new website that includes details on transfer schedules aboard the Keswick Explorer, and accommodation options with booking links.

The Beach House has reopened for rentals with accommodation available for up to six guests across three bedrooms overlooking the pristine Basil Bay beach.

Councillor Justin Englert said the island’s limited access during Covid had not impacted domestic tourism, but the ability to travel to Keswick Island would be great for the region’s future economy.

“The Mackay region used to be the gateway to everything,” he said.

“Perhaps we lost sight of the potential for tourism in this region.

“There’s an untapped potential here, tourism is a genuine participant in the region’s economy and we’re only really just getting back up to where we were before, and the sky’s the limit after that.”

Mr Wilkinson said the website made the tropical paradise accessible for tourists.

“We’re delighted to have the website up and running and consider it a really positive step toward more accessible tourism to the island,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Basil Bay Beach at Keswick Island. Picture: Mackay Tourism

“It’s a great way for people to see current scheduling for the Keswick Explorer as well as alternative transportation options.

“Ultimately it has opened a more streamlined, accessible booking platform.”

Island visitors can also access free use of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and a golf cart during each stay.

Mr Webber said the website was a positive step toward increasing access to the island and showcasing its beauty to visitors nationwide.

“Keswick Island’s new website will offer visitors easier access to booking a stay on the island and discover the amazing natural beauty that it has to offer,” he said.

Keswick Island. Picture: Mackay Tourism

“We will continue to work with the team at Keswick Island to increase tourism with a considered approach and to build new experiences for future visitors.”

Keswick Island is an hour off the coast of Mackay in the Great Barrier Reef marine park and has national parks, tropical rainforests and white sand beaches.

More than 80 per cent of its surface is protected bushland.

Access to the island is aboard either the Keswick Explorer, private vessel with berthing facilities, or helicopter charter.

Accommodation and transfer details will be available at keswickisland.com.au from today.

Originally published as Keswick Island opens for business with new website launch