We only had an hour before sunset when we arrived back in Yeppoon after visiting Great Keppel Island. We decided to spend it on Bluff Point walking track on Kemp Hill as a few locals recommended it. And I’m glad we made the effort to check it out after a long day. It’s one of the best things to do in Yeppoon and an easy walk on a well-maintained track suitable for anyone who doesn’t have any issues with a few stairs. It goes a bit uphill, but you can stop regularly to admire the views; there are even a few benches to relax!
Summary
Distance: 2.4 km
Time: 30-50 minutes
Difficulty: easy
If you’re looking for things to do in Yeppoon or a nice stop to stretch your legs while driving on Australia’s East Coast, make sure this lovely short walk is on your list.
Bluff Point walking track is easy to access
Some reviews indicated the walk was hard to find. It may have been the case a few years ago. We had no issue at all getting there and actually chose it because it was very easy to access.
It’s easy to squeeze it into your itinerary, before or after boarding the boat to visit the Keppel Islands. Even if the boat arrives late to take you back to the mainland, Bluff Point walking track is only a two-minute drive away from the Yeppoon marina (Keppel Bay Marina in Rosslyn Bay). The car park at the start of the walk was almost empty at the end of the day, so we could be on the track quickly.
We found the track really easy. If you prefer a gentle climb, you should head first to the Summit Lookout and come back near the beach via Turtle Lookout and Ritamata Lookout. As we were going at the end of the day, we preferred to go as quickly as possible to Turtle Lookout and finish for sunset at the Summit Lookout.
The lovely views are not the only things to see on Bluff Point walking track
The Bluff Point walking track is short but nonetheless spectacular. We completed the 2.4km loop in 50 minutes with a couple of long breaks. You will get stunning views of the coast with Double Head – the volcanic plug near Rosslyn Bay Marina- and the Keppel Islands. So you will want to stop during this walk. Plus, if you’re a little bit patient, you even get to see turtles from one of the lookouts. It didn’t take long for us to spot a couple. Look for dark spots in the water; they’ll pop their heads out from time to time to get air. You’ll see them better if you bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom.
Kemp Hill Summit Lookout at sunset
We started the track near the beach and timed our walk to reach the Summit Lookout and face inland right on time for sunset. Even if we didn’t face west, it was still beautiful to see the colours changing on the plains.
The view would look quite different with the sun up in the sky creating different shades of blue in the water created by the rock reefs. I’d be happy to do it again at another time! If you go up there during the day, keep in mind there’s not much shade at the top of the hill so you’ll want to wear a hat and sun protection.
Facilities at the start of Bluff Point walking track
Bluff Point walking track starts from the Kemp Beach picnic area. You’ll find there a few picnic tables, but also toilets and taps to fill in your water bottles. It really makes it easy to add it to your itinerary!
Where to stay in Yeppoon
We started driving back to Brisbane after the Bluff Point walk and slept at a rest area near the motorway. We spent all our nights on Great Keppel Island when we visited the Yeppoon region. However, we did consider staying for one night in Yeppoon when planning our trip. Make sure you book accommodation in advance if you travel during the peak season: some places were fully booked early.
We found some fantastic options with sea views and a spa bath to finish our holidays with a night at a stunning accommodation (check out the top floor premium apartment at Oshen Holiday Apartments*). We also considered staying at Rosslyn Bay Resort*, which is ideally located next to the marina (and close to the Bluff Point walking track too).
Where is Bluff Point walking track in Yeppoon?
The Bluff Point walking track is located south of Yeppoon, in Capricorn Coast National Park. It goes around the headland from Kemp Beach. It’s about 530 km north of Brisbane (an 8-hour drive minimum).
