BY ELLE BUTLER
After a week so busy it felt like I’d been juggling flaming swords and riding a unicycle on a tightrope, the thought of escaping on an adventure cruise was a secret door to paradise. Best of all? I could spend the day with mum, who, with her mobility walker and dietary requirements, was treated like royalty.
Everything was smooth sailing right from the start. The Freedom Fast Cat was captained by Max Junior with Max Senior watching close at hand still giving instructions, making things happen, and probably raising an eyebrow or two when the young ones think they know better!
Visiting Great Keppel Island is like choosing between two shades of paradise. Winter days here are the stuff of dreams – crystal-clear skies and the water 15 degrees and so still and pristine it’s like the ocean itself is holding its breath. Summer is a whole different story, 28 degrees in the water, sun blazing down, but stunning.
One of the most delightful parts of this adventure is its dog-friendly policy. That’s right – your furry, four-legged family members don’t have to miss out! They’re welcome aboard the vessel and on Great Keppel Island.
When we arrived at the island, we enjoyed coffee and morning tea while we cruised around, learning a lot of history thanks to the crew including why Captain Cook named it Keppel Islands (you’ll have to take the trip to find out why yourself!).
Then it was time to get in the pristine water for a snorkeling expedition. The reef is a spectacular aquarium. Using pool noodles for extra buoyancy, we floated like lazy dolphins for nearly an hour and then it was lunchtime.
An Aussie barbecue feast awaited us – steak, sausages, onions, fresh salads and tropical fruit – every bit as divine as the scenery. While we ate, Mum and I chatted with Paria and Hossein, a lovely couple from the U.S., originally from Iran, and experienced Great Keppel Island through their fresh, enchanted eyes.
“The beaches here are just incredible,” Paria said, her voice full of wonder. “The sand is so white, and the water is like something out of a postcard.” Hossein nodded enthusiastically, his grin practically beaming. “Snorkelling? Wow, it was our first time, and we definitely have to do that more.”
The adventure didn’t end there. We sat in the boom netting out the back of the boat feeling like human barnacles bouncing around in the waves! Mum adored the glass-bottomed boat, peering into central sections of windows set in the bottom of the vessel viewing the reef below.
We motored towards Monkey Beach and Monkey Reef and passed by the Underwater Observatory which is like the legend of Atlantis. Built back in the day when visitors could descend the pylons to find themselves smack dab in the middle of a giant fishbowl gazing out at the reef. I remember visiting as a kid, but Cyclone Marcia put an end to those golden days.
If you want to burn a bit more energy, the hiking trails around Great Keppel Island are pure gold. Winding their way through lush greenery and up to scenic lookouts with names like the Long Drop, these trails reward every bit of effort with jaw-dropping vistas.
After a big day of adventures we settled in for a quiet, contented cruise back to the marina. Mum and I agreed our day was absolutely perfect. Judging by the sleepy, satisfied smiles on everyone’s faces, we weren’t the only ones! There’s something special about seeing the world through the eyes of the passionate locals like Max and his crew.
