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Queensland · Shore/Rock Platform

Keswick Island – Connie Bay & Basil Bay

Easy beginners' coral garden beside the Keswick Island ferry landing, with quiet independent shore diving.

MackayShore or Boat
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Depth
1–10 m
Certification
Open Water
Access
Shore or Boat
Dive type
Shore/Rock Platform
Region
Mackay

Depth describes the recorded site range, not a recommended dive depth. Certification is a recorded recommendation; suitability depends on your planned route, training, experience and current conditions.

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Location & map

Approximate area

Area reference only. The exact dive location has not been confirmed. This map is for orientation, not marine navigation or an entry-point recommendation.

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Meet the site

Keswick Island is a largely national-park island in the South Cumberland group with a small residential settlement and a ferry link to Mackay. The Marine Life Network describes Connie Bay, near the ferry terminal, as having 'a good coral garden which is popular as a beginners dive', with various coral patches on a silty bottom and visibility often around 10 m. These are easy, shallow dives suited to newer divers and snorkellers: coral patches of hard and soft corals, reef fish, and chances of turtles and rays, with whales passing in winter. The silty bottom means good buoyancy control matters to keep visibility, and visibility itself depends on the tide – Mackay's large tidal range makes neap tides and slack water the best times. Nearby Wigton Island is also noted for coral gardens, and the Egremont Passage between Keswick and St Bees can offer drift snorkels for experienced swimmers, though currents there are strong. Keswick's appeal is its quiet: there is no dive shop, and divers need to bring their own gear and fills from Mackay, but the island offers independent shore diving from holiday accommodation. Ferry timetables determine how long visitors have on the island, so day-trippers should plan dives around the ferry and the tide together.

Some details in this record need confirmation. Check the source information and speak with a local operator.

What you might see

Hard and soft coral patches, reef fish, turtles, rays, nudibranchs; humpback whales passing in winter

Location

Fringing coral gardens in the bays of Keswick Island, including Connie Bay near the ferry landing, a popular beginners' dive.

Facilities nearby

Mackay Marina and Mackay Harbour boat ramps (fuel, parking, cafes); Keswick Island has holiday houses and limited services; St Bees has a small private homestead area only. Air fills in Mackay.

Before you make plans

Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.

Sources & further reading

marinelife.org.au

Record updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.