Rent this entire tropical island in Queensland for less than $2,500
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By Danielle Reckless
The true beauty of Queensland goes beyond the abundance of postcard-worthy beaches, islands and reef. It’s that these landscapes and experiences open welcome arms to all.
There are few places in the world where it’s affordable to rent a tropical island all to yourself, but here in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, Pumpkin Island is stealing the hearts of travellers who come to celebrate weddings, birthdays, family reunions and more – and scooping up countless awards for its sustainability achievements along the way.
Home to seven relaxed cottages and bungalows that can be rented individually or all together, Pumpkin Island is paradise found for up to 34 guests at a time. This is an escape to bring the whole family – or a big group of your best mates – because something this good is designed to be shared.
Where is Pumpkin Island?
Photo by @pumpkinisland
Nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Yeppoon, Pumpkin Island remains one of Queensland’s best kept secrets, yet dazzles all who visit.
There are two ways to get to Pumpkin Island. Make your way to Keppel Bay Marina in Yeppoon (you can fly into nearby Rockhampton) and take the island’s own ferry service. It’s a scenic 30-40 minute cruise from the mainland.
Want an extravagant entry? Organise a helicopter transfer instead.
Why is Pumpkin Island so special?
Sitting on six pristine hectares in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, Pumpkin Island and is regarded as the first carbon positive inhabited island in Australia.
Its eco-friendliness knows no bounds: powered by wind and sun, its caretakers are constantly striving for new ways to reduce their footprint (they offset 150% of their emissions during the 2017 calendar year); have been recognised as Australia’s most sustainable hotel (2018); are eco-certified; and are a climate action leader.
Pumpkin Island’s core purpose is “to promote an enriching and enlightening experience of living, working and playing harmoniously with nature” which the island more than lives up to. This is an escape that feels good in every way possible – and the surrounding marine life love it too, so you can be sure to have incredible wildlife encounters during your stay.
What can I do here?
This is island life at its best: swing back in a hammock and watch the world go by, or jam-pack as much into each day as possible. The choice is yours, and the choices are endless. Strap on a snorkel and fins to explore the fringing reef accessible straight from the beach, or coordinate a day trip to explore dive sites further offshore. Kayak around the island, go fishing, forage for oysters, wander to watch the wildlife, or spot dolphins, turtles and whales from the sunset bar.
Wherever you decide to kick back, snagging a prime spot is not an issue when you have the entire island to yourself. Here’s what three days on Pumpkin Island might look like.
Feeling peckish? Pumpkin Island is self-catering, so you can BYO all your food to prepare, hire a private chef to cater all your meals or pre-order gourmet meals online from the award-winning Waterline Restaurant at Keppel Bay Marina to collect on the day of your departure. Naturally, the local fare is on show in their packages. From seafood platters to fruit plates and mouth-watering meats to throw on the family-sized BBQ, you won’t go hungry on this trip.
How much will it cost to rent Pumpkin Island?
No millionaire-level income is required to rent Pumpkin Island. While there are some ultra-luxe Queensland islands to rent that will put a big dent in your bank account, gather a group and experience Pumpkin Island all to yourselves for less than what you’d pay for a five star hotel suite.
As of April 2022, renting the island starts from around $2,300 per night accommodating 10 guests. That's $130pp per night, for your own island. Reach island capacity of 34 guests and it’ll be even more economical - not bad for the opportunity to experience total and uninterrupted solitude in one of the most spectacular spots on earth.
