Farewell to Great Keppel Island & Departure to Noosa

2.5 days on Great Keppel Island – a little paradise

The last 2.5 days on Great Keppel Island were more intense and fulfilling than I could have imagined.

Beach vibes at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and my wife and I have really seen many beaches.

But Great Keppel Island has something that is hard to describe:

a mix of tranquility, vastness, colors, and a feeling of "everything is just right here".

My conclusion about diving – honest and clear

I will not become a diver.

Not because I didn't enjoy it – on the contrary.

But the respect is too great.

I can't let go while diving like it would be necessary.

And that’s why it remains something special, not something regular.

But:

Like in tennis, a professional creates experiences that you wouldn't have on your own.

Thank you, Peter (tennis)

Thank you, Pierre from Keppel Dive (diving)

You both gifted me experiences that will stay with me.

The two dive spots – a glimpse beneath the surface

I have attached the entire island as well as the two dive sites I visited:

1. Monkey Beach – Dive 1

The first spot was Monkey Beach.

Here, I saw Nemo for the first time in my life – not just once, but countless times.

A world full of small, colorful fish suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

An entry into the underwater world that was both calming and overwhelming.

2. Coral Reef (Spot 2) – Dive 2

The second dive took us to a coral area, the name of which I can’t recall – oh wait: Red Beach – I was able to ask Pierre again and say goodbye.

But I know:

it was one of the most breathtaking places I have ever seen.

The colors of the corals – bright, dark, vibrant, delicate –

a silent spectacle that cannot be described without seeing it.

An experience I could only enjoy because Pierre, as a professional, provided safety and trust.

The monitor lizard – a shocking moment I won’t forget

The large animal that suddenly stood next to me was a monitor lizard – about one meter long.

Completely unexpected.

I was so startled that I stopped for a moment as if nailed to the ground.

Australia indeed:

You never expect what’s right in front of you.

Fortunately, monitor lizards here are harmless – but the shock remains.

Young people from all over the world – Working for accommodation & meals

On the island, many young women and men from around the world work.

They receive accommodation + meals and can live and work on the beach for weeks or months.

A strong, financially clever model that gives young people real freedom.

Today: Travel day to Noosa

Destination: Noosa National Park

A natural paradise with rainforest, eucalyptus forest, cliffs, coastal paths, and wildlife.

I want to get to know Australia – and soon New Zealand – properly.

My hiking plans for Noosa

Route 1 – 30 minutes

From Peppers Noosa to the park entrance → short coastal path → sea view → little nature pause → back.

Route 2 – 60 minutes

Directly to the Coastal Track → Tea Tree Bay → surfers, rocks, waves → back.

Route 3 – 2 hours

Early start → beyond Tea Tree Bay → Dolphin Point → Hell’s Gates → turtles, dolphins → return trip.

Organizational matters – typically me

Of course, the thought came again:

“I’ve already paid for this – please check that again.”

Fortunately, everything was clarified in time.

Alastair Ferne from the BNI Australia team reached out, friendly and clear.

A young girl in training took care of the confirmation:

Welcome to the working world.

A transition – and the view ahead

Now the next stage begins.

The first major travel sections are still to come.

So far, everything has been just “warm-up”.

Now the big journey begins; as if until now nothing has happened.

I am excited – and full of anticipation.