Great Keppel Island · Queensland · Australia
Putney Beach
You step off the ferry onto Putney Beach and understand why this island became Queensland legend. The arc of sand spreads wide and forgiving, framed by casuarina pines whose needles hiss in the sea breeze, while water the temperature of bathwater laps at your ankles.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Putney Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You step off the ferry onto Putney Beach and understand why this island became Queensland legend. The arc of sand spreads wide and forgiving, framed by casuarina pines whose needles hiss in the sea breeze, while water the temperature of bathwater laps at your ankles.
Photos
8 captures from Putney Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Putney Beach
Great Keppel Island, Queensland, Australia
-23.1760°, 150.9362°
Top things to do
At Putney Beach
Wade the Shallows
Warm water, gentle gradient
Southern Rock Gardens
Wrasse and bommies nearshore
Sunset Frame
Casuarinas silhouette at dusk
Launch Point
Paddle to neighbouring coves
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Putney Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Putney Beach.
Is Putney Beach safe for swimming and families?
Putney Beach is generally considered one of the safest swimming spots on Great Keppel Island, particularly suitable for families. The beach features calm, protected waters with gentle slopes, making it ideal for children and less confident swimmers. Stinger season (November to May) can bring marine stingers, so protective clothing is recommended during these months. The beach lacks lifeguard patrols, so always swim cautiously and supervise children closely. The sandy bottom and clear visibility make it easy to spot any potential hazards.
When is the best time to visit Putney Beach?
Putney Beach can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Queensland's subtropical climate. The dry season (May to October) offers sunny days, comfortable temperatures (20-25°C), and lower humidity, making it the most popular period. Summer months (December to February) bring warmer conditions ideal for swimming but also higher humidity and occasional rainfall. Shoulder seasons provide excellent value with fewer crowds. For spectacular sunsets, the beach's western orientation makes late afternoon visits particularly rewarding any time of year.
