Kemp Beach & Bluff Point
A coastal locality within the LGA of Livingstone Shire Council, Kemp Beach is located just south of Rosslyn Bay Marina on the Scenic Highway that links Yeppoon and Emu Park.
Kemp is a popular spot for swimming, especially for people seeking deeper water and larger waves than the neighbouring flat beaches at Lammermoor and Mulambin. Fishing is also favourable on the northern end of the beach.
Kemp Beach is nestled between two large post-volcanic trachyte headlands; Double Head to the north, and Bluff Point (also called Kemp Hill) to the south, both of which are part of the Capricorn Coast National Park.
Out in the bay, just a kilometre offshore, is a third trachyte hill, Bluff Rock (or Bluff Rock Reef).
The three dominating features, combined with the substantial if eroded dune between the beach and the road give the impression of solitude, and it’s a very easy task to relax.
Kemp’s distance from the nearest town lights also makes it a great place for stargazing with friends at night.
Suggested related reading: History of the Capricorn Coast
Access
Kemp Beach has five walking access points, plus plenty of parking, either in the car parking bays that line the highway or at the picnic area at the base of Bluff Point. Vehicles are not allowed on the beach.
There are no camping facilities. While it’s fine to go there at night, the car parks are routinely policed in the evenings and illegal campers moved on.
At the south end of the beach is a picnic area and a very good walking trail over the top of Bluff Point. From the lookout, green turtles and dolphins are a common sight, and if you’re lucky, the occasional dugong in the waters at the base of the cliff.
The view of the surrounding coastline is well worth the climb. The bushwalk takes about thirty minutes. Note that while dogs are allowed on leash at the beach, they are not allowed in the picnic areas or walking trails of the National Park.
Just offshore is Bluff Rock which is a 10 minute paddle by kayak or canoe. Wear a life jacket as the current can run crazy on the incoming tide.
All the above info is provided as a guide, not the final word. Things change from time to time and it’s always best to get current local knowledge.
Photo Gallery: Kemp Beach ~ Bluff Point ~ Bluff Rock
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Andrew loves history. And geography. And coding. And dogs. That’s pretty much it. And cycling. OK, now that’s pretty much it. Oops, forgot the grandkids. They’re pretty cool too.