Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island: A tropical paradise just 45 mins ferry ride from Cairns, fun for all ages. Swim, hike, wine & dine, snorkel, visit Turtle Rehab, glass-bottom boat tours, all budget-friendly. Fitzroy Island Half day tours 3.5 hours, full day tours 5 hours. Cairns most fun island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Get To Know Fitzroy Island

About Fitzroy Island

Welcome to Fitzroy Island, a pristine tropical paradise located just 29 kilometres southeast of Cairns, Australia or a 45 minute scenic boat ride. If you're planning a visit to this unspoiled gem of the Great Barrier Reef, you're in for an unforgettable adventure. In this guide, we'll highlight the top things to do on Fitzroy Island, ensuring you make the most of your visit while enjoying all the natural wonders it has to offer.

How to get to Fitzroy Island?

  • Getting to Fitzroy Island is a breeze. You can choose from several ferry services departing from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, with a swift 45-minute ride to the island. There are currently half day tours and full day tour transfer options to make your journey as convenient as possible.
  • Fitzroy Island invites you to embark on an adventure like no other, where nature's wonders, pristine landscapes, and unforgettable experiences await. Explore the island's hidden treasures and discover why it's a must-visit destination on the Great Barrier Reef. Book your trip to Fitzroy Island today and create memories that will last a lifetime. As a convenience the Fitzroy Island departers provide for half  day tours and full day tours.

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Things to do on Fitzroy Island?

  • There are numerous ways to explore and enjoy Fitzroy Island including a range of bushwalking tracks that meander throughout this tropical island paradise including the insta famous Nudey Beach!  The walking tracks twist and turn through the dense tropical forest or follow the sun-drenched shores of Fitzroy’s coastline. Snorkelling from Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach offer easy access for swimming above the coral and viewing the tropical fish and turtles.  If you choose to go for the day trip to Fitzroy Island, ensure to book the optional guided snorkel tour and/or glass bottom boat tour so you don't miss out.  

Explore Nature's Bounty

  • Fitzroy Island beckons you to reconnect with nature amid its lush rainforests, white sandy beaches, and fringing coral reefs. Families and nature enthusiasts alike will find endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the island's untouched landscapes. Children of all ages can learn snorkelling right off the beach, making it the perfect reef trip for the whole family. Spend your days snorkelling around the fringing coral reefs, taking leisurely strolls along the National Park rainforest walking tracks, or embark on an adventurous hike to discover breathtaking views of the island and its surrounding reefs.

Fitzroy Island's Unique History

  • Fitzroy Island has a vast and rich colonial and indigenous history, the remanents of which can still be appreciated and enjoyed by holiday makers. A lighthouse was built on Fitzroy Island in 1943 after several ships were wrecked off the coast, the ruins of which are nestled in the tropical rainforest. This lighthouse was replaced in 1973, and was fully operational until 1992. The lighthouse and lighthouse keepers’ cottages are available for guests to explore, a rich look in the colonial history of Tropical North Queensland Australia.For thousands of years, Fitzroy Island served as a vital resource for the Aboriginal Gunganji people, who used its rich natural bounty for fishing and hunting. Captain James Cook named the island in 1770, marking its place in history. Over the years, Fitzroy Island has played various roles, from a quarantine station during the Gold Rush to a penal colony for Yarrabah Mission. It has also served as a pearling base and, during World War II, an artillery gun base.

Fitzroy Island Walking Trails

  • Immerse yourself in the island's diverse ecosystems by exploring its walking trails. Fitzroy Island National Park offers five distinct trails, catering to varying fitness levels and interests:
  • Secret Garden Track (1km return, 45 minutes): Wander through tropical rainforest, passing massive granite boulders, and enjoy informative signs and a viewing platform overlooking the creek valley.
  • Nudey Beach Track (1.2 km return, 45 minutes): This easy walk-through rainforest and coastal woodlands leads to the stunning Nudey Beach, the perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling.
  • Boulder Lookout (300m return, 30 minutes): Embark on a short but steep climb through the rainforest to the Boulder Lookout, offering panoramic views of Cape Grafton and Cairns.
  • Lighthouse Road (3.6km return, 2 hours): Follow the steep concrete road from Welcome Bay to the lighthouse, where you'll discover a fascinating display of maritime history and breathtaking 360-degree views.
  • Summit Track (2.6km return to resort, 3 hours): Recommended for fit walkers, this trail ascends steeply through open woodland to the island's summit (269m), offering unparalleled views of Fitzroy Island, the Coral Sea, and the surrounding mountains.
  • Read our blog on Hiking Trails on Fitzroy Island - Things To Know​

Fitzroy Island Snorkelling and Water Activities

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Welcome to Fitzroy Island, a pristine tropical paradise located just 29 kilometres southeast of Cairns, Australia or a 45 minute scenic boat ride. If you're planning a visit to this unspoiled gem of the Great Barrier Reef, you're in for an unforgettable adventure. In this guide, we'll highlight the top things to do on Fitzroy Island, ensuring you make the most of your visit while enjoying all the natural wonders it has to offer.

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