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.

Book Fitzroy Island Transfers:

• View here all the Fitzroy Island ferry boat transfer options.

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

• Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Fitzroy Island and explore the vibrant underwater world of the fringing reef. Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. Keep an eye out for colourful marine life, including Nemo the clownfish and graceful green sea turtles.

Boating and Anchorage Facilities

• If you're arriving by private boat, Fitzroy Island offers safe anchorage facilities with eight A-class public moorings. To protect the marine park, please anchor on sand and avoid shallow beach access to prevent coral damage. Remember to dispose of garbage responsibly. For more information on travelling to Fitzroy Island by private boat, visit the Fitzroy Island Government Parks Website.

Fishing Regulations

• Fishing around Fitzroy Island National Park is strictly regulated to protect the World Heritage Site. Be sure to familiarize yourself with zoning and boundary conditions and check bag and size limits by visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website.

Wildlife Encounters

• There is an abundance of exotic wildlife that call Fitzroy Island home, including vibrant forest birds and seabirds, butterflies, tree snakes, lizards and small marsupials. The surrounding ocean is home to a diverse array of marine life including hard and soft corals, vivid reef fish, sea turtles, dugongs and migrating humpback whales. Explore the fringing reef just meters from the beach to encounter colourful corals and marine creatures. On the island keep your eyes peeled for emerald doves, sulphur-crested cockatoos, ospreys, and more birdlife. You might even spot the elusive, yellow-spotted monitor or the striking blue Ulysses butterfly.

Turtle Rehabilitation Centre 

•  A volunteer non-profit organisation called the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre was founded with the goal of treating ill and wounded sea turtles. Tours may only be reserved on-site and run Tuesday through Sunday at 1pm (for around 30 minutes). Currently the Turtle Talks are for guests staying at Fitzroy Island Resort.

Fitzroy Island Resort

• Gorgeous tropical beaches and vibrant rainforest are what make Fitzroy Island so alluring, and Fitzroy Island Resort is the ideal base to explore this exotic island paradise.  Spend a few nights and experience the tranquility of the island at night, with spectacular sunsets over the ocean.  Fitzroy Island Resort offers a range of resort facilities including Zephyr Restaurant, swimming pool with swim up pool bar plus weekly activity schedules for resort guests. Fitzroy Island is also popular for private boat charters  where you can find a secure mooring in the sheltered waters of the island. Perfect for family holidays, romantic couples’ getaways or incentive and conference groups, Fitzroy Island Resort is pure holiday magic atop the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef Australia.

Read our blog on which island is better Green Island or Fitzroy Island?

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