FITZROY ISLAND

Fitzroy Island is located twenty-nine kilometres south-east of Cairns, with transfers taking only 45 minutes by high speed ferry. One of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef, the majority of Fitzroy Island is National Island Park - this includes mangroves, open woodland, tropical pristine rainforest and coral beaches with fringing coral reef best experienced by the walking trails around the island.

Some of the activities you can participate in while visiting Fitzroy Island include walking and hiking trails, snorkelling, swimming, sea kayaking, ocean trampoline, viewing the reef by glass bottom boat or simply relaxing to take it all in.

The 3 Night Reef & Island Fun - From $416per person based on 2 adults
View the Reef & Island Fun Package Here

The Reef & Island Fun is our most popular & best value Fitzroy Island package.

This 3 night package offers a magical tropical rainforest island experience combined with a daytrip to the Outer Barrier Reef with Sunlover Cruises. Ideal for families and couples, here you can experience the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef with contemporary resort accommodation, creating a memorable Island experience. 

Package includes:-

  • 3 nights accommodation on Fitzroy Island Resort
  • Return ferry transfers from Cairns 
  • Sunlover Great Barrier Reef cruise including lunch
  • Semi-Submarine tour at Reef

FITZROY ISLAND Holiday Packages & TOURS

ALL ABOUT FITZROY ISLAND

MORE INFO ON FITZROY ISLAND

Resort Accommodation

Nestled between the rainforest and beach, this boutique resort has 99 rooms comprising of affordable studios, One & Two Bedroom Apartments and Beach Cabins. Facilities are exclusive to resort guests and include a restaurant, a large swimming pool and spa, a swim-up pool bar, conference rooms, indoor and outdoor function space, a cinema, games room and kids play room.

Things To Do

Fitzroy Island allows visitors to get back to nature and celebrate untouched landscapes with its rainforests and white beaches. The perfect reef trip for families, kids of all ages can learn to snorkel right off the beach. Spend the day snorkelling the fringing coral reefs, stroll through the National Park rainforest walking tracks, or for the more adventurous hiker, discover breathtaking views of the island and surrounding reefs.

 

Fitzroy Island is a continental island near just 45 minutes from Cairns, Australia. Fitzroy wes connected to the mainland over 10,000 years ago. When the Ice Age ended the rising waters from the melting ice caps flooded the valley between Fitzroy and the other mountain peaks. This left it an isolated island.

The Island is surrounded by fringing reef, which is the home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life. Fringing reef is a type of coral reef located only in the tropics, which is found directly off the shoreline growing in a thin strip. Fitzroy Island and its surrounding reef make up part of the Great Barrier Reef, a protected World Heritage Site, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

One of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef, the majority of Fitzroy Island is a National Island Park. The continental island is 339 hectares in size, with 324 hectares of protected National Park. This includes mangroves, open woodland, tropical pristine rainforest and coral beaches best experienced by the walking trails around the island, birdlife, coral reef and tropical marine life including green sea turtles. Some of the activities you can participate in while visiting Fitzroy Island include walking and hiking trails, snorkelling, swimming, sea kayaking, ocean trampoline, viewing the reef by glass bottom boat and simply relaxing to take it all in.

History of Fitzroy Island

 

For thousands of years, the Aboriginal people on Fitzroy Island, the Gunganji people, have gathered food, using the area as fishing and hunting grounds. Captain James Cook named the Island in 1770. In 1877 Fitzroy Island become a quarantine station for Chinese people heading to the Palmer River goldfields. A Mission was opened on Fitzroy Island in 1905 and was used as a penal colony for Yarrabah Mission.  It was called 'Kobahra'. Fitzroy Island has also been used as a pearling base and in World War II, an Artillery gun base.

Over the last 80 years, Little Fitzroy Island has been the location of several lighthouses. The first in 1923 was a carbide gaslight used during the war. The current lighthouse built in 1970, contains historical information. It was the last staffed purpose-built lighthouse in Australia, and possibly the world. The current lighthouse on Little Fitzroy Island is automated.

Fitzroy Island Walking Trails

Fitzroy Island National Park offers some amazing walking opportunities for visitors. Walking is one of the best ways to explore and experience the different rainforest flora and fauna on the Island.

There are five main walking trails in Fitzroy Island National Park that range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, each at varying fitness levels.

Secret Garden Track - 1km return (45 minutes)
The track takes you for a pleasant walk from the western edge of the jetty through tropical rainforest around huge granite boulders. Interpretive signs and a viewing platform overlooking the creek valley provide informative facts on the surrounding rainforest plants and animals.

Nudey Beach track – 1.2 km return (45 minutes)
A relatively easy walk from the western edge of the jetty through tropical rainforest and coast woodlands leading to the beautiful white coral beach. Nudey Beach is the most popular place for swimming and snorkelling on the Island.

Boulder Lookout - 300m return (30 minutes)
Heading east from the back of the jetty, you will find the boulder lookout trail. This short steep climb through the rainforest with its many steps is also the first section of the summit track. The Boulder lookout offers panoramic views towards Cape Grafton and Cairns. The walk returns along the same track back to the jetty.

Lighthouse Road - 3.6km return (2 hours)
The lighthouse road trail is a very steep concrete road that leads from the north-eastern end of Welcome Bay climbing through rainforest towards the lighthouse. You will come across a lookout during your ascent with offers views of the Northern side of the island on a clear day.

The base of the lighthouse (open when a ranger is on duty), contains an informative display of the maritime history of Fitzroy Island and how the lighthouse was used during the World War II. From the lighthouse you will discover spectacular 360 degree views of Fitzroy Island and the surrounding ocean, which make the difficult walk worth the effort.

Summit Track - 2.6km return to resort (3 hours)
The Summit Track is recommended only for fit walkers as it is very steep. From behind the jetty, the track starts up the boulder lookout trail, and then continues to ascend steeply through open woodland to the summit of the island (269m). Views of the Island, the Coral Sea and the mountain ranges are the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. The trail then winds down amongst the boulders to join the lighthouse road.

Fitzroy Island Snorkelling and Water Activities

Snorkelling and swimming are accessible at Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach. Water activities in other areas of the island are not recommended due to the danger of strong currents. Snorkelling offers the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful colours of the fringing reef and the marine life which include Nemo the clown fish and green sea turtles.

Boating

 

Fitzroy Island has safe anchorage facilities for private boats, providing eight A class public moorings. Monohulls with a maximum length of 10m and multihulls with a maximum length of 9m can use the A class moorings.

 

To protect the marine park, it is important to only anchor on sand and avoid shallow beach access to the island. This prevents coral damage caused by anchors and chains dragging across the reef. Disposal of garbage in the marine park is prohibited. If you plan on travelling to Fitzroy Island by private boat, visit the Fitzroy Island Government Parks Website for more information.

Fishing

Fishing in the waters around Fitzroy Island National Park is strictly regulated and subject to zoning and boundary conditions to protect the World Heritage Site. For detailed maps and information about bag and size limits before fishing, visit the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website.

Wildlife on Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island Nationsl Park is home to a diversity of animal life on the island and in the surrounding waters. Colourful hard and soft corals and a variety of marine animals can be found amongst the fringing reef just metres from the beach.

On the Island, you could come across many of the unique species found in this tropical region. Bird life on the Island includes emerald doves, sulphur-crested cockatoos, orange-footed scrub fowls, ospreys, buff-breasted paradise kingfishers and pied imperial-pigeons.

The brightly coloured blue Ulysses butterfly only found in Far North Queensland and red flying foxes frequent the area. The largest predator on the island is the 1.2m long yellow-spotted monitor which is often seen around the jetty area. If staying overnight you might be lucky to spot the dusky leaf-nosed insect-eating bat feeding near the lights.

Camping at Fitzroy Island

If you wish to stay longer at Fitzroy Island, you can camp overnight at Fitzroy Island Campgrounds from $35/night. The campgrounds include showers, toilets and BBQ facilities, as well as picnic tables. You will need to supply your own drinking water and food. As sites are limited, bookings are essential. For more information and to reserve your stay, visit Fitzroy Camping Grounds.

Fitzroy Island Resort

Fitzroy Island Resort opened it's doors in July 2010 and is nestled on the fringing Great Barrier Reef of Tropical North Queensland just 45 minutes from cairns by ferry. Fitzroy island is literally where the rainforest meets the reef. The resort offers afordable studios, One & Two Bedroom Apartments and Beach Cabins. Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Australia.

Just 45 minutes from Cairns by boat, Fitzroy Island Resort is an accessible, affordable 4.5 star tropical paradise nestled between rainforest and beaches of the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island Resort offers a range of exquisite accommodation (99 rooms) including Ocean Suites, Resort Studios & Beach cabins. The resort facilities include a contemporary restaurant, large pool with a pool bar, lap pool and swim up bar, internet cafe, games room, indoor movie theatre & resort mini supermarket.

Fitzroy Island Resort offers guests the opportunity to intimately discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef Australia. The turquoise ocean waters offer a tantalizing invitation to explore their mysterious depths which are alive with vibrant corals and marine life. The emeralds of the ancient tropical rainforest are remarkable, home to a prolific endemic population of forest birds, butterflies and the startling white sulphur-crested cockatoos.

Resort Studio Rooms overlook the rainforest and each feature one King/Queen bed or two King Singles.

  • Cots Available
  • Television
  • Bar Fridge
  • Alarm Clock
  • Daily Room Service
  • Air conditioned
  • Hairdryer
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • Lift/Elevator Access
  • Rollaway Beds Available
  • Desk
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Non-Smoking
  • Linen and Towels Provided
  • Iron/Ironing board
  • Telephone
  • Queen bed

Beachfront Cabins are just a stones throw from water's edge with large balcony, the two bedroom features one King and two King Singles sleeping a maximum of 4 guests.

  • Cots Available
  • Desk
  • Hairdryer
  • Queen bed
  • Linen and Towels Provided
  • Air conditioned
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • Views
  • Bar Fridge
  • Daily Room Service
  • Alarm Clock
  • Television
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Non-Smoking
  • Telephone

One Bedroom Ocean Suites feature large queen-size master bedrooms, a spacious lounge area, ensuite bathroom with shower, kitchenette, lounge and dining area and private balcony, which are ideally located parallel to the beachfront. Just a cluster of tropical palms shade your view of the magnificent ocean. Sleeps up to 4 guests.

  • Cots Available
  • Disabled Room
  • Microwave
  • Hairdryer
  • Lift/Elevator Access
  • Air conditioned
  • Dishwasher
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • ViewsDaily Room Service
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Telephone
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Linen and Towels Provided
  • Non-Smoking
  • Queen bedIron/Ironing board
  • Bar Fridge
  • Lounge Area
  • Television
  • Clock Radio

Two Bedroom Ocean Suites are a combination of both the Resort Studio and the Ocean Suites to provide for a two bedroom apartment which is great for families or friends wishing to share accommodation, sleeps up to 6 guests. These rooms are joined via a common external doorway, they are adjacent but not interconnecting and not suitable for young unsupervised children

  • Cots Available
  • Microwave
  • Hairdryer
  • Lift/Elevator Access
  • Air conditioned
  • Dishwasher
  • Tea/Coffee Making
  • ViewsDaily Room Service
  • Desk
  • Sofa Bed
  • Telephone
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Linen and Towels Provided
  • Non-Smoking
  • King / 2 single beds
  • 2nd Bathroom
  • Iron/Ironing board
  • Bar Fridge
  • Lounge Area
  • Television
  • Clock Radio

The resort pool features a magnificent swim up bar. Relax in the sunshine with your favourite wine, beer or cocktail, or sample some bubbles in the spa.

There’s so much to do on Fitzroy Island from a stroll through the National Park walking tracks, discovering breathtaking views of the island to snorkelling the fringing coral reefs. Nudey Beach is a 15-20 minute walk through the beautiful national park and is the only sand beach found on Fitzroy Island. It is one of the most photographed and recognisable beaches in Australia.

Resort Features:

  • 24hr Reception
  • Mini Supermarket
  • In House Cinema
  • Internet Cafe
  • Games Room
  • Swimming Pool
  • Lap Pool
  • Outdoor Spa
  • Meeting Facilities
  • Restaurants & Guest Lounge
  • Bars & Swim up pool bar
  • Cafe
  • BBQ areas
  • Internet Access

Getting To Fitzroy Island 
This idyllic tropical island is within easy reach of Cairns in North Queensland, whether you are looking to catch a ride over on one of the ferry services, or take your own boat.


Ferries from Cairns
A 45 minute ferry ride will get you from Cairns to Fitzroy Island,  Return ferry services depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal daily.

Currently there are 4 options for transfers to and from the Island.

 

Take your own Boat
Visiting the Island in your own yacht or boat gives you even more freedom to take things at your own pace, with the 15 nautical mile trip from Cairns offering a safe passage along scenic coastline. At Fitzroy Island you’ll find secure moorings in naturally sheltered waters for private vessels.

Public moorings are located at Latitude 16 deg 93.0S, Longitude 145 deg 98.6E

Getting To Cairns

The tropical North Queensland city of Cairns is accessible from virtually anywhere in Australia by air. The Cairns International Airport services international and domestic airlines as well as general aviation and a number of helicopter operators. With its close proximity to South East Asia, it is little wonder that Cairns has the fifth busiest airport in Australia, with many international visitors choosing to make it their first port-of-call.

Domestic flights travel to Cairns from all over the country including all capital cities, regional Far North Queensland and tourist destinations such as Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Climate and weather

The weather in Cairns for most of the year is ideal for visiting the region. Clear skies, gentle winds and warm weather make your stay in Far North Queensland enjoyable. Unlike other places, there are two seasons in North Queensland, the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’ season.

The wet season the lasts from November to April, brings heavy rainfall with some months having over 400 mm of rain and high humidity due to the tropical surroundings. The dry season that lasts from May to October is therefore the most popular time of the year for visitors to the region. The humidity is more still high but bearable and rain is usually just light showers. The average temperature throughout the year is between 19 to just over 30 degrees Celsius.

What to bring for day at Fitzroy Island

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic Lunch – tables located in the camping area

 

CAIRNS & FITZROY

5, 6 & 7 Night Cairns & Fitzroy Island Package | $595 PER PERSON!
Stay at the Pullman Cairns International followed by a 3 or 4 night stay on Fitzroy island. Includes a daytrip to the Outer Barrier Reef with Sunlover Cruises & Ferry Transfers from Cairns. 

  • 2-3 nights Pullman Cairns
  • 3-4 nights Fitzroy Island 
  • Buffet Breakfast @ Pullman
  • Return ferry transfers
  • Barrier Reef Day Tour

OTHER OPTIONS?


www.GreenIslandCairns.com
Green Island Resort is located on a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay and is also located just 45 mins from Cairns.
Our 3 Night Green Island Getaway package offers a true Great Barrier Reef resort experience. 

Spend 3 nights on Green Island Resort including transfers from Cairns, full breakfast daily, watersports and a full day trip to the Outer Barrier Reef!
From $582 per night
Visit the Green Island Website for more info

OTHER REEF OPTIONS


www.CairnsReefDayTours.com
Need Help deciding which Reef Tour to choose?
We can help. Compare & Book over 40 Reef Day Trip options.
You can also just call us on 1800 663 396 We are based in Cairns and know everything about all the Reef Tours from Cairns.

More Info Here.

GIFT VOUCHERS

AN EXPERIENCE IS A GREAT GIFT!
We can create gift vouchers with open travel dates and send them out via e-mail!
Just call us during office hours on 1800 663 396

LOCAL DEALS

FERRY & ACTIVITY PASS 

Explore remote hidden delights and private beaches...

Paddle Ski and 'SUP' Paddle Boards are included in Activity Pass 1 & Activity Pass 2 options.  A tranquil way to see the beauty of the reef and Fitzroy Island. More info >

TURTLE REHAB

Love turtles? Visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.


Learn about the journey to recovery which injured or sick turtles undergo prior to their release back into the ocean. 

Tours are limited to 15 people at a time. Bookings Essential.

THE SUMMIT

Feeling adventurous? Reach for The Summit...

The Summit Track offers Views of the Island, the Coral Sea and the mountain ranges. The perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Fitzroy Island Map