On our recent trip to Cairns, we decided it was time to finally pay a visit to Fitzroy Island, one of the islands close to the city. Fitzroy Island is one of the best things to do while visiting Cairns but somehow, even after a couple of trips up north, we still hadn’t visited it! Our state is so big, it’s hard to fit everything in!
This beautiful tropical island is also a national park, and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks. Being one of the closest islands to the mainland, Fitzroy Island is easy to get to, with a 45-minute ferry ride dropping you off right at the Fitzroy Island pier.
Home to only one resort, two restaurants, and the tiniest general store, Fitzroy Island is all about relaxation and outdoors activities. Once on the island, you can snorkel to the reef right off the beach, swim with turtles, hike to its highest peak, relax, or sip cocktails while watching incredible sunsets! Many people visit for just the day, but if you can hang around a little longer, you won’t be disappointed.
How to get to Fitzroy Island
It’s very easy to get to Fitzroy Island – just catch the Fitzroy Island Flyer from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Cairns Merlin Marina. The boat ride takes 45 minutes and departs three times daily, 8am, 11am and 1.30pm.
There are another two boat companies that also service the island, Sunlover and Fitzroy Island Adventures.
How long should you stay on the island?
It’s easy enough to take a day trip to the island while staying in Cairns. If you can only afford this, a day is enough to snorkel the pristine waters, and to do a short hike.
However, the island is so nice when all day trippers have departed for the day that I recommend staying at least one night. We stayed for two and although we did all the hikes we wanted to and snorkelled a lot, I could have stayed longer just because it was so relaxing.
What is there to do on Fitzroy Island?
Snorkeling
The most popular thing to do on the island is snorkelling of course! Being part of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s a delight to jump in the sparkling blue water and snorkel right off the beach.
The best places to snorkel are off Welcome Bay on either side of the pier. The snorkelling there is very easy for beginners. There is barely any current and it’s close to shore.
White Rock is another amazing spot to snorkel. This is the large white boulder at the northern end of Welcome Bay. White Rock has some stunning coral and is the best spot to snorkel with turtles.
Lastly, Nudey Beach offers up some great snorkelling too. It is a 20-minute walk to get to it, but the beach itself is so beautiful you won’t believe your eyes! The snorkelling there is done around the rocks off to the right as you step out onto the beach.
Relax on the beach
No trip to a Queensland island would be complete without some beach relaxation. As mentioned earlier, Nudey Beach is the best place to relax on the beach as it is just so breathtaking. That water is so appealing!
Welcome Bay is also a nice spot, especially closer to the Northern end where the coral rocks are not quite as rough on the feet. Bear in mind that the beaches on Fitzroy Island, although stunning, are made of broken-down coral rather than fine white sand like some other islands.
Hiking to the lookouts
We were trying to decide between visiting Green Island and Fitzroy Island. In the end, Fitzroy Island won because it has the combination of snorkelling and hiking. It’s always nice to have more options than just water activities when visiting an island.
During our two days we did all the hikes you can do on the island. There are 3 of them.
- Fitzroy Island Lighthouse and Summit Loop Walk – Definitely a do not miss if you enjoy a good work out. This hike is about 4.5 kms long and takes about 2 and a half hours. It’s steep but not technically difficult.
- Secret Garden Walk – This is a very easy walk that can be done in less than half an hour. The walk is 750m one way, it winds its way through some beautiful rainforest and is a good way to immerse yourself in nature.
- Nudey Beach Walk – This trail leads from Welcome Bay to the breathtaking Nudey Beach. It takes around 45 minutes return and is a nice walk, ending up with an amazing swim in crystal clear water!
Sunset drinks at Foxeys
I love a wine or cocktail while watching the sunset and Foxeys is the best place to go. We were lucky to witness two spectacular sunsets on both nights we were there. It was incredible. By 5 pm, most day trippers have returned to Cairns, so it feels a lot quieter. Happy Hour was on from 4pm to 5pm when we visited.
Visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Fitzroy Island is home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, which is a volunteer operated, non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick and injured turtles.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles. A number of these are seriously threatened by a diverse range of natural and, more significantly, human induced factors.
The centre organises two daily tours (except Mondays) where you can learn more about the hard work that they do to rehabilitate injured turtles. You can meet the turtles currently in their care.
The tour only takes 15 people at a time, so be sure to book ahead. You can book online here or book directly at the Fitzroy Island Resort Reception. It costs $20 per adults and $12 per child (4-13 years).
Take a glass bottom boat
I rarely go out on glass bottom boats because I prefer to be in the water but if you like to stay dry, you can sign up for a glass bottom boat from the Fitzroy Island Resort Dive Centre.
The Glass Bottom Boat tours are 45 minutes long and are offered twice a day at 9:30am and 3:00pm.
The Glass Bottom Boat tours cruise leisurely across the reef surrounding Fitzroy Island. Through the glass bottom you will be able to see the beautiful reef, fish and all sorts of other marine life.
Have dinner at Zephyr Restaurant
After a long day of snorkelling and hiking, you’ll be very hungry. Zephyr Restaurant has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Welcome Bay.
It can get busy at dinner time so be sure to book a table just in case! You have the choice of a 2 or 3 course meal with locally sourced ingredients. We found the food to be very nice.
Zephyr is also open for breakfast; no booking is necessary but try going early to sit outside if you can.
Where to stay in Fitzroy Island?
There are not too many options on the island. There is just one resort, the Fitzroy Island Resort and a very small camping ground on the way to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
The Fitzroy Island Resort is a bit dated but it’s still a nice place to stay. There are a few different types of rooms available from studios, suites, and 2-bedroom suites through to Beach Cabins and Bungalows.
Find their latest prices here.
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