Fitzroy Island, North Queensland, Australia

About Fitzroy Island

  • Location  Latitude  -16.932854° N, Longitude145.99396° E
  • Area 3.39 square kilometres.
  • The highest elevation is 375 metres.
  • Postcode: 4871
  • A Tropical Paradise: Located just 45 minutes from Cairns by ferry, Fitzroy Island is a stunning tropical getaway surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Pristine Beaches: Home to the famous Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s best beaches, with its white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for relaxing or snorkelling.
  • Snorkelling and Diving Haven: Steps from the shore, explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life—perfect for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels.
  • National Park Adventures: Over 97% of Fitzroy Island is protected National Park, offering scenic walking trails through lush rainforest and breathtaking viewpoints.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to glass-bottom boat tours, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
  • Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: Visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to learn about and support the rescue and recovery of sea turtles.
  • Stay and Play: The island offers a range of accommodation options, from camping under the stars to staying in its comfortable resort, making it perfect for day trips or overnight stays.

Discover Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a tropical island located off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, Australia.  The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and white coral beaches.

Visitors to Fitzroy Island can enjoy various activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking. The island’s fringing coral Reef is home to diverse marine life, including clownfish, giant clams, and sea turtles.

Fitzroy Island is famous for snorkelling and scuba diving.

In addition to its natural beauty, Fitzroy Island has a range of facilities, including a resort, restaurants, bars, and a general store, making it an ideal destination for day trips or extended stays.

Visitors can take a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns to reach Fitzroy Island, which runs multiple times daily.

There are many things to do on Fitzroy Island, Queensland.

Here are some popular activities:

  1. Snorkelling Fitzroy Island is home to a fringing coral Reef easily accessible from the beach.  Snorkelling equipment can be rented on the island, and visitors can see a variety of colourful fish, coral, and other marine life.
  2. Scuba diving.  For those who want to explore deeper waters, scuba diving is popular on Fitzroy Island.  Several dive sites and diving excursions are around the island.
  3. Hiking.  Several hiking trails offer stunning views of the island and its surroundings.  The Lighthouse Road Trail is a popular choice, as it leads to the island’s historic lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the Coral Sea.
  4. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on Fitzroy Island. The island’s calm, clear waters make it an excellent place to go, and rental equipment is available.
  5. Relaxing on the beach: With several white sand beaches to choose from, Fitzroy Island is an excellent place to relax and soak up the sun.  Nudey Beach, located on the island’s eastern side, has been named one of the best beaches in Australia.
  6. Exploring the island’s rainforest: Fitzroy Island is home to a tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife.  Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the rainforest or join a guided tour to learn more about the plants and animals that call it home.

Nudey Beach 

Along with the southwest edge of Fitzroy Island is the stunning Nudey Beach.    Stunning aqua waters and large boulders with shallow fringing reefs are why Nudey Beach won Queensland’s best beach.

Weather

Fitzroy Island enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 24 to 31 C in summer and 19 -25 C in winter.

Walking Tracks

Four hikes range in length from 45 minutes to three hours.

Secret Garden

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Distance: returning 700 metres
  • Time: Allocate 25 minutes for walking.

Details: A short stroll around massive granite boulders and through shaded rainforest follows the creek line from the resort’s western side.  Discover the creatures and plants of the rainforest via several placards and a viewing platform overlooking a seasonal creek.

Nudey Beach Walk

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Return distance: 1.2 kilometres
  • Time: Allocate 45 minutes for walking.

Information: From the resort’s western edge, stroll through the coastal forest and rainforest to reach a gorgeous beach.  Some places have steep stone steps and stones, but the track is mostly bitumen.  These could be challenging for some walkers to cross.

Lighthouse Walk

  • Grade: difficult
  • Return distance: 3.6 kilometres
  • Time: Allocate 2 hours for walking

Details: From the northeast corner of the camping area, a very steep service road (concrete wheel tracks) climbs through the forest to the lighthouse.

On a clear day, a lookout on the island’s windswept north side provides views of Green Island.

This strenuous hike is well worth it because the lighthouse offers breathtaking ocean views and, during the winter, the odd migratory humpback whale.  Walkers can use the Summit track to return or take the original route.

Peak Walk

  • Grade: difficult
  • Return distance of 4 kilometres (including a section of the Lighthouse Walk
  • Time: allow 3 hours for walking

The Fitzroy Island Peak Walk is a popular hiking trail on Fitzroy Island that offers spectacular views of the island and the surrounding Coral Sea.  The course is approximately a 3.6-kilometre round trip and takes about two to three hours, depending on your fitness level and time spent taking the views.

The trail begins at the resort and follows a well-marked path through the rainforest.  Along the way, hikers will encounter several steep inclines and steps, making it a moderate to challenging hike.

As hikers ascend towards the summit, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, but the panoramic views of the island and the Coral Sea make an effort worthwhile.  Once at the summit, hikers can take 360-degree views of the island, the Great Barrier Reef, and the surrounding ocean.

It’s important to note that the Fitzroy Island Peak Walk can be pretty strenuous and is not recommended for those with mobility issues or who are not reasonably fit.  It’s also essential to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes and protect yourself from the sun and heat by wearing a hat, sunscreen, and proper clothing.

Fitzroy Island Resort

The Fitzroy Island Resort Overlooks Welcome Bay and the Coral Sea on the island’s western side.

This resort offers a range of accommodation options, including rooms, suites, and self-contained apartments.  The rooms are air-conditioned with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges.

Visitors can enjoy several restaurants and bars, offering various dining options, from casual beachside cafes to fine dining restaurants.

Foxy’s Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy the views while enjoying a drink or a meal. The bar offers a range of beverages, including local beers, cocktails, and wines. The food menu includes a variety of snacks, burgers, pizzas, and seafood, with many dishes made using local ingredients.

In addition to its amenities, the Fitzroy Island Resort offers various activities and experiences, including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and walks.  Guests can also use the resort’s outdoor pool, spa, and fitness centre.

Regular ferry services from Cairns Marina to Fitzroy Island operate throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fitzroy Island

How do I get to Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island is just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. Regular ferry services operate daily, making planning a day trip or overnight stay easy.

What activities can I do on Fitzroy Island?
Fitzroy Island offers a variety of activities, including snorkelling, diving, hiking through the National Park trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, and relaxing on beautiful beaches like Nudey Beach.

Is Fitzroy Island suitable for families?
Absolutely! With family-friendly activities like snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, and exploring the island’s nature trails, Fitzroy Island is perfect for visitors of all ages.

Can I stay overnight on Fitzroy Island?
Yes, you can! Fitzroy Island has accommodation options, including a resort with comfortable rooms and camping facilities for those who prefer to stay under the stars.

Is there food available on the island?
Fitzroy Island has a cafe and beachfront bar where you can enjoy various meals, snacks, and drinks. Alternatively, you can bring your picnic to enjoy on the island.

Conclusion

Fitzroy Island is a true gem of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, hiking through lush rainforests, or unwinding on stunning beaches like Nudey Beach, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Just a short ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island is an accessible escape that will leave you with unforgettable memories of Australia’s incredible reef and island life. Start planning your adventure today with GreatBarrierReefTours.com and experience the magic for yourself! 🌴🐠🌊

Explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef