There are lots of things to do on Fitzroy Island. Fitzroy Island is an idyllic tropical island paradise that is just an easy 45-minute ferry ride away from Cairns in north Queensland.
Whatever you're into, you'll find everything you want right at your doorstep. Whether it be relaxing by the ocean with a cold, tropical drink or diving into adventure activities like hiking, snorkeling, fishing, sea kayaking, and more.
Fitzroy Island offers an unbeatable combination of leisure, adventure, and excitement within this amazing natural environment where the rainforest meets Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Here are just some examples of things you can do when on Fitzroy Island.
We were lucky enough to spend three nights and four days at Fitzroy Island Resort. It was a beautiful place with amazing views. There was plenty of room for everyone, and we all had our own space. I loved that we didn't need to worry about anything because we had everything we needed on the small island.
We even got to go out snorkeling every day! Read on to learn more about Fitzroy Island and how to enjoy it.
Snorkeling and Diving
Each morning we woke up and snorkeled in and around the resort. The snorkeling you can do right off the dock is incredible! We saw green sea turtles on nearly every trip and other tropical fish, sharks, and we were in awe of the beautiful coral. Fitzroy Island is on the Great Barrier Reef, and if you want good snorkeling, this is the place to do it!
If diving is your thing, this would also be a stellar place to do it, no doubt. The resort has everything you need to hire for water activities. You can snorkel alone or go on guided tours with locals who know the best spots!
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
The island has a beautiful Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. By offering a donation, you can go to a "turtle talk" and learn about the turtles they are rehabbing and about the threats turtles face in the wild. We enjoyed learning about the endangered species and now know what to look for if we see a distressed turtle. We also learned that sea turtles can live 100 years, and the temperature of the sand determines the sex of turtle eggs!
The island does several educational activities, including talks on reef restoration, marine megafauna, marine life at the Great Barrier Reef, and sustainability. Make time for some of these activities.
Island Activities
Growing up, my mom always loved summer camp. She often sent us to them and ran one herself! Fitzroy Island reminds me of summer camp. They have fun activities going on all day long! We went out on the paddleboards, the guided snorkels, glass-bottom boat tour, did a DIY body scrub class, and participated in trivia night.
We had a lot of fun with this, and I highly recommend joining their organized efforts. Their small staff lives on the island and works hard to make it enjoyable.
Nudey Beach
The Nudey Beach track takes you through tropical rainforests and coastal woodlands for 25 minutes before reaching a beautiful white coral beach. Nudey Beach was voted Australia's number two best beach, and there you’ll find calm blue waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach! I love the private beaches on Fitzroy.
Day Hikes
I love an island with some hiking! We enjoyed several walking trails at the Fitzroy Island National Park.
We enjoyed the Secret Garden Track, which takes you through giant granite boulders and sheltered rainforest back into the cool forest. We saw lots of cool lizards, spiders, and other wildlife. The Secret Garden Track takes about 25 minutes.
If you're looking for a longer track, the summit track was also fun! Allow about three hours for this effort. You get magnificent views over the island, surrounding reefs, and the mainland from the summit.
Food
It's good to know that the food options at Fitzroy Island are limited. There are two restaurants: Foxy's Bar and Zephyr Restaurant. The prices are comparable to those in Cairns, but you will have to buy three meals a day. You can try to get your breakfast included when your book, so try to do that!
Breakfast is always at Zephyr's, and you can choose between the two for lunch and dinner. Zephyr's is pricier, and Foxy's has a lot of burgers, nuggets, and bar snacks.
I would recommend bringing some food and snacks to the island! You can bring whatever you want. There is a small general store with sandwiches, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
Accommodation
If you want to spend a few days exploring everything Fitzroy Island has to offer, you could also stay there. The Fitzroy Island Resort is the only accommodation on the island, but they offer individual rooms, rainforest bungalows, beach cabins, a pool bar, and even full ocean suites to suit every budget and travel style.
All rooms have air conditioning, en suite bathroom, shower, and fridge access. The resort can accommodate most large groups and is really cost-effective. I also loved the resort pool with a swim-up bar.
It's one of the cheapest accommodations in Cairns by far and borders on luxury accommodation. The most affordable room is only 130 Australian dollars per night. As far as island vacations go, this is a good bet!
We Loved Fitzroy Island!
Rasmus and I went with my sister, Rachel, and our good friends Sam and Rae from New Zealand. If you're in the Cairns area and want to see the Great Barrier Reef, this island is a must-do.
FAQs
How to Get to Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is only a 45-minute ride from Cairns, making it an easy day trip.
What are the best snorkeling spots?
The reef around the dock is great for snorkeling and enjoying the coral reefs. White rock is excellent for turtle sightings, and snorkeling around Nudey Beach is fun for those who are more adventurous because it's a short hike.
How Long to Stay on Fitzroy Island Resort
I would recommend at least two nights. It's a tiny island, but you'll want ample time to explore it properly. Two nights could be action-packed, but you could enjoy four nights in a slower, more relaxed fashion.
How to Get Around Fitzroy Island
There are no roads on Fitzroy Island for tourists. You can walk everywhere.
Have you been to Fitzroy Island? What did you love, or what else do you love in North Queensland?